Then, with a sudden yank the professor succeeded in drawing the animal from its burrow. It was a repulsive-looking creature of the lizard variety, and as the professor held it up by the tail it wiggled and tried to escape.
“Now I have you, my little darling!” the naturalist cried, popping his prize into his collecting-box.
“That would never take a prize at a beauty show,” observed Ned. “I wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.”
“Well, this has been a most profitable day,” went on the collector, as, with the boys, he turned toward their residence in the old temple. “I must come back this afternoon for the cabinet of curios.”
Without further incident, save that nearly every step of the homeward journey the professor stopped to pick up some relic, the travelers reached the temple.
“Here goes for another bath!” cried Bob, running toward the room where the plunge was. “I’m nearly melted by the heat.”
“I’m with you!” said Jerry.
Suddenly they heard the professor’s voice calling them.
“I wonder what in the world is the matter now?” said Jerry.