Page 332 - tarzan-of-the-apes
P. 332

Clayton started back in surprise.
            ‘By Jove!’ he exclaimed. ‘It is true.’
            And Professor Porter and Mr. Philander pressed forward
         to add their thanks to Clayton’s, and to voice their surprise
         and pleasure at seeing their jungle friend so far from his
         savage home.
            The party now entered the modest little hostelry, where
         Clayton soon made arrangements for their entertainment.
            They were sitting in the little, stuffy parlor when the dis-
         tant chugging of an approaching automobile caught their
         attention.
            Mr. Philander, who was sitting near the window, looked
         out as the car drew in sight, finally stopping beside the other
         automobiles.
            ‘Bless me!’ said Mr. Philander, a shade of annoyance in
         his tone. ‘It is Mr. Canler. I had hoped, er—I had thought
         or—er—how  very  happy  we  should  be  that  he  was  not
         caught in the fire,’ he ended lamely.
            ‘Tut, tut! Mr. Philander,’ said Professor Porter. ‘Tut, tut!
         I  have  often  admonished  my  pupils  to  count  ten  before
         speaking. Were I you, Mr. Philander, I should count at least
         a thousand, and then maintain a discreet silence.’
            ‘Bless me, yes!’ acquiesced Mr. Philander. ‘But who is the
         clerical appearing gentleman with him?’
            Jane blanched.
            Clayton moved uneasily in his chair.
            Professor Porter removed his spectacles nervously, and
         breathed upon them, but replaced them on his nose with-
         out wiping.

         332                                 Tarzan of the Apes
   327   328   329   330   331   332   333   334   335   336   337