“How is the work coming?” questioned the old man.
“Slowly,” replied Harry.
“Very good,” responded the professor warmly. “That’s an excellent sign. I did not expect that you would take much interest in textbooks that had no apparent purpose. You are a man who likes active duties. You will begin them soon.”
The old man was about to turn away, when Harry interrupted.
He was sorry that Stokes was in the room. Ordinarily, Professor Whitburn spoke with each man individually. To-day his instructions had been so slight that he had evidently not bothered to dismiss Stokes.
Yet Harry knew that it was essential to take advantage of this opportunity, if he wished to go ashore that night.
“Professor Whitburn,” said Harry, “I think it will be necessary for me to run down to the town of Lake Marrinack.”
“Why?” questioned the old man sharply.
“On account of my car,” explained Harry. “I left it at the garage there. I had expected to make other arrangements. Since I shall be here for three months, at least, I think it would be wise for me to make some definite agreement with the garage man.”
“Can Stokes attend to it when he goes for the mail?”