No! J. T. Maston was still to be found at Ballistic Cottage. He was still incessantly at work, but now on other calculations, which he only left to spend an occasional evening with Mrs. Scorbitt at New Park.
A policeman was sent with an order from the president of the Commission.
The policeman reached the cottage, knocked at the door, entered the hall, and had a warm reception from Fire-Fire and a cool one from J. T. Maston.
However, the secretary of the Gun Club thought it as well to go quietly, and he appeared before the Commission complaining bitterly of having been interrupted in his occupation.
The first question put to him was,—
“Do you know the whereabouts of Impey Barbicane and Captain Nicholl?”
“I do,” said J. T. Maston, “but I am not authorized to tell you.”
Second question,—
“Are these two men occupied in the preparations for their intended modification of the terrestrial axis?”
“That,” said J. T. Maston, “is part of the secret with which I am entrusted, and I refuse to say.”