A look of polite incredulity crept into Mr. Kearns’ face.
“Will you that I shall try?” asked the Doctor eagerly.
Mr. Kearns remained silent, somewhat taken aback by the novelty of the situation.
“Ah, you hesitate! You have fear that I shall succeed. But have no fear. There is nothing which can do you hurt. On the contrary, only good!”
“Fear!” exclaimed Mr. Kearns with a start. “Do not, I beg you, form the idea that I am afraid to subject myself to your test. I must return to Dr. Belden’s early, so I cannot avail myself of your offer to-day, but extend it again some time and, upon my word, I shall be much inclined to take you up.”
“I can make you sleep for six hours, six days, six weeks!” declared the Doctor with enthusiasm.
“Let us call it six hours and I should consider that you have fully vindicated your assertion,” replied Mr. Kearns with a smile.
“Very well. I will prove to you some day,” declared Dr. Jaquet. “Now, listen! To-morrow I will call for you at one o’clock. We will take a great walk together. I will conduct you to a little piece of land which I own over there in the mountains. On this land is a cave, where I will show you some wonderful things.”
“Very well; that sounds interesting,” replied Mr. Kearns. “You will call for us to-morrow, then?”
“Yes, my friends; au revoir until to-morrow,” said the Doctor genially, as he courteously bowed them to the door.