Page:The Poison Belt - Conan Doyle, 1913.djvu/77

 54  and found Austin bending over it absorbed in repairs, I controlled my open hand even after I had lifted it, and refrained from giving him an experience which would possibly have caused him to follow in the steps of the housekeeper. On the contrary, I touched him on the shoulder and ordered the car to be at the door in time to meet your train. At the present instant I am most forcibly tempted to take Professor Summerlee by that silly old beard of his, and to shake his head violently backwards and forwards. And yet, as you see, I am perfectly restrained. Let me commend my example to you."

"I'll look out for that buffalo," said Lord John.

"And I for the football match." "It may be that you are right. Challenger," said Summerlee, in a chastened voice. "I am willing to admit that my turn of mind is critical rather than constructive, and that I am not a ready convert to any new theory, especially