“And Noddy Nixon’s cocoanut grove,” added Jerry. “I wonder if we’ll see him?” He also thought of the deed to the land his mother had bought, and vaguely dwelt on the possibility of locating it.
“Now I must get seriously to work and look for my rare butterfly,” remarked the professor, as he began to rummage among his nets and other insect-catching accessories. “I hope you boys will be on the watch for it, as it means a great deal to me.”
They assured him that they would, and then Ned, who was steering, increased the speed of the motor until the boat shot along at a fast rate through the blue waters of the lake.
“Look there!” cried Bob suddenly, pointing just ahead.
“What is it?” asked Jerry.
“A big fish leaped half way out of the water. There must be fine sport here. I’m going to try to catch some for dinner, as it’s almost noon.”
“Go ahead,” remarked Ned. “I’ll slow down for you.”
Bob baited his hook and, in a short time had caught a fine fish. Then Jerry joined him in the sport, and in half an hour they had enough for a meal. They went ashore, and Jerry, who volunteered to act as cook, quickly had the finny specimens frying in bacon fat which browned to a golden hue the corn meal into which the fish were dipped.
There wasn’t much left when they cleared away the wooden dishes that they used, and then, after a consultation, it was decided to camp for a few days at the spot where they had landed. This would give their cuts a chance to heal and by making short excursions here and there they could get acquainted with the character of the lake.
It was on the third day of their camping out on the shore of Lake Okeechobee that, as they were returning in the motor boat one afternoon Jerry, who had taken the wheel, suddenly called out: