“True, true.”
“I believe it is something more—something deeper. Look how I have been watched by the police. And then there was that fellow at the Derby, who gave his name as ’Arry ’Awkins. Who and what was he?”
“It is impossible to say.”
“I was intensely angry with him until he plunged into the mob and got me out of what seemed to be a bad scrape. I could not be angry with the fellow after that. But he did not give me an opportunity to question him. He skipped.”
“Frank,” cried the little man, who was becoming greatly agitated, “I believe there is but one thing for us to do.”
“What is that?”
“We should return to the United States without delay. Wherever you go, you get into serious trouble and danger. The conditions could not have been favorable when you started on your travels abroad.”
“Nonsense! I hope you are not as superstitious as that, professor! That is childish, and you must know it.”
The professor stiffened up.
“Oh, very well!” he growled. “Go on to your destruction! I see you are determined to do so. Don’t mind me. Don’t heed my advice. I am of no consequence. I am simply your guardian, and so I do not cut any ice!”