“Have you read the newspapers just lately?” I asked.
My father shook his head.
“Only the literary newspapers.”
I bought a special edition, which a newsboy was brandishing in our faces, and, turning down the leading article, passed it on to my father. He glanced down at it and then looked up at me in blank amazement.
“Philip, you cannot mean this!” he exclaimed.
“Why not?” I answered. “I do, indeed; but whether there is anything in it or not we shall soon know. I must go now. You understand what to do if I send for the box.”
“I don’t like your expedition at all,” he said, doubtfully. “Have you any idea where you are going?”
I shook my head.
“None; but I shall come to no harm. My star is in the ascendant now. If it leads me into danger it will bring me safely out of it. Au revoir!”
Then I sprang into the carriage and was driven swiftly away.