"You—-you are—-are Captain McKay?" stammered Professor Zepplin.
"Yes. I had hoped to see you when you camped with Lieutenant Withem—-"
"Yes, we were with 'em," muttered Stacy. "And I guess we've got 'em now."
"Unfortunately I was called away on that occasion. I promised myself that I should look you up at the first opportunity. I got on your trail this afternoon and as you were going in my direction I considered this an excellent opportunity to make your acquaintance. So here I am."
"But—-but—-" stammered the professor.
Tad was smiling, the others gazing at the newcomer blankly.
"Well, sir, what is it? One would think you had seen a ghost," laughed the captain.
"But, sir, you are the second man who has introduced himself to us as
Captain McKay of the Ranger troop, to-day."
The captain's blue eyes twinkled.
"Indeed! Then I must have a double. I should like to meet him."