“He was a friend—that is, an acquaintance of my father.”
“How long has your father been dead?”
“Ever since I was five years old.”
Now it occurred to Bernard to ask some questions. “Mr. McCracken told me you were interested in antiquities.”
“Yes—antiquities.”
“Have you written any works on the subject?”
“Yes, several,” answered the professor, with some hesitation.
“Have you any of them with you?”
“No.”
“I thought I should like to look them over if you had, and it might help qualify me for my duties.”