As it was, chance came to the aid of the three boys. They were wandering about, now and then going up on deck to see if the fog had lifted, coming down again, disappointed because it had not, when, as they were watching a group of sailors putting fresh water in some of the boats that were always kept in readiness for instant use, they heard a well-remembered voice saying:
“Just a moment, now! Just a moment, I beg of you. Don’t stir hand or foot!”
“And why shouldn’t I stir hand or foot?” asked a truculent voice. “Do you think I can stand here all day while you’re creepin’ up on me like a scalping Indian?”
“One moment! Only a second more, I beg of you!” went on the first voice. “There is on your left leg one of the finest specimens of sea-leech I have ever seen, and I want him!”
“A leech! You’re welcome to him!” cried the other voice, and through the fog the three boys saw looming a strange sight.
A sailor was swabbing part of the deck, and he stood with his mop half raised from the pail while stealthily approaching him was the figure of a little bald-headed man, wearing across his nose powerful spectacles.
And it needed but a moment’s glance at the little man to show that he was none other than Professor Snodgrass. Bob impulsively murmured his name.
The little scientist, edging his way along the fog-wreathed deck toward the poised sailor, gave one glance and noticed the three chums.
“Oh, boys! Glad to see you!” he exclaimed, as though they had just left him the day before. “Please don’t move. I am about to make a most important capture. One moment, my friend. Don’t stir hand or foot. In a moment——”
The professor’s words were interrupted by a chorus of terrific shouts. There was a confusion of voices, mingling with the frantic clanging of a bell and the hoarse tooting of the big whistle.