by chance that place in the Hebrides, saw it only last year. Doing it to oblige a cousin. Would have been most interesting, most interesting, if it had been that. Don't you think it could be that? They 're full of second sight in those parts."
"No," said Professor Higginson, rising with determination and in some anger, "no, I do not think it could be that."
"Well, then," said Mr. Kirby hopelessly, "I don't see how I can help you. Don't you think two connotations may have got mixed up?"
"No, I don't," said the Professor shortly, more and more possessed of the feeling that things were going wrong with him. "I don't think so. It 's impossible. These things have their laws, sir, just as nature has, I mean ordinary nature, common nature, what we—or—call Natural Laws."
Mr. Kirby nodded agreeably.
"I don't think," went on Professor Higginson, "that I ought to take up any more of your time."
"Oh, but I should particularly like to hear more," said Mr. Kirby with enthusiasm.
"I 'm afraid it 's no use," said Professor Higginson, and he made to go out.
