“What’s the matter? Won’t he let you catch him?” cried Ned.
“He’s caught me!” yelled the professor. “Come quick and bring a knife to cut his head off with!”
The boys piled out of the auto in a hurry, Jerry stopping to grab up a big carving knife from the camp utensils.
When they came up to the professor they hardly knew whether to laugh or not. The turtle, which was a big one, had grabbed the scientist by the thumb, and was clinging so tightly that it was suspended in the air, swaying to and fro. Meanwhile Mr. Snodgrass was dancing about in pain.
“Why don’t you take hold of the turtle’s shell in the other hand, and you won’t feel the weight so much!” called Jerry.
“I can’t,” replied the professor. “I have a rare specimen of a toad in my other hand, and I don’t want to lose it. Oh boys! Hurry up, and pry the turtle’s jaws open, but don’t hurt him, for he’s valuable.”
“Can’t you put the toad in your pocket?” asked Ned, knowing the scientist had no scruples about loading his garments up with all sorts of things. “Then you would have one hand free.”
“I never thought of that,” said Mr. Snodgrass. “I can do that, can’t I?”
He did so, and, once the toad was secure he took hold of the turtle, which relieved his lacerated thumb from the dragging weight.
“He won’t let go!” exclaimed the professor, after a vain attempt to pull the turtle loose. “It is a genuine snapper, and they have a grip like a bull dog. I am glad I found it, in spite of the pain,” he added, though just then, the turtle took a fresh hold and the professor squirmed in agony.