cent fall. Strange to say, we saw fresh footprints in it, as of some
one who had come up from the other side. But thereon hangs a tale, about
which I believe I should say nothing."

"Then say nothing, my dear Professor," said Yram with a frank smile.
"Above all," she added quietly and gravely, "say nothing to the Mayor,
nor to my son, till after Sunday. Even a whisper of some one coming over
from the other side disquiets them, and they have enough on hand for the
moment."

Panky, who had been growing more and more restive at his friend's
outspokenness, but who had encouraged it more than once by vainly trying
to check it, was relieved at hearing his hostess do for him what he could
not do for himself. As for Yram, she had got enough out of the Professor
to be now fully dissatisfied, and mentally informed them that they might
leave the witness-box. During the rest of dinner she let the subject of
their adventure severely alone.

It seemed to her as though dinner was never going to end; but in the
course of time it did so, and presently the ladies withdrew. As they
were entering the drawing-room a servant told her that her son had been
found more easily than was expected, and was now in his own room
dressing.

"Tell him," she said, "to stay there till I come, which I will do
directly."

She remained for a few minutes with her guests, and then, excusing
herself quietly to Mrs. Humdrum, she stepped out and hastened to her
son's room. She told him that Professors Hanky and Panky were staying in
the house, and that during dinner they had told her something he ought to
know, but which there was no time to tell him until her guests were gone.
"I had rather," she said, "tell you about it before you see the
Professors, for if you see them the whole thing will be reopened, and you
are sure to let them see how much more there is in it than they suspect.
I want everything hushed up for the moment; do not, therefore, join us.
Have dinner sent to you in your father's study. I will come to you about
midnight."

"But, my dear mother," said George, "I have seen Panky already. I walked
down with him a good long way this afternoon."

Yram had not expected this, but she kept her countenance. "How did you
know," said she, "that he was Professor Panky? Did he tell you so?"

"Certainly he did. He showed me his permit, which was made out in favour
of Professors Hanky and Panky, or either of them. He said Hanky had been
un