"Then perhaps I had better accept your offer, but I am sorry to give you so much trouble."
"No trouble at all," said Ben promptly.
Just then Prof. Harrington came forward and made his introductory speech.
"For my first experiment, ladies and gentlemen," he said, when this was over, "I should like a pocket handkerchief."
A countrified-looking young man on the front seat, anxious to share in the glory of the coming trick, produced a flaming red bandanna from his pocket and tendered it with outstretched hand.
"You are very kind," said the professor, "but this will hardly answer my purpose. I should prefer a linen handkerchief. Will some young lady oblige me?"
"Let him have yours, Rose," suggested Ben.
Rose had no objection, and it was passed to the professor.
"The young lady will give me leave to do what I please with the handkerchief?" asked the professor.
Rose nodded assent.