“That is true, is it not, Professor?� Tibby asked.
“Yes,� he nodded, “it is true.�
“Well, I swan!� said Solomon Garrett. “If this don’t beat all creation! Has that man been foolin’ us all this time, or is he dancin’ with spirits himself.�
“He is controlled by this lady here. There is nothing supernatural about it,� replied Donald. “She controls him, as he has us, many times, making us see and believe what had no existence. Miss Waring will make him see things not here.� He looked at Tibby.
“Professor, Mark Cramer is standing over you with a horse-whip. Look out, he is going to strike you!� The man showed signs of terror, and shrank away from the supposed antagonist. “You had better strike back.� He doubled up his fist and struck back with energy. “There, you have hit him, he is down.� The Professor glared at the floor, smiling with the air of a conquering pugilist.
“Here is a piece of candy for him,� said Donald, handing Tibby a piece of balsam-weed.
“Yes, here, Professor, you are fond of sweets. Eat this.�
The Professor took the stick and bit it, smacking his lips, and chewing it with apparent relish.
“What is it?� asked Tibby.
“Candy,� he responded.