A mad cry fell from the lips of the Professor when he felt himself unceremoniously scalped. The next instant his right hand drew forth a gleaming knife.
"Oh! Ah! MURDER!"
A dark form went backward over the dock; a splash followed, and the Professor stood alone. He peered into the muddy water to note the fact that it flowed on calmly as before.
Then Ruggles picked up his hat and wig, and readjusted them on his head.
"My soul! that was a narrow escape."
At this moment another form was seen approaching, and the Professor, deeming it prudent to move away, was soon striding from the spot, his tall form disappearing in the shadows before the third person reached the edge of the dock.
On the day following the events last narrated, a man ran up the steps at the Darrel cottage in Woodburg, and rang the bell.
Nell answered, and met the gentlemanly Mr. Elliston. She led the way at once to a room opening from the hall, where preparations had been made for a lunch.
"Where is Dyke?" questioned the gentleman the moment he was seated.