“Where is the place?” asked Jerry.
“It lies to the east of the lake we discovered,” replied the scientist. “I must start at once. Those butterflies are scarce and I can’t afford to take any chances on losing one.”
In spite of the dangers that Mr. Seabury and his daughters hinted at, and the objections the boys raised, the professor was determined to accompany the colored men. Mr. Seabury went below and took a look at the negroes. He had to admit that they were good-natured appearing enough, with broad grins on their shining, black faces and a manner which seemed to preclude any desire to do any one an injury.
“Since you have to start from Butterfly Lake why not go with us as far as there in the motor boat,” proposed Ned. “The men can follow in their canoe, or we’ll tow them. Then we can make a permanent camp, and you’ll know where to head for when you get ready to come back with your butterfly.”
This seemed a good idea to the professor and he agreed to it. The colored men made no objection, but, on the other hand, seemed to favor the proposition, which made Mr. Seabury all the more suspicious.
“I believe those negroes are up to some trick,” he said to his daughters as their visitors prepared to leave. “I can’t say what it is, but I’m very suspicious. I don’t believe those black men know anything about the butterfly.”
“What can we do, father?” asked Rose.
“Nothing, I’m afraid. Yet I’ll be on the watch. The Wanderer is not a fast boat, but I think I’ll keep it near the entrance to Butterfly Lake for a few days. I may be able to render some assistance to the professor.”
When good-byes had been said, and assurances given on the part of Mr. Snodgrass and the boys that they would see their friends of the houseboat again, the Dartaway, towing the canoe with the three negroes, was headed for the stream of water that connected the two lakes.
A good place for a camp was found near a small stream that flowed through the everglades, and up which watercourse the negroes said they proposed taking the professor in the canoe to search for the butterfly.