"NOW THERE ARE TWO"


The rest of the story is unfortunately all too easily told. We go
back to Jerome and his strange companion.

At Centre Street station they alighted and walked up to the
university. Under the Le Conte oaks they met the professor. He was
trim and happy, his short, well-built figure clothed in black, his
snow-white whiskers trimmed to the usual square crop and his pink
skin glowing with splendid health. The fog had by this time lifted
and the sun was just beginning to overcome the chilliness of the
air. There was no necessity for an introduction.

The two men apparently recognised each other at once. So we have
it from the detective. There was sincerity in the delight of their
hand-clasp. A strange pair, both of them with the distinction and
poise that come from refinement and intellectual training; though
in physique they were almost opposite, there was still a strange,
almost mutual, bond between them. Dr. Holcomb was beaming.

"At last!" he greeted. "At last! I was sure we could not fail.
This, my dear Dr. Avec, is the greatest day since Columbus."

The other took the hand.

"So this is the great Dr. Holcomb. Yes, indeed, it is a great day;
though I know nothing about your Columbus. So far it has been
simply wonderful. I can scarcely credit my senses. So near and yet
so far. How can it be? A dream? Are you sure, Dr. Holcomb?"