“They are professionals, and their services cost a mere nothing. It’s not worth mentioning.” “Oh, yes it is. Then there was the costumer. You had to pay him. I insist on settling the bill.” Coddington did his best to get out of taking anything, but Dick was obdurate and finally compelled the Englishman to state the full expense of the affair, which he paid. It was nearly an hour later when the boys reappeared at the Shepherd’s Hotel, having washed off their make-ups and donned their usual attire. They found the professor, looking pale and wan, pacing the floor of his room, which adjoined theirs. The old man noted their entrance, and paused to peer at them suspiciously. “Where have you been, boys?” he asked. “Oh, out for a little airing,” answered Dick, carelessly. “Did you enjoy the afternoon, professor?” “Well—er—ah—I can’t truthfully say that I did,” confessed the old pedagogue. “That was too bad. Why didn’t you enjoy it?” “Ahem! I can’t explain, boys. Don’t ask foolish questions.” “But didn’t you see that collection of old relics?” “I did—I saw it!” “And you were disappointed in it?” “Very much so.” “Were not the relics very ancient?” “Well, two of them were, beyond question.” “And did the inspection of them add greatly to your fund of knowledge?” persisted Dick. “Greatly,” declared Zenas. “I know much more than I did when I left this hotel.” “Then I fail to understand why you seem so terribly disappointed. You said you expected to return here a much wiser man.” “And if I’m not wiser,” said the professor, “I ought to be shot, that’s all! I have this day learned something I’ll never forget. Don’t ask another question! I decline to discuss the matter further. But I will say that no man is too old to learn, and sometimes a man who thinks himself very wise discovers that he’s a big fool. I’m going to lie down and rest now, for I need it. I am quite exhausted.” He closed the door between the two rooms. “I must tell Dunbar and Nadia about it,” chuckled Buckhart. “Come on, Dick; let’s go see them.” “You go ahead,” nodded Merriwell. “I have a letter to write, and I think I’ll do it now.” Buckhart was not gone long, and there was something of a worried look on his face when he returned. “Well, did they appreciate the joke?” questioned Dick, without looking up. “I didn’ tell them.” “Didn’t?” “No.” “Why not?” “They’re not in.” “Oh, that’s it! Where have they gone?” “I don’t know. I inquired and found they left the hotel about two hours ago. They did not take a carriage, or even engage donkeys. They walked out, without stating whither they intended to go.” “Well, it’s likely they’ll return soon.” “I hope so.” Buckhart’s tone caused Dick to look up quickly. “What’s the matter, Brad?” he asked. “I’m worried, pard,” confessed the Texan. “About them? Oh, nonsense; they’re all right.” “They may be; but you know Budthorne is a mighty poor protector for a girl, and Nadia has been watched by that strange man we observed.”