“I mean the man,” said Laura, humbly.
“What does he look like? Describe him,” commanded the professor, without a change of expression.
Laura was balked right at the start. She had no idea what the young man looked like, whom she believed Liz Bean knew, and whom she believed had come to the camp at the other end of Acorn Island twice.
“I only know what his boots are like,” she said, finally, and looking straight into the old professor’s face. 157
“Well, Miss?”
“I think you can supply the rest of his description,” said Mother Wit, firmly.
“What do you mean, Miss?” snapped the old professor.
“He wore narrow boots, and his footprints lead directly to this place,” said Laura. “Surely you must have seen him.”
“Why should I?” demanded the professor.
“Because you have had a companion here. Two men made this camp—have eaten more than one meal here. Where is your companion, sir?”