A moment later Mrs. Marsh, elegantly dressed in the latest fashion, entered, together with Dr. McMutrie. Tod hurried forward to greet her.
"Hello, mother!" he cried. "Did you leave the machine outside?"
"Certainly— I didn't bring it in with me, you silly boy," she laughed. Surprised at his flustered manner, she demanded: "Why are you so excited—what's the matter?"
Quickly Tod introduced them.
"Mr. Ricaby—my mother! No time to explain." Quickly taking hold of the lawyer's arm, he said: "Come—we don't have to go far for the machine, it's outside. You'll be there and back before you know it. Then we'll give Cooley the time of his life!"
He ran out of the office, followed in more dignified fashion by Mr. Ricaby. While Mrs. Marsh stood looking after them in blank astonishment, trying to guess the reason for this hasty departure, Dr. McMutrie calmly drew off his gloves, and, approaching the desk, saluted the superintendent.
"Good morning, Mr. Spencer," he said blandly.
"Good morning, doctor," replied the superintendent, bowing. "They're waiting for you impatiently upstairs, sir."
The examiner in lunacy turned and looked at Mrs. Marsh, who was still watching Tod and Mr. Ricaby as they hurried through the grounds.
"That's my son!" she smiled. "The most extraordinary boy you ever met."