"I am Herr Professor--"

"Oh, barbers are just as polite as other folks," Jack assured him, his
laughing eyes resting on the somewhat bewildered-looking face of the
German.

"Then please, Herr Benson, come back to the hotel with me."

"Yes; if it's really necessary. But why do you want to go to the
hotel?"

"Because, Herr Benson, when we are there, I shall have much of importance
to say to you."

"Important to me, or to you?" asked Jack, thoughtfully.

He had no intention of answering a much older man disrespectfully. But
there was about Herr Radberg the air of a man who expects his greatness
to be recognized at a glance, and who demands obedience from common
people as a right. This sort of thing didn't fit well with the
American boy.

"Oh, it is important to you, and very much so," urged the Professor,
somewhat more anxiously. "Besides," added the German, with a now
really engaging smile, "I have met your demand, Herr Benson, and have
said 'please.'"

"Then I suppose I'll have to meet your demand," nodded Jack,
good-humoredly. "Lead the way, sir."