Philip thought this a good plan. He enjoyed the prospect of confronting the rogue who had taken advantage of his inexperience, and attempted such a bold scheme of fraud. He didn’t feel in the least nervous, or afraid to encounter the professor, though Riccabocca was a man and he but a boy. When all was ready, Philip entered through the front door, which was open, and, turning into the office, stood before the astonished professor.
The latter started in dismay at the sight of our hero. He thought he might be quietly eating breakfast ten miles away, unsuspiciously waiting for his return. Was his brilliant scheme to fail? He quickly took his resolution—a foolish one. He would pretend not to know Philip.
“Well, Professor Riccabocca,” Philip said, in a sarcastic tone, “you took rather a long walk this morning.”
The professor looked at him vacantly.
“Were you addressing me?” he inquired.
“Yes, sir,” answered Philip, justly provoked.
“I haven’t the pleasure of your acquaintance, young man.”
“I wish I hadn’t the pleasure of yours,” retorted Philip.
“Do you come here to insult me?” demanded Riccabocca, frowning.
“I came here to demand my share of the money received for the entertainment last evening, as well as the money paid for the hall, the printer, and bill-poster.”