“We’re interested in relics,” said Dick.
“Mightily interested,” affirmed Brad.
“No, no, boys,” said the old man, holding up his hands; “I can’t take you.”
“Why not?” they both demanded.
“Well—er—hem!—because you have not been invited, you see. These relics are a private collection, in a private house, and it is not the privilege of the general public to view them. I have obtained the privilege of looking them over only by great effort. It is a great concession to me on account of my standing as an educator in my own country. What I shall behold to-day will add greatly to my knowledge. I am sure I shall return, after examining the relics, a much wiser man. Hum! ha!”
“I hope you do, professor,” said Dick significantly, although the old pedagogue failed to note any underlying meaning in his words.
“Yes, I hope so,” put in Brad.
From their window, they watched until they saw the professor, accompanied by a small, quick-stepping man in brown, leave the hotel.
“There he goes with the colonel, pard,” said Buckhart. “We’ve got to move lively to get there ahead of them.”
“Colonel Stringer will look out for that. He’ll take plenty of time in conducting the professor by a roundabout course. Come on.”