"
"I know I can't. It's too near. We didn't see her soon enough!"
"Cowardly custard!" said Desire, stamping her foot.
The professor's mild eyes blinked at her in surprise. "Good!" he
said with satisfaction. "That is the first remark suitable to your
extreme youth that I've ever heard you make. But the sentiment it
implies is all wrong. Physical courage, as such, is mere waste when
opposed to my Aunt. What is wanted is technique. Technique requires
thought. Thought requires leisure. That is why I am sitting here
behind a boulder--what is she doing now?"
Desire investigated.
"She is walking up and down."
"A bad sign. It doesn't leave us much time. The most difficult point
is the introduction. Now, in an introduction, what counts for most?
Ancestors, of course. My dear, have you any ancestors?"
"Not one."
"I was afraid of that. In fact I had intended to provide a few. But
I never dreamed they would be needed so soon. What is she doing
now?"
"She has stopped walking. She has turned. She is coming this way."
"Then we must take our chance." The professor rose briskly. "Never
allow the enemy to attack. Come on. But keep behind me while I draw
her fire."
Aunt Caroline advanced in full formation.
"Benis. Ben--nis!" she called piercingly. "He can't be very far
away," she declared over her shoulder. "I have a feeling--Benis!"
"Who calls so loud?" quoted the professor innocently, appearing with
startling suddenness from behind the boulder.
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