There is a detached cottage at the far end
of the grounds which he occupies. If you'd like to see him," and the
heavy jowls of the speaker trembled with eagerness, "Haines will show
you there at once."
"If it is no trouble," said Ashton-Kirk, smoothly.
"Not in the least." The doctor rang for his man, and when he entered,
said: "These gentlemen would like to speak to Professor Locke. Show
them the way to his house. And, gentlemen," to the callers, with
anxiety, "the professor can arrange everything with you. It is my
habit to nod for a half hour after dinner. My system has grown to
expect it, and if I am deprived of it, I suffer considerably in
consequence."
"We will not trouble you again, doctor," Ashton-Kirk assured him.
"Thank you, and good-night."
Once more outside, the man led them along a foot-path that seemed to
cut the institution grounds in two. The rays of his lantern danced
along the carefully kept lawn; the shadowy trees seemed to move
backward and forward, as the thin beams wavered among them.
"The professor lives a good piece away," the man informed them. "Away
over on the county road."
"Prefers to be alone, eh?"
"I suppose so, sir. And then he has his laboratory and work-shop
there, well away from interruption.
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