“Just a moment!” exclaimed the scientist. “I thought I saw a new kind of water spider. Yes, there it is! Hold the boat back a moment, Jerry.”
“Can’t do it!” cried the tall lad. “This current is fierce!”
The professor suddenly made a lunge over the side with outstretched hands, and the boat careened dangerously.
“Look out!” cried Jerry.
“I’ve got him!” answered the professor. “Oh, it’s a fine specimen! I never had one so good. Where’s my spider-box?” and with one hand tightly clasped, holding the water insect, the scientist, with the other, began searching in his pockets for the box to contain his prize.
“I’ll get it for you,” volunteered Bob.
“It’s in my left hand coat pocket,” said the professor.
The insect was soon in captivity and then, as the boat shot ahead under increased power, due to the change in the gasolene mixture, all on board gazed at the floating boathouse, and the unfortunate owner of it, who was still rushing about, unable to do anything to help himself.
“Look!” cried Andy. “It’s going to flop over!”
It did seem as if the structure would turn turtle, but a swirl in the current righted it, and once more it floated on a level keel, so to speak.