CHAPTER XXII. DICK THE BOOTBLACK.
“What’s the matter?” asked the bootblack, noting the swift change in Bernard’s face.
“That man—he is after me!” ejaculated Bernard, preparing to move on.
He knew that it would be disagreeable to have an encounter with Professor Puffer and he thought it better to get out of his way.
Whether he could do so was doubtful, as the professor was close at hand.
“I’ll help you,” said the bootblack, “if you’ll give me a shilling. You be here in an hour.”
“All right,” said Bernard, and he started to run.
But by this time Professor Puffer was only ten feet away. He felt that Bernard was within his grasp.
But he did not reckon for the bootblack. The latter advanced to meet the professor, and managed to stumble in front of him so that Puffer, whose legs were short, fell over him, striking forcibly on his face. Meanwhile Bernard was hurrying away.
Professor Puffer got up in a furious rage.