noon," went on Doctor Clay. "When you went away, did you do anything to the rowboat that Mr. Dale and myself took there?"
"No, sir," answered Dave, promptly.
"We didn't see your boat—at least, I didn't," answered Plum.
"I didn't see it either," came from Phil.
"Porter, did you see the boat?"
"No, sir."
"All of you are positive of this?" went on the master of the school, sternly.
"The only time I saw the boat was when you and Mr. Dale were on the river rowing—before we got to the island," said Dave.
"That boat was taken by somebody. We tied it to a tree and when we went for it, it was gone. We had to remain on the island, in the dark and cold, until Mr. Haskers came with Poole's motor boat and took us off."
"Excuse me, Doctor, may I ask a question?" said Andrew Dale.
"Certainly."
"Did you boys see anybody else on the island?"
"No, sir," returned Dave.
"Was anybody near there, so far as you know?"
"Not very near. We met a number of the fellows on the river, while we were rowing toward the island."
