The plan was agreed to, and the boys tried several shots at loons and alligators. Jerry succeeded in wounding one of the big saurians, but the creature buried itself in the mud and the boys could not get it.
“We’ll take the boat to-morrow,” said Ned, “and have a try at some of these big lizards. If we could skin one or two we’d have some nice hides to show for our trip.”
“Excuse me from skinning alligators,” remarked Bob, making a wry face. “The weather is too hot.”
As they started back for camp Bob espied a bush laden with yellow fruit. He approached it on the run.
“Just what I’ve been wishing for!” he exclaimed, pulling off some and beginning to eat them.
“Hold on!” cried Jerry. “What are those things? They may be poison.”
“They’re mangoes,” answered Bob, eating his second one.
“Are you sure?” and Jerry looked doubtful.
“Of course,” answered the always-hungry youth. “I’ve read about them and I know.”
“Better leave ’em alone,” advised Jerry. “They may be the mango fruit, but I wouldn’t take any chances. Besides, if they are mangoes, this variety, from having grown in the everglades, may be poisonous.”