"You came in on the train that just left, I suppose," he said.
"We did," answered Dave.
"See anything of a boy about your own age in Helena, at the depot?
He was coming on the eastern train." "Your son wasn't on the train," answered Dave.
"Ah! you know him ?" "Yes." "Who are you, may I ask?
I do not remember seeing you before." "I am Dave Porter.

Link and I went to Oak Hall together." "Ah, I see!" Mr.Merwell drew a long breath and nodded his head knowingly.

"Dave Porter, you said.

And who are these young men ?" "My school chums, Roger Morr and Phil Lawrence." "Indeed! Then you are the young men who caused my son so much trouble--caused him to be sent away, in fact," continued Mr.Merwell, and he glared hatefully at the three lads.
"It was Link's own fault that he was sent away," answered the senator's son.

"If he had behaved himself he would have had no trouble." "Oh, of course, it is natural that you should shield yourselves.