, gratified.

"There's no humbug about your playing. You understand it. It was
you that saved the credit of the evening, and sent people away well
satisfied."

"I am glad of that, at any rate, even if I didn't get a cent for my
playing," said Philip, well pleased.

"The money's the practical part of it," said the landlord. "Of course, I
am glad when travelers like my hotel, but if they should run off without
paying, like the professor, I shouldn't enjoy it so much."

"No, I suppose not," said Philip, with a laugh.

They had ridden some seven miles, and were, therefore, only three miles
from Knoxville, without the slightest intimation as to whether or not
they were on the right track.

To be sure, they had not expected to obtain any clue so soon, but it
would have been very satisfactory, of course, to obtain one.

A little farther on they saw approaching a buggy similar to their own,
driven by a man of middle age. It turned out to be an acquaintance of
the landlord's, and the two stopped to speak.

"Going to Knoxville on business, Mr. Gates?" asked the newcomer.

"Well, not exactly. I am driving this young man over. By the way, have
you seen anything of a tall man, with long, black hair, dressed in
black?"

"Yes. Do you want to see him?"

"This young man has some business with him. Where did you see him?"

"He arrived at our hotel about an hour since, I calculate."

Philip's heart bounded with satisfaction at this important news.

"Did he put up there?"

"Yes. I believe he is going to give a reading this evening."

"Thank you!"

"The professor must be a fool!" said the landlord, as they drove away.

"I begin to think so myself," replied Philip.

"That's all in our favor, however. We shall get back that money yet."

The horse was put to his speed, and in fifteen minutes they reached
Knoxville.

CHAPTER XXXI. THE PROFESSOR'S FLIGHT.

Professor Lorenzo Riccabocca was not a wise man. It would have been much
more to his interest to deal honestly with Philip, paying his share
of the profits of the first performance, and retaining his services as
associate and partner.

But the professor was dazzled by the money, and unwilling to give it up.
Moreover, he had the vanity to think that he would draw nearly as
well alone, thus retaining in his own hands the entire proceeds of any
entertainments he might give.

When he met Philip on the road he was well-nigh penniless. Now,
including the sum of