“We can go part way in the motor boat, and the rest of the way in our auto,” Ned explained. “We left our car at Waydell. We can pick it up there.”
“That’s good!” exclaimed the physician. “Now, then, you had better make your preparations at once. It will take you nearly three days to go down there, get Dr. Wright and get back here. If we were near a railroad it would be easier; but we are not. There is every need for haste! I’ll write that note at once.”
“And we’ll get ready to go,” said Jerry. “Bob, you and I will make the trip by auto and boat. Ned and Andy will stay here with the professor.”
“And I’ll stay, too!” exclaimed Dr. Brown. “He should not be left without medical attendance. You may tell Dr. Wright that I am with the patient.”
Ned and Andy looked relieved at hearing this.
Little beyond some food, and some extra clothing, was taken by Jerry and Bob. The motor boat was well stocked, and there was plenty of oil and gasoline for the trip to Waydell. Another supply could be put aboard there while the remainder of the trip was being made in the auto.
“You can stop at the hermit’s, and send word to have my horse taken to my home,” said Dr. Brown, as he handed Jerry the note for Dr. Wright. “I will stay here until you return. Now go, and good luck go with you.”
It was nearly five o’clock in the afternoon when Jerry and Bob started off in the boat. They had taken a last look at Professor Snodgrass. The scientist had roused a little, and had seemed to recognize Jerry, for he had murmured, looking full at the tall lad:
“Don’t mind—it’s all right—I have the papers—the yellow mud—I’ll explain—the scoundrels—the two-tailed——” and then he lapsed into unconsciousness again.