"And why not now?"
"The fact is, rather a cur'us thing happened last night. The boy disappeared."
"Is that true?" asked Mark with some suspicion.
"Yes. Fact is, the boy ain't quite right in his head."
"I am sorry for that," said Mark gravely. "How long has he been affected that way?"
"Only lately, I don't think it will last."
"Please tell me the circumstances."
"Why, we locked him in the attic for fear he might get out and come to some harm when he was light-headed, and this morning we couldn't find him."
"Please show me the room."
Though a boy, Mark spoke with unconscious authority, and Mr. Sprague immediately complied with his request.