"Where did you get that key?" demanded the professor, one hand groping in his pocket.
Heretofore he had been careful to keep the key upon his person. Small wonder that he was now surprised to find it in the possession of Meigs.
"I found it on the floor," replied the broker with a good deal of dignity. "Probably you lost it out of your pocket when you fell from the stairs a few minutes ago."
"What are you intending to do?" asked the professor quietly.
"Professor Quinn, sir," returned Meigs with elaborate condescension, "we have reached the parting of the ways. While we were traveling through space, I and my friends could do nothing less than bear with your company, and with that of the rogue at your side; but now that we are safely moored on Mercury, and can debark, we see fit to withdraw ourselves and renounce further intercourse with you."
"Ah!" murmured Quinn, a slow smile hovering about his thin lips.
The smile caused some acerbity to manifest itself in the three gentlemen at the door. They drew themselves up haughtily.
"Quinn," went on the broker sharply, "you lured us into your castle and abducted us from our native orb, with small regard for the feelings of our relatives or friends, and no consideration whatever for the business interests with which we were engaged; so——"
"Your business interests had my every consideration," interrupted the professor.
Meigs took no notice of the remark.