“I’d suggest,” he said as he took his seat beside them, “that it might help pass the time if Mr. Kearns would tell us some of the many interesting experiences he doubtless had in his time. The darkness here will lend an additional thrill. What say you, Professor?”
“We’ll get enough thrills before we’re through with this adventure, provided our friend Kearns’ theory is correct,” replied the Professor dryly; “still, if he’ll tell a story, I’ll be glad to listen.”
“No, no;” protested Kearns; “all my interest is centered in that park and in watching for what may come from over those tree-tops. Ah, listen!”
As he spoke there came three faint, but distinct, taps on the door; then a pause, followed by four similar taps.
It was the agreed signal which Captain Swords was to give when the King retired.
“From now on we may expect something,” remarked the Professor.
“Interesting but scientifically inaccurate,” retorted Kearns. “Before long we may expect, but not just yet. You must allow for some time after the retirement of the King before you can expect any manifestations. It’s now fully an hour earlier than the time of the preceding visit.”
“Quite so,” replied the Professor; “still I’ll wager, for all that, you wouldn’t care to have us go to sleep during the next hour.”
“Right you are,” assented Kearns; “one can never be quite sure what may happen. Those fellows, whoever they may be, seem to know pretty well what takes place in the palace. They doubtless have a confederate, or confederates, on the inside.”
“You think so?” said Captain Mortimer. “Have you made any efforts to discover?”