Bob grew quieter as the motion of the boat soothed him. In a short time the craft was close enough to shore, for the professor’s voice to be plainly heard.
“What’s the matter?” he called.
“Bottom dropped out of the lake,” cried Ned, giving his favorite reason for the strange action of the water. “We’ll come as close as we can. Are you all right?”
“Fairly so,” answered Mr. Snodgrass.
He was soon aboard and, in a few words, the boys told him what had happened since he went away.
“Bob sick!” the scientist exclaimed. “Let me look at him. I have some medicine among my things.”
By the light of a lantern Mr. Snodgrass examined Bob. He seemed grave when he had finished and at once began searching among his boxes.
“Is he—is he very bad?” asked Jerry.
“I’m afraid so,” was the reply. “The fever has been allowed to run too long. You did the best you could, but the medicine you had was not strong enough. What I have will hardly answer but it is the best I can do. It may break up the fever. I’ll try it at any rate.”
The professor soon had a dose mixed and gave it to Bob. In a little while the lad’s breathing was easier, and he seemed to be sleeping more naturally.