“Step in,” said the Colonel cheerily. Turning to the cross-eyed man and his companion, he added warningly:
“Keep your mouths closed as to this matter. Not a word for the present!”
The two men thus addressed clicked their heels together and saluted.
“Home,” said the Colonel to the driver, stepping into the vehicle, “but not too fast!”
The driver saluted, turned a lever and they were off.
“And now for a few words of explanation,” said Kearns to the Colonel.
“Not a word, my good friends,” said the Colonel with soothing patronage, “until you are thoroughly restored—invigorated—out of danger!”
“Out of danger?” exclaimed Kearns mystified.
“What may be your meaning, sir?” inquired the Professor.
Both stared at him as if he were a good-natured lunatic.