At Average Jones he
gazed with unconcealed surprise.
"Ah; it is you!" he exclaimed. "You," he smiled, "are the 'Mercy'
of the advertisement?"
"Yes."
"And these gentlemen?"
"Are my friends."
"You will come in?"
Average Jones examined a nodding rose with an indulgent, almost a
paternal, expression.
"If you--er--think it--er--safe," he murmured.
"Assuredly."
As if exacting a pledge the young man held out his hand. The older
one unhesitatingly grasped it. Average Jones turned the long
fingers, which enclosed his, back upward, and glanced at them.
"Ah," he said, and nodded soberly, "so, it is that."
"Yes; it is that," assented the other. "I perceive that you have
communicated with Mr. Craig. How is he?"
"Out of danger."
"That is well. A fine and manly youth. I should have sorely
regretted it if--"
Professor Gehren broke in upon him. "For the peril in which you
have involved him, sir, you have to answer to me, his guardian."
The foreigner raised a hand. "He was without family or ties.
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