"Has he really returned, then?" he asked, in surprise.
"Yes, they thought he had the measles, and sent him home as an invalid."
"Did he have them?"
"No."
"Hope it wasn't smallpox, then?"
"Nothing so serious. You see, during his investigations with regard to the causes of the volcanic disturbances, the professor must have swallowed a great quantity of lava dust. That was quite natural, wasn't it?"
"I suppose so."
"Well, it stands to reason that an eruption followed."
Perhaps you know that I've taken something of a prominent part in the agitation for merry-go-rounds in the public parks, to better the condition of the poor.
Seen my name among those of the committee, haven't you? Well, a certain genius called Cropsey dropped in on me to ask if it wouldn't be the proper caper in connection with those merry-go-rounds to enlist the sympathy and co-operation of the Daughters of the Revolution.