“And I didn’t get my singing-fish, after all,” sighed Mr. Snodgrass.
“We were lucky to get off with our lives,” remarked Jerry. “But you’ll have another chance for your prize, professor.”
It soon got dark, and once more, with her searchlight aglow, the Comet sped on through the night. As before, the boys took turns looking for any strange lights which might indicate the balloon of which they were in search. But morning came with no sign of her.
It was a calm day, and, after travelling for some miles in the new direction, and seeing nothing, Jerry yielded to the requests of the scientist, and again let the craft float on the hydroplanes.
“For we are now over the region where I expect to find the singing-fish,” said the professor, “and it would be a pity not to try to get it.”
The boys thought so, too, and though they were anxious to keep on with their quest, they could not refuse to give the professor a little time. He used his net for several hours, bringing up many strange creatures of the sea. Some of these he kept for himself, or for brother scientists, but the odd fish was not among them.
Jerry was about to tell Mr. Snodgrass that they could not spare more time, when the scientist, who had his net overboard, suddenly called:
“Oh, boys, I’ve got something big! Help me pull it in!” He was laboring at the rope, and evidently something was in the net, for there was a turmoil in the water, and the professor nearly went overboard.
“Quick! Help him!” yelled Jerry.
Bob and Ned sprang to the aid of the little man, and, by a strong pull, had the net on deck. It contained but one fish, a large one, that flopped violently about the deck, as if in protest at the treatment it had received.