After being presented to the Professor, whom they regarded with not a little curiosity, Sir Bleoberis said:
“Holy father, the fair Ysolt was here and was taken away by the Baron, was she not?”
“Alas!” said the Knight, “I see no hope. Whilst I am poor, the Baron will never relent.”
“Is your poverty the only objection he has to you?” asked the Professor.
“Well,” replied the Professor, “I can understand a father’s feelings in such a case. It seems hard upon a young man, but naturally he wants his daughter to be comfortable. Is there nothing you can turn your hand to to improve your fortunes?”
“We might rob somebody,” said Sir Agravaine, with a reflective air.
“Rob somebody!” exclaimed the Professor, “That is simply atrocious! Can’t you go to work; go into business, start a factory, speculate in stocks, or something of that kind?”
“Persons of my degree never work,” said Sir Bleoberis.
The Professor sighed, “Ah! I forgot. We must think of something else. Let me see; young man, I think I can help you a little, perhaps. You agree to accept some information from me and I believe I can make your fortune.”
“Do you propose,” asked Sir Agravaine, “to drug the Baron, or to enchant him so that he will change his mind? I have often tried love-philters with ladies whose hands I sought, but they always failed.”
“Nonsense!” exclaimed the Professor. “I don’t operate with such trumpery as that. You agree to help me, and we’ll give this island such a stirring up as will revolutionize it.”
The Professor then proceeded to explain in detail the nature and operation of some of the scientific apparatus which he had with him in his trunk; and the Knight and the Hermit listened with open-eyed amazement while he told them of the telegraph, the telephone, the phonograph, the photograph, and other modern inventions.
Whilst the Professor waxed eloquent, Sir Dinadan and Miss Baffin strolled slowly back towards the cave.
Sir Dinadan had improved the opportunity to offer Miss Baffin his hand, rather abruptly.
“But you can try to love me,” he pleaded, as she, with much embarrassment but with gentleness, resisted his importunity.
“I can try, Sir Dinadan,” she said, blushing, “but really I have known you only a few moments. It is impossible for me now to have any affection for you.”