“Yes, and the valuable clay with it,” declared Professor Snodgrass. “I will testify in her favor, and I have the documents to prove it.”
“When did you discover them?” asked Ned, eagerly.
“One day, as I say, when I was out hunting specimens. I had just caught a rare bug, and was putting it in the box, when the paper attracted my attention. Then, as I took it out and put the paper in my pocket, I saw a rare butterfly. I made a reach for it with the net, and fell over the ledge.
“I remembered nothing more for some time. When I recovered consciousness I found myself, badly injured, at the foot of the cliff. My water bottle and lunch box had fallen near me, and I managed to eat and drink. But I could not move. I called for help, but none came. Then I lost consciousness again, and I remembered nothing more until—until just before the operation.
“I understand you boys found me. You saved my life!”
“And you have saved my mother’s property!” voiced Jerry.
“You will find the papers to prove the fraud in my coat,” the professor said, and there they were. Jerry took charge of them.
“Then you haven’t found the two-tailed lizard?” asked Bob.
“No, and I am afraid I never shall,” was the discouraged answer. “I don’t believe there are any up here.”
Everyone in the camp was in a happy mood. As the days passed the professor grew stronger. There was no question now about his recovery. Jerry had sent the good news to his mother, and had communicated with the family lawyer, who promised to see that action was taken against the swindlers.