“Professor Ravenden does not so consider,” said Dick.
“I beg your pardon, Professor; I understand—”
“That the pteranodon still exists is by no means impossible,” said Professor Ravenden. “That the mysterious marks correspond to the fossil track is undeniable. I cannot so lightly dismiss the theory that a reptile of this supposedly extinct species did the killing.”
“Well, all that I can do is to try again tomorrow. Good-night,” and the reporter left.
“If Haynes were alive,” said Colton as the young man went, “he would go down to the beach the first thing in the morning. That is what I am going to do.”
“Do you think it safe?” queried the professor. “Not entirely,” replied the other frankly; “but I’ll have a revolver.”
“Little enough avail was that to our poor friend,” said Professor Ravenden. “Suppose I accompany you?”
“Thank you, sir,” said Dick. “If you care to go, I should be glad to have you. But suppose you come across the knolls while I follow Haynes’ course along the beach. We’ll meet at the spot. You of course will go armed?”
“Certainly. Yes, I think your plan a good one.”
For Dick Colton there was little sleep that night. After midnight he was sent for to see Helga. At last she had come out of her semi-stupor, and had given way to such a violence of grief that Dolly and Everard were terrified. Having given her an opiate and ordered Everard to bed, Dick sat up with his own troubled conjectures until nearly dawn. Barely three hours of dozing had been his portion when he woke again.