“I was just thinking the same thing myself,” Ned went, “and I didn’t want my bad presentment to be seconded.”
“You fellows are talking nonsense,” spoke Jerry. “Come on until we find a hotel. Then I’ll inquire about the boat. But where is the professor?”
“He was here a moment ago,” replied Ned.
“There he is,” said Bob, pointing to the figure of the scientist. Mr. Snodgrass was on his hands and knees on the depot platform, while near him, in the glare of a lamp, stood a small crowd.
“Is he hurt?” asked Bob, in some alarm.
“More likely he’s trying to catch a new specimen of a hop-toad,” was Jerry’s idea.
As the boys approached the professor they saw he had in his hand a small net with which he was endeavoring to capture something.
“Did yo’ lose anything, stranger?” asked a tall langy southerner, as he observed the professor. “If yo’ did, say the word and we’ll all jine in an’ help yo’ look for it, suah!”
“Thank you,” replied the scientist, not looking up from his occupation. “I just saw a very rare specimen of a red flea, and I want to catch it for my collection.”