"Yes, sir; the Prince Leo's kindness of heart is the secret of his power with us."
Leo blushed as he looked up and asked, "How did you know I was soft-hearted?"
"By your kindness to animals and all living things. Ah! we are close observers, are we not, Paz?"
"Necessarily, Master Professor."
"Our powers of observation have revealed to us many of the mysteries which man longs to solve. There's the Gulf Stream, for instance. But you are not up in science yet. No matter. You have time enough before you if you will
only apply yourself. Has anything you have seen made you anxious to know more?"
"Oh, don't mention it!" exclaimed Leo. "I am so awfully ashamed of my ignorance that I would do anything to get rid of it. I want to know all about those curious things."
"Good! the seed is sown, Paz," said Knops, complacently, with the nearest approach to a wink Leo had seen on his grave little countenance. "Now you must rest again before we start for home."
Leo would have been very willing to do without more rest, remembering his alarm, but he could not be so selfish as to deprive his companion of it; so he at once assented, tempted to ask only that he might not be left quite so long again alone. But fearing this would imply distrust, and being really no coward, he said nothing. He was relieved, however, to hear Knops command Paz to remain with him.