His listeners showed their astonishment.
“Have you got one of them things too?” asked Ann.
“I should have explained that I came all the way from home this second time in such a machine.”
“Why didn’t you come here in it?” asked Aunty; “I should dearly love to see one when it isn’t whizzing like a bird through the air.”
“You shall have a ride in mine, if it can possibly be arranged, and you too, Ann, for your kindness to me.”
The big gray eyes sparkled.
“That will be bully—I mean splendaceous. Ain’t you afeard something will happen to it, while you’re gone?”
“I think not; it is well screened from sight, unless some one should happen to pass near. I was afraid to use it to come any farther lest the Professor should discover me. It is necessary that I should prevent that at all costs.”
“Where did you stay last night?”
“In the woods with my aeroplane. You remember the weather was mild, and I was comfortable in my thick coat.”