"Quite right, sir."
They walked along in silence for a time; then they caught a clear humming noise from some distance ahead.
"A motor car," said Pendleton.
"It's on the county road," said the man with the light. "We always hear them when the wind blows from that direction."
After some fifteen minutes' steady walking they saw a long twinkling shaft of light coming from among the trees.
"That's the house," said Haines. "I hope the professor ain't busy; you wouldn't believe what a blowing up he can give a body with his fingers when he's vexed. I'd almost rather have the doctor himself; though, as a rule, the professor is a very nice gentleman."
The house was a brick structure of two stories and dimly lighted on the lower floor. Near by was a long, shed-like building, the windows of which were brilliantly lighted.
"He's at work," said Haines, in a troubled tone. "And in the shop too! If it was even the laboratory, it wouldn't be so bad. But he does get so interested in the shop. That machine means more to him, whatever it is, than anything else about the place."
There came a harsh burring sound from within both the shop and the house. Haines seemed surprised.
"Visitors," he said. "He seldom has one; and I never knew any to come at night before."