“Oh, no,” declared the professor simply. “I would be willing to lie here all night this way, for the sake of getting such a fine specimen.”
There was no getting him to change his mind, or slip off his glove, and let the turtle go. So shovels were sent for, and, after some work, the hole was made larger, until the professor was able to put in his other arm and pull out the turtle.
“Oh, you little beauty!” he exclaimed, as he held up the wiggling reptile. “You are indeed valuable! Why that specimen is worth at least fifty dollars!” he said.
“I know a pond full of ’em, and I’ll give you all you want for a quarter,” said one of Mr. Glassford’s men.
“Not this kind,” asserted the professor proudly, as he bore off his prize.
“Will you give me a ride in the airship, for bringing you news of the professor?” asked Andy, as he walked back with the boys. He had calmed down somewhat.
“Sure we will,” agreed Jerry. “You can come on the trial trip we’re going to take to-morrow or next day—if you promise not to yell in case we fall.”
“All right—I promise,” said Andy, after thinking it over.
Uriah Snodgrass, who was stopping at Jerry’s house pending the start for Danforth, suffered no ill effects from his experience with the turtle, and the next day was hunting new specimens with as much energy as before. He was anxious to get started on his quest for the singing fish, but, in the meanwhile, occupied himself as best he could.
It was found impossible to get the Comet in readiness for a trial the next day, but on the following one, when the last adjustments had been made to the machinery, Jerry decided that it would be safe to risk a flight. Mr. Glassford and his men had completed their work, and departed, and our three heroes, together with Andy Rush and Professor Snodgrass, made up the party that entered the cabin of the motor-ship after it was wheeled out of the barn.