CHAPTER XIX. PROFESSOR PUFFERS DISCOMFITURE.
When Bernard noticed the disappearance of the bureau he understood at once the alarming significance of the step which Professor Puffer had taken, for he felt sure that it was at his instigation that this article of furniture had been removed. It might have been carried into the professor’s own chamber through the connecting door, but this was of minor importance. Enough that he, Bernard, no longer had anything to serve as a barrier and prevent the unauthorized intrusion of his traveling companion into his room.
Bernard sat down on the bed and began to consider thoughtfully what he should do. Did the professor mean to do him harm? This was what he asked himself. Evidently he intended to come into the room. Bernard did not care to run the risk of his presence. He decided to sleep elsewhere.
He opened the door into the hall noiselessly, and proceeding to the room of the Boston drummer, he knocked.
The door was opened by Mr. Sturgis in person.
“Well?” he said inquiringly.
Bernard told him of the discovery he had made.
“I don’t dare to sleep in the room to-night,” he concluded, “for I am sure the professor would make me a visit.”
“You are no doubt right. The case seems very mysterious. I don’t see on what pretext he could have induced the landlord to remove the bureau. English people (and landlords are no exception) are very averse to changes, even of trifling character.”
“At any rate the change has been made,” said Bernard. “Perhaps he has not consulted the landlord at all, but simply removed the bureau into his own chamber.”