Now all the time that George was at Fairmead my father was inside the
Musical Bank, which he had entered before going to any inn. Here he had
been sitting for nearly a couple of hours, resting, dreaming, and reading
Bishop Gurgoyle's pamphlet. If he had left the Bank five minutes
earlier, he would probably have been seen by George in the main street of
Fairmead--as he found out on reaching the inn which he selected and
ordering dinner.
He had hardly got inside the house before the waiter told him that young
Mr. Strong, the Ranger from Sunch'ston, had been enquiring for him and
had left a message for him, which was duly delivered.
My father, though in reality somewhat disquieted, showed no uneasiness,
and said how sorry he was to have missed seeing Mr. Strong. "But," he
added, "it does not much matter; I need not go back this afternoon, for I
shall be at Sunch'ston to-morrow morning and will go straight to the
Mayor's."
He had no suspicion that he was discovered, but he was a good deal
puzzled. Presently he inclined to the opinion that George, still
believing him to be Professor Panky, had wanted to invite him to the
banquet on the following day--for he had no idea that Hanky and Panky
were staying with the Mayor and Mayoress. Or perhaps the Mayor and his
wife did not like so distinguished a man's having been unable to find a
lodging in Sunch'ston, and wanted him to stay with them.
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