“He’s off gathering birds, bugs or reptiles,” said Jerry. “He’ll come when he feels good and hungry.”
“He’s more likely to forget all about being hungry if he gets chasing a fine specimen,” remarked Ned. “I think I’ll just take a stroll and see if I can come across him.”
“We’ll go along,” said Jerry and Bob.
So the three started off together. They could easily follow the professor’s trail, as he had broken through the underbrush, snapping off many twigs and breaking small branches. The boys wandered on for nearly a mile, but saw no sign of the scientist. They were about to turn back, and wait for him at camp, when Jerry held up his hand to indicate silence.
“Hark!” he whispered.
The others stood still, and, listening intently, heard above the patter of the raindrops, voices in conversation.
“That’s the professor,” said Ned.
“Some one is with him then,” put in Jerry. “They are coming this way.”
The sounds of persons advancing through the bushes could be heard. The voices also sounded plainer. A minute later the brush was parted and the professor, followed by a woman, came out into the little clearing where the boys were. At the sight of the woman, Jerry started, for he recognized her as the strange person who had been with the old man the night previous. The professor seemed excited about something.