“Thank you!”
“The professor must be a fool!” said the landlord, as they drove away.
“I begin to think so myself,” replied Philip.
“That’s all in our favor, however. We shall get back that money yet.”
The horse was put to his speed, and in fifteen minutes they reached Knoxville.
CHAPTER XXXI.
THE PROFESSOR’S FLIGHT.
Professor Lorenzo Riccabocca was not a wise man. It would have been much more to his interest to deal honestly with Philip, paying his share of the profits of the first performance, and retaining his services as associate and partner.
But the professor was dazzled by the money, and unwilling to give it up. Moreover, he had the vanity to think that he would draw nearly as well alone, thus retaining in his own hands the entire proceeds of any entertainments he might give.
When he met Philip on the road he was well-nigh penniless. Now, including the sum of which he had defrauded our hero and his creditors in Wilkesville, he had one hundred and fifty dollars.
When the professor went to bed, he had not formed the plan of deserting Philip; but, on awaking in the morning, it flashed upon him as an excellent step which would put money in his pocket.