"What have I ever done to you?" he asked, hesitatingly.
"Not anything, my dear sir, but I believe you are Professor Scotch, are you not?"
"That is right; but I do not know you, sir."
"I am Professor Septemas Scudmore, of Pudville Classical Institute, in the State of Ohio."
"Never heard of you, sir."
"And I never heard of you till a few moments ago, when one of the polite and obliging citizens told me you were here, and asked me why I did not call on you, as you seemed to be a bigger fool than I am, and we might make good company for each other."
"What's that?" roared Scotch. "Who dared to say anything like that? The insulting wretch!"
Professor Scudmore waved a long, lank hand at the little man.
"Do not get agitated," he chirped. "It is not well for a man of your years. You should preserve a calm and even demeanor. Excuse me if I do not always follow my own teaching. We tutors never do."
Scotch stared at the strange man as if doubting his sanity.