“You may well ask that,” returned Professor Snodgrass. “I have had my troubles too. I set off this afternoon to gather a few specimens of lepidoptera——”
“Leopards!” exclaimed Bob. “I didn’t know there were any around here. Did they break out of a circus?”
“Oh, my dear boy!” exclaimed Professor Snodgrass. “You must brush up on your Greek if you are to be one of my pupils. Lepidoptera is formed of two Greek words, meaning a scale, or husk, and a wing, and by lepidoptera we mean butterflies and moths.”
“Now will you be good?” murmured Jerry.
“I had heard of a certain rather rare variety of moth which had been seen in this vicinity,” went on the professor, “and though it was rather late in the year to hope to get a specimen, I set off this afternoon with my specimen box and net, having finished my class work. I came over from Fordham to the town of Bundton by train. Bundton is the nearest station to the military academy, and about fifteen miles from Fordham.
“But though I tramped all over the fields, and even ventured into a swamp, where this moth is said to be sometimes seen, I was unsuccessful. Not a one did I see. And I stayed so late that I missed the last train back to Fordham, since the summer schedule has been withdrawn. So I started to walk, hoping I might find a garage on my way where I could hire a car. I had no idea of meeting you boys, though I remember now this is the day you said you would arrive. It is most unfortunate!
“I mean it is unfortunate that I did not get the moth I was after, but I am very glad I met you boys. If you will kindly take me into your car I can put you on the shortest and most direct road to Fordham, which I am as anxious to reach as are you, for I have some work to do in preparation for to-morrow’s lessons.”
“Say! this is the best yet!” cried Bob. “To think of meeting you this way! We’d about given up, and were going to ask the direction from some one in Kenwell Academy. Sort of asking aid and comfort of the enemy. I suppose they are the enemies of Boxwood Hall, when it comes to sports; aren’t they, Professor?”
“Rivals, not enemies,” answered the little scientist. “Yes, they play against our boys. I believe their football nine is to meet our basketball eleven soon.”