“Did a snake bite you?” inquired Jerry anxiously.
“No! I’ve got three of the butterflies! I caught them in the swamp a few minutes ago!” cried the delighted professor, and, hurrying up to the boys he showed in a little glass-sided box, the beautiful insects. The bodies were pink, while the large wings were of mingled blue and gold.
“I’ve got them!” repeated Mr. Snodgrass. “They were feeding on some beautiful flowers and first I thought they were blossoms, but their wings moved and I put the net over them. Now I’ll get the reward and a commission to travel all over the world for the museum. Oh, boys! This has been a most delightful trip!”
“With certain parts left out,” murmured Jerry, and Bob agreed with him.
“We’ll start back to-morrow,” went on the scientist. “I want to get these butterflies to the museum as soon as possible.”
They broke camp the next morning. Noddy, sullen and unhappy, accompanied them. Now that his mind was at peace from having secured his prize, the professor began to study Noddy’s case. He learned what the red berries were, and by looking in some of his scientific books discovered a remedy. This he administered the unfortunate youth who, in a few days, had his hearing completely restored.
“We’d better give him the message now,” said Jerry one afternoon, and, as communication was now easier Noddy was told of being wanted as a witness in the lighthouse matter. He said nothing on hearing this, but showed by his manner that he was alarmed.
“I don’t believe he’ll answer that summons,” ventured Jerry, and he was right. The next morning Noddy’s bunk in the Dartaway was vacant. He had slipped away in the night. However, the chums did not worry about him as they were near Kissimmee City and they thought Noddy could take care of himself, now that his hearing was restored.