"Don't do that again," said a very small voice from the interior of the portmanteau. "I've got feelings as well as other folks."
"Eh?" ejaculated Merry, gazing about in wide-eyed amazement.
"Yes, I have," pursued the small voice; "and I've a mind to punch your head for banging me so."
Merry gave a little gasp, and stopped. He put the portmanteau down gently, so astonished that he could not speak, because he never in all his life had heard a ventriloquist, and this Professor Wagner happened to be a remarkably good one.
"Well?" said the Professor, with an inquiring smile.
"I—I can't carry it," stammered Merry.
Professor Wagner laughed until his deep-set blue eyes were twinkling like stars on a frosty night.
"Never mind," said he; "Jack sha'n't trouble you any more; so pick up the portmanteau again, my lad. I show here to-night. Haven't you seen the bills?"
Merry, taking up his load, began to understand. He had seen the bills.
"Was it you, sir?" he asked, doubtfully.