“We will bear your words in mind,” said the Professor. “He is doubtless very worthy, since you estimate him so highly.” “And you--what say you?” asked Robert, turning questioningly to Mortimer. “I can hardly be expected to subscribe to your views,” answered Mortimer coldly, “inasmuch as I have reason to suspect the person to whom you refer to be engaged in an organized and armed rebellion against the government and to be an enemy to the King.” Robert stood for a moment looking sadly into Mortimer’s face and then, without another word, withdrew. Some ten minutes later the door again opened and looking up they saw Robert. He stepped back, opened the door to its fullest extent and there appeared a man tall of stature and of massive physique. With movements which were remarkably rapid for one of such giant proportions, he passed down the cabin steps and stood before them. Both Mortimer and Dean looked up with a start of astonishment. Their visitor was masked. “Greeting!” he exclaimed, as he stood facing them, using the common form of salutation of the day. Long ago the Professor had duly noted that the comparatively meaningless “Good-morning!” and “Good-day!” of the olden times had passed into disuse; as had also that almost pathetic expression at parting: “Good-bye!” They were as obsolete as the “Good-morrow!” of the eighteenth century. People now said “Greeting!” or “Salutations!” or “I salute you!” when they met and “Re-meeting!” when they parted--thereby intending to courteously convey the idea that they looked forward with anticipation and pleasure to again meeting the person from whom they were taking leave. “To our joyous re-meeting!” Surely a happier salutation than the old-time sad “Good-bye!” “We greet you!” responded Mortimer, in turn using the customary form of salutation. “I trust you have been well cared for,” continued the visitor, “and that your detention has been made as comfortable as circumstances would permit.” “With the exception of a dastardly insult received from him who appears to be in chief command here,” replied Mortimer, flushing with anger at the recollections of the event, “we have received every kindness and courtesy.” The visitor waved his hand deprecatingly. “The matter has been reported to me,” he said, “and you may rely upon it that I have severely reprimanded the offender. Only the existence of an extraordinary exigency has prevented the summary removal of the officer. Such action, I beg to assure you, is entirely contrary to the spirit and rules of our organization.” “Then I accept your explanation,” answered Mortimer. “I’ll only hold the man himself responsible for his act. Let us put that matter aside and pass on to other subjects. I wish to know what is this organization assembled here that has dared to hold in detention my friend and myself, both in the service of His Majesty, the King.” The visitor threw back his head proudly and answered without a moment’s hesitation.