RUPERT AND THE BACK ROOM BOY No 15

The dwarf leads Rupert towards the house, and just as they reach it who should come out but the Professor himself. “Ah, little bear,” he says, smiling, “we haven’t seen you for ages. What have you for me this time?” Rupert hurriedly tells his story yet again and holds up the strange branch. The old man looks at it closely. “This is indeed a marvel,” he says. “Let’s plant it in moist soil to keep it fresh while I fetch my books about trees.” So Rupert holds the branch while the dwarf digs.

“Pray keep it while I have a look In my ‘strange vegetation’ book.”

The old Professor finds he can’t Explain away the strange new plant.