“What is it?” asked Ned. “Has anything happened?” for the small chap seemed quite excited.
“I wanted to see you last night—couldn’t—had too much to do—got up early this morning—came down here on the run—saw the train moving—yelled—engineer wouldn’t stop—say—if you catch any manatees down there—Florida I mean—save me a little one—I want to tame it—will—you—please—can’t talk any—more! Out—of—breath!”
By this time Andy was being distanced by the train and his wind was almost expended.
“I’ll bring you one!” cried Bob, who was good natured and always ready to accommodate a friend. “I’ll bring you one, Andy,” and he waved his hand to the excited boy.
“I say, Professor,” went on Bob, a little later, “are there any manatees in Florida?”
“There used to be quite a number but I’m afraid they have been mostly killed off. Still there may be a few. Why?”
“A friend of mine wants one and I promised to bring him a little one. If you happen to see any, please let me know.”
“I wonder if Bob has any idea of the size of a manatee or sea-cow?” put in Jerry, with a little smile. “How large do they grow, Professor?”
“Well I have seen them weighing nearly a thousand pounds, but I suppose the average is nearer eight hundred.”