The automobile was brought out of the professor’s garage, where it was kept, and in it the four were soon speeding toward Fairview. Fox Swamp lay beyond the town, and on the way, after passing through the town, stopping on Bob’s request for some ice cream, the boys saw a large tract, with buildings which looked as though it might be a place where fairs were held.
“That’s what it is,” Professor Snodgrass informed the boys. “There is a big fair held there every year, generally toward the end of October. This year, I understand, there is to be an exhibition of aeroplanes.”
“We’ll have to take that in,” declared Jerry.
“Here’s the place,” announced the scientist, as they passed along a road, on either side of which was a patch of woodland. “Here is where I hope to find one of the freak Vanessa antiopa.”
“We’ll come with you and help look for it, but you’ll have to tell us what to look for,” suggested Jerry.
“Well, call to me whenever you see any kind of butterfly,” the professor said, “and I can tell if it is one that I want.”
Leaving the automobile at the edge of the road, they went into the swamp, though, as Professor Snodgrass had said, it was not at all wet. They scattered, yet keeping within sight of one another, and then began the search for the butterfly.
At first none was seen, though the professor managed to get a green bug which he designated by some long Latin name, and said it was a great find.
Then Bob, who had gone deeper into the woods than the others, suddenly called: