"Precisely, my boy. But I think we should have a drink first." The Phoenix detached a canteen from the Scientist's belt and took a deep swig. "Ah, delicious! Our friend is well prepared, my boy." And indeed, the Scientist had all sorts of things with him: a hand-ax, a sheath knife, a compass, a camera, binoculars, a stop watch, notebooks and pencils, a coil of rope, maps. There was also a packet of sandwiches, which the Phoenix opened and began to eat. "Now, listen, Phoenix, we have to do something." "Quite right, my boy," the Phoenix mumbled, with its mouth full. "Have a sandwich--spoils of war--peanut butter--very nourishing. The fact is that I have just thought of another plan, which cannot fail. Have we any money left?" "Yes, four gold pieces. Why?" "Splendid. Now, my boy, I shall leave you. When the Scientist wakes up, you will help him down to wherever he lives. Find out where his room is. I shall meet you by the hedge at midnight. Be sure you have the gold pieces with you." "All right. What are we--" "Sure you will not have a sandwich?" "No, thank you. What are we--" "Very well. Farewell, then, my boy. Till midnight." David poured what was left in the canteen over the Scientist's head and fanned him with a notebook. Presently the man stirred and groaned. Then he sat up and muttered, "What hit me?" "Can you stand up yet?" David said. Too dazed to ask any more questions, the Scientist got up, groaning, put on his broken spectacles, collected his scattered equipment, and leaned on David. The two of them proceeded slowly down the trail together, frequently sitting down to rest. The Scientist murmured the name of his hotel and pointed out the direction. Townspeople stared at them as they passed, but no one stopped them or asked questions, and they reached the hotel without further incident. They entered the lobby, and the Scientist sank into a chair. "Let me help you to your room," said David. In a few minutes the Scientist got up again, and they took the elevator to the fourth floor. David closely watched the direction they were going, and when they came into the Scientist's room, he looked quickly through the window. There was a fire escape just outside. He had the information now: fourth floor, west side, fire escape by window. The Scientist eased himself onto the bed with a groan. Then he turned to David and said severely: "There's something strange about all this, and I intend to get to the bottom of it. You'll be hearing from me, young man!" "All right," said David, closing the door. "And you'll be hearing from _us_," he added in an undertone, "if I know the Phoenix!" * * * * *