One of his Royal Professors was to
wear the clothes one way, and the other the other."
"My way of wearing them," said Panky, "is much the most convenient."
"Not a bit of it," said Hanky warmly. On this the two Professors fell
out, and the discussion grew so hot that my father interfered by advising
them not to talk so loud lest another ranger should hear them. "You
know," he said, "there are a good many landrail bones lying about, and it
might be awkward."
The Professors hushed at once. "By the way," said Panky, after a pause,
"it is very strange about those footprints in the snow. The man had
evidently walked round the statues two or three times, as though they
were strange to him, and he had certainly come from the other side."
"It was one of the rangers," said Hanky impatiently, "who had gone a
little beyond the statues, and come back again."
"Then we should have seen his footprints as he went. I am glad I
measured them."
"There is nothing in it; but what were your measurements?"
"Eleven inches by four and a half; nails on the soles; one nail missing
on the right foot and two on the left." Then, turning to my father
quickly, he said, "My man, allow me to have a look at your boots."
"Nonsense, Panky, nonsense!"
Now my father by this time was wondering whether he should not set upon
these two men, kill them if he could, and make the best of his way back,
but he had still a card to play.
Pages:
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61