“Nor we as long as we have you,” said Olivia, with another hugging in which her sisters joined her.
The boys and Mr. Seabury discussed what had happened and came to the conclusion that all around the two lakes, as well as in them, must be large masses of floating vegetation in the form of islands which drifted here and there. The falling of Butterfly Lake would have affected Lake Okeechobee by drawing water from it through the second passage had not the small island acted as a dam. When the passage was opened by the hurricane blowing the island out of the way, there would have been a strong current from Lake Okeechobee into the other body of water but for the fact that the smaller lake suddenly ceased falling.
The boys learned later, from Chief Ottiby, that Butterfly Lake was a strange one and frequently fell as the water flowed off through some unknown opening. Then it would as suddenly cease, and regain its former level. This was now taking place, and the water was again rising.
“Well, you boys certainly have had some queer experiences since coming here,” remarked Mr. Seabury when all that had happened in the last few days had been told. “I have been wondering what you came to Florida for.”
“We came for several reasons,” said Jerry. “The professor wanted to get his rare butterfly, but he hasn’t got it yet. We boys wanted some adventures and we also had a message to deliver to an acquaintance.”
“Yes, and we forgot to deliver it,” put in Ned.
“We will later, however,” resumed Jerry. “Also I was going to look up some land my mother owns somewhere down here.”
“Where is it?”
“I don’t know exactly, but I suppose the deed tells.” Later the widow’s son showed Mr. Seabury the document.