"Has the physician seen them?" asked Dr. Doolittle vaguely, reaching for Andy's pulse. "Are you in much pain now, my boy?"
"Pain?" gasped Andy.
"Oh, I beg your pardon. It is my absent-mindedness I'm afraid," explained the master. "I thought I had been called to see you because you were ill. I remember now. It was because—really, Professor Callum, I'm afraid I shall have to ask you to tell me why you summoned me. I have forgotten."
"It was because these boys were out after hours without permission!" exclaimed the irate instructor.
"Is this true, boys?" asked the doctor a bit sternly. He never doubted the word of a student.
"Yes, it's true," said Frank. "We had very important business in Dailsburg, and——"
"Well, as long as you found them in when you returned, and as long as Professor Dickson, who, I understand, had your place as in charge of the dormitories, did not see any breach of the rules, I think we will overlook it this time," said the doctor kindly. "I have another matter, about which——"
"But I can't understand how they got here!" exclaimed Mr. Callum.
"Perhaps it was all an optical illusion," suggested Professor Dickson.
"Sir! Do you wish me to disbelieve the evidence of my own eyesight?" demanded Mr. Callum pompously.