"I shall await further developments, Doctor Stephen. You will perhaps next inform me that the professor has stormed a battery, and that Frederic has given an archaeological lecture in his place. Do not seek to spare me in the least; I am prepared for all; I shall never again be surprised at anything here in Germany."
The Doctor laughed aloud; but his merriment all at once ceased, and he gazed anxiously out at the window.
"What has happened now? Here is Frederic coming back already, and in such haste! What is the matter with the fellow? He seems greatly agitated."
It was surely Frederic hastening at a full run through the garden. He now burst into the room in such excitement that even the presence of the much feared American Miss and her more hated companion, did not affect him in the least.
"What is the matter?" asked the doctor hastily. "Has anything happened, Frederic?"
"Yes," whispered Frederic, breathlessly. "Something has happened--the Herr Professor"--
"An accident? Where? Upon the railway or over in H. Speak out quickly!" urged the doctor, in serious alarm.
"Over in H.!" burst out Frederic despairingly. "The Herr Professor--he, too, is going with us to the field--we march to-morrow morning!"
The momentary effect of these words was a deathly silence. Jane had turned around, and was gazing at the unhappy messenger as if she seriously doubted his sanity; the doctor stood there as if struck by a thunderbolt; but Mr. Atkins, after an instant's pause, said, half aloud:--
"Now, nothing is really wanting, now, but Herr Frederic's lecture upon archaeology!"