Kirby and Dan approached, engaged apparently in earnest conversation. They were close upon Dean before they recognized him. It is needless to say that their amazement was profound.
"Look there, Dan!" said Kirby, stopping short.
"There's the kid!"
"Well, I'm beat!" ejaculated Dan.
"How on earth can he have escaped? If he got away without Pompey's knowledge he's about the smartest youngster I ever came across. I will take care it shan't happen again."
Striding forward, Kirby confronted Dean with a stern face.
Dean, by way of carrying out the deception, started and assumed a look of terror.
"What does all this mean, boy?" demanded Kirby.
"What does what mean?" asked Dean in apparent perplexity.
"How came you here? You know well enough what I mean."