"It would seem," observed Ashton-Kirk, "that we are not to be trusted
implicitly."
"Also," replied Pendleton, "that there is something of value in the
shed."
Returning, Locke led the way to a door upon the other side of the
house. Showing them into a small room furnished with books and
scientific apparatus and evidently a study, he set down the lantern
and with a sign bade them be seated. Upon their doing so he produced a
small pad of paper and a pencil; handing these to Ashton-Kirk he
stood peering at them expectantly. With the swift, accurate touch of
an expert, the investigator wrote in the Pitman shorthand:
"We ask pardon if we have startled you."
Then he tore off the sheet and handed it to Professor Locke. The man
seemed surprised at the medium selected by his visitor; nevertheless
he quickly traced the following in the same characters.
"Who are you? What is your errand?"
"We were sent to you by Dr. Mercer," replied Ashton-Kirk with flying
pencil. "Our business is to secure the admission of a new pupil."
Locke read this and regarded them for a moment, doubtfully.
"Why did you not press the button at the door?" he demanded in
writing.
"I hardly expected you to have such a thing as a bell," answered
Ashton-Kirk, on the pad.
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