“He is not.”

“Where, then, is he? I have positive information that he came here with you.”

“From whom did you obtain the information?”

“From the hackman who drove you here,” answered Professor Puffer triumphantly.

“Then I can’t deny it,” said Sturgis, with affected chagrin.

“Of course you can’t. It wasn’t much trouble to get on your track. I am sharper than you probably anticipated.”

“Very true, Professor Puffer.”

“Now I will thank you to tell me where Bernard is. Of course you know?”

“I can guess.”

“So I supposed.”