"
M. Desplaines looked at the boys.
"These young men have engaged the steam launch, to tow their
expedition up the river," he said hesitatingly; "they are going on a
hunting trip, into the interior, and have, I venture to say, one of
the most complete outfits I have ever seen."
The naturalist looked wistfully at Frank.
"I suppose there would not be the least objection to my availing
myself of your assistance in getting up the river," he said,
blinking behind his spectacles like an old bat who has unexpectedly
emerged into the sunlight. "I have only two canoes and as I carry
my own attendant I shall be no trouble."
"We shall be delighted to accommodate you," rejoined Frank heartily,
"but I shall have to place one restriction on you. When we reach
our destination we must part company as we have work to do of a
confidential nature. Our employer, Mr. Barr--"
"Old Luther Barr," burst out Professor Wiseman suddenly.
"Why, yes," rejoined Frank, rather taken aback, "you know him then?"
"I--I have heard of him," replied the other with a slight hesitancy
which was, however, so faint as to be hardly noticeable. The voice
of Madame Desplaines summoning them to breakfast broke off any
opportunity for further questions on a matter that plainly, for some
strange reason or other, seemed to have heartily interested--even
disturbed--the naturalist.
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