“Stand off,” said the Professor, presenting his revolver. “I’ll kill the man who approaches me. I shall put up with this foolishness no longer.”
One of the knights rode toward him. The Professor fired, and the cavalier’s horse rolled in the dust. The Prince and his people were stupefied with astonishment.
At this juncture, Baron Bors, Sir Dinadan, Sir Agravaine, Sir Bleoberis, and Miss Baffin emerged from the castle. Miss Baffin flew to her father, and flung her arms about him. The Professor kissed her tenderly, and as he did so, his eye caught sight of the wire of the telephone which he had arranged for Ysolt and Sir Bleoberis. A happy thought struck him. Advancing, he said to the Prince:
“It is useless for us to quarrel over this matter. Baron Bors has here an oracle. Let us consult that.”
Then the Professor whispered something to Miss Baffin, who withdrew unobserved and went into the castle.
The Prince was at first indisposed to condescend to accept the offer, but his curiosity finally overcame his pride.
“Step this way,” said the Professor. “Ask your questions through this,” handing him the mouthpiece, “and put this to your ear for the answer.”
“What shall I say?” inquired the Prince.
“Ask if it is right that I should marry your daughter.”
The Prince put the question, and the answer came.