The boys laughed.
“What is the matter?” asked the professor.
“Nothing,” answered Jerry. “How are you, anyhow, Professor Snodgrass?”
“My health has been excellent, thank you. I like it very much at Boxwood, and I think you will also. I am very glad you came. And now, I think, we had better start. I should have been back hours ago, but it could not be helped. I had forgotten about the change in the trains, and I counted on getting for the return trip one that I have often taken.”
“What’s that you have in your hand, Professor?” asked Ned, observing that the little scientist carried a pair of overshoes in one hand in addition to his specimen box which was slung on a strap over his shoulder, and his butterfly net, which he carried in the other hand.
“In my hand? Oh, my overshoes, of course. Why, how careless of me! And my feet are soaking wet! I brought my rubbers with me in my specimen box, thinking I might need them in the swamp. And it was very wet!
“I took them out, to put them on, and, just then, I saw what I thought was a new kind of butterfly. I rushed for it, but it was only a leaf.”
“And you have been carrying your rubbers in your hand ever since?” asked Bob.
“I—I fear I have,” answered the collector, looking down at his wet and soggy shoes. “It is very careless of me. But I dare say they will dry out on the ride to Boxwood Hall. How fortunate that I should have met you!”
“Best piece of luck in the world!” cried Jerry. “Now, come on, Professor, and we’ll make short work of the distance. Fifteen miles I think you said it was to Fordham?”