“Objection overruled,” returned the professor promptly. “You are my guests to-night. I hope you are hungry.”
“No,” replied Berwick, “we are way beyond that. We’re starved.”
“Then we won’t delay any longer,” returned the professor with a low laugh that was pleasant to hear, and leading the way to the dining room.
“Shall I order the meal?” he asked, when they were seated at the table. “There are some dishes they have here that I can specially recommend.”
“All right,” said Tom. “I’m ready to tackle anything.”
When the meal, during which all reference to the purpose which had brought them together was strictly tabooed, was over, the professor invited them to his rooms and told them to make themselves at home, and he would explain the purpose he had in view.
“Now,” began the professor, settling himself in a big chair and lighting a curious looking pipe, “where shall I start?”
“That’s a queer looking pipe,” interjected Tom, who had been regarding the object with a good deal of interest.
“It is a little odd,” agreed the professor. “What do you think it is?”