Robert W Chambers

In Search of the Unknown Robert W Chambers

Book Excerpt: ...ld see that he was embarrassed, searching for the exact words to convey his meaning."If," said I, "you have anything in this region more important to science than the great auk, I should be very glad to know about it."Perhaps there was the faintest tinge of sarcasm in my voice, for he shot a sharp glance at me and then turned slightly. After a moment, however, he put his pipe into his pocket, laid hold of the brake with both hands, vaulted to his perch aloft, and glanced down at me."Did you ever hear of the harbor-master?" he asked, maliciously."Which harbor-master?" I inquired."You'll know before long," he observed, with a satisfied glance into perspective. This rather extraordinary observation puzzled me. I waited for him to resume, and, as he did not, I asked him what he meant."If I knew," he said, "I'd tell you. But, come to think of it, I'd be a fool to go into details with a scientific man. You'll hear about the harbor-master--perhaps you will see t...