This question by John produced an added agitation in the deportment of the man. He was visibly affected by the question, but there was no reply.
"As you do not feel disposed to answer our questions we must detain or keep you in custody until Clifford recovers," said John, and motioning to the boys, they gathered around him, and called in the attendants and ordered the men to take charge of him.
As they were about to pass out the door, Ephraim ascended the steps and was about to pass into the open door. He caught sight of the curious group, and when his eye alighted on the figure on the couch, he drew back for a moment, while his gaze remained fixed.
Then he calmly moved forward, slowly shaking his head from side to side, and muttered: "That looks like Clifford, my companion on the ship, and the one who aided me to gain a foothold on the spar. How did he come here?"
"That is the man we found at Hutoton," said John. "But do you know this man?" he asked, pointing to Walter.
Ephraim turned, and scrutinized his face. "No, I have never seen him, to my knowledge."
Walter moved back with a sigh of relief, while John and the Professor looked at each other with puzzled expressions.
"Then the man we found tied to the boat was not Clifford!" exclaimed George.
John looked at Walter, and he saw him grow pale.