There was no stopping the professor.
"Why, we camped with a body of them last night. With Lieutenant Withem, a most affable gentleman. They ran away and left us early this morning. However, I suppose they had good reasons."
"Joe Withem, eh?"
"Yes, that was the man."
"How many Rangers did behave with him?"
"Twelve, wasn't it, boys?"
"Something like that," replied Tad, observing their visitor narrowly. "However, Professor, I hardly think we should speak of them. You see they were on some secret mission and—-"
"It's all right, young man. You are safe in confiding in me. In fact, I am going to confide a little secret to you to show you that you have made no mistake."
"We shall preserve your secret, sir," answered the professor with great dignity.
"I thought you would. Lean closer and I'll tell you," almost whispered the visitor.