They found the financier waiting to receive them in his private room.
Cranny, having fully recovered his spirits, made the introduction in his usual free and easy manner.
“Sit down, gentlemen,” said Major Carroll, waving his visitors to seats. He looked sharply around, then added: “I thought Doctor Clifton might be among you.”
“Doctor Clifton?” exclaimed Tim Lovell.
“Yes!”
Everybody stared hard at everybody else, while Tom, turning furiously red, stood twirling his cap.
A surprising little laugh came from Willie. Then, rushing over, he seized the tall lad by the hand and dragged him unwillingly forward. “This is our Dr. Thomas Cliffy.”
“Why—why—he’s only a boy!” exclaimed the Major, with surprise in his voice.
More confusion on the part of Tommy followed.
“I thought you said——”