The exclamation fell sharp and clear from Professor Wandering William's lips. The tones were so unlike his usual ones that everybody looked up at him. But only for an instant; the next moment the professor had—dropped back into his pompous, drawling way of speaking:
"It's a good thing we have a large supply of my wonder working remedies with us," he said; "they induce philosophy, smooth the thorny ways of life and make the old young and the young younger."
Mr. Bell looked at him sternly for an instant, and then apparently decided that the man was a harmless fool, for with a quick exclamation he strode off toward his tent, which lay at some distance from the camp. The others excitedly discussed the alarming turn events had taken, while Aunt Sally showed strong symptoms of hysterics. But Alverado, whose face had taken on a startled expression at Wandering William's quick exclamation, darted to the long-haired herb doctor's side.
"I know you now, senor, you are—"
Wandering William caught the man's gesticulating hand with a grasp of iron.
"Not so loud, Alverado," he whispered tensely, "the time isn't ripe for that yet."
"But, senor, you will capture them, and—"
The Mexican's manner had grown deferential, but Wandering William checked him with a glance from those keen eyes of his.
"Don't mention a word of this, Alverado. I rely on you."
"You can, senor. But hark! what is the matter with the Senor Bell?"