"I don't understand it."
"I was going to write to uncle Donald, that, if I went to Germany, I would see him in Paris as we pass through that city. If I did not go, I wanted him to come here, and take me to Paris with him."
"And you think this explains what you wrote upon your note paper?" inquired the principal.
"As I understand it, sir, it does."
"Was Herman expected to join your party?"
"No, sir."
"I observed that he seemed to be much interested in what you were writing, and that you took some pains to let him see your paper. Your explanation is not satisfactory, and I should not dare to take you to Germany, lest you should miss your uncle on the way. Perhaps he had better come to Brest himself. When do you expect him?"
"I don't know when he is coming, sir," replied Perth, rather abashed to find his explanation had obtained so little consideration.
"Have you any money, Perth?" asked Mr. Lowington, suddenly.
"No, sir."