The professor was an interesting dinner companion, and even though all felt that serious business was ahead of them, no reference was made thereto. At the conclusion of the meal Jo said:
“Professor Feather—”
“Ingstone,” broke in Jim.
“Haughleigh,” added Tom.
“I’m all broke up,” laughed the professor.
“Can we make a hiding place in one of our staterooms?” asked Jo.
“Why, I suppose so,” replied the professor. “What do you want to do, play hide and go seek?”
“In a way,” laughed Jim. “We want to make a secret place in which to keep the chart.”
“Oh, I see,” interrupted the professor quickly. “By all means.”