"You had nothing to do with Frank Bond previous to his becoming frightened and running away?" demanded the master of the Hall, sharply.
"No, sir, I was not near him, nor were any of my companions," answered Dave, indicating his friends.
"Then you were not with Messmer and Jardell?"
"Not until after we met on the road and started to hunt for Bond, sir."
"We were with an entirely different party, Dr. Clay," said Messmer, rising in his seat.
"The party that 'initiated' Bond, is that it?"
"Yes, sir."
"Are those students in this room?"
Messmer remained silent.