Thus Kibosh finished, and it entered my mind to descend at our next stop, and take the first train back to my own place; but this thought I quickly dismissed, remembering Masticator's methods of reaching those whom he wanted. And (although I know this is unworthy) I was become very curious to see what we should all do, once we were gathered together. Were all the rest of my colleagues coming for Publicity? I glanced at the window, where the shawl still screened Professor Willows and Miss Appleby, and it seemed to me that they had come rather for Privacy.
"Who are the rest of my colleagues?" I now asked Kibosh.
"Well, now, I'm afraid you've got me," he responded. "There's—let me see—Professor Flawless Nathaniel Maverick, of Fishball University, Massachusetts. He is with us. A profound scholar, sir."
"What is his line?" I asked.
"Well, now, that's another tough one. Let us see. Did he write The Fuel of the Future?"
I shook my head, being ignorant.
"Or was it The Mustard Plaster in Pharaoh's Time?" Kibosh dreamily pursued.
"What is the fuel of the future?" I asked.
"Pecan nuts. I am certain of that," answered Kibosh. "But whether he's that one, or whether it's Lysander Totts——"
"Who is Lysander Totts?" I inquired.