“No question about that, Perk, and growing clearer right along, showing it’s heading this way.”
“Mebbe the Lockheed-Vega comin’ back again?” ventured Perk.
“Hardly likely,” he was told instantly, “For one thing you’ll notice this motor racket swings up to us from the southwest, while the other ship struck off toward the east.”
“That’s straight goods,” Perk hastened to admit. “Funny I didn’t get on to that right away. Means our gent has a raft o’ ships comin’ an’ goin’ when he takes a notion to drop over here once in a while.”
“Well, we can’t stop to listen any longer,” said Jack again starting off with the other trailing close at his heels.
The buzzing grew rapidly in volume, proving that no matter where the advancing plane came from, its destination must be that secluded little cove close to the coquina shack sheltering the man of many faces, who went from fields of excitement to those connected with society functions, entertaining guests in royal style or following his favorite pursuit along the enchanting line of adding to his prized collection of Florida birds. Presently Perk heard a splash and knew the amphibian must have reached its goal.
CHAPTER XXIII
A PUGNACIOUS RATTLER
In good time they reached the narrow point on the animal trail which marked the scene of their adventure with the rattlesnake. Perk, wishing to be prepared for anything that might greet them, had picked up a stout cudgel with which he believed he could give a good account of himself should the occasion arise.
But they passed the place and he was beginning to breathe easier when he was thrilled by a brisk and ominous sound from just ahead. Instinctively Perk clutched his chum by the arm and dragged him back a pace although this was really unnecessary, since Jack had stopped walking at the same instant as Perk.