“I’m sorry you had such a scare on my account,” remarked the professor more soberly. “You see I had no idea that I was causing you worry. I was sitting on the back of the airship, wishing I could catch some specimen, when I heard a buzzing sound. I looked, and there, following us was one of these rare insects.
“I at once got my longest-handled net, but when I tried to catch the little beauty it dodged me. Finally it went down just below us, and the only way I could reach it was to lie on my face, reach out and down as far as I could, and swoop for it.”
“A mighty risky thing to do,” commented Jerry, for in some matters the professor was like a child.
“I know it,” the scientist agreed cheerfully. “Once I thought sure I was going to fall.”
“How did it make you feel?” asked Bob, curious to know.
“Well, all I remember thinking is that the high-flying June bug would get away, or that some other scientist would capture him. Then I managed to get it in my net, and just at that moment you boys came along, and grabbed me by the legs.”
“Well, please don’t do it again,” begged Jerry, trying not to smile.
“I won’t,” promised the professor.
“Supper’s getting cold,” observed Bob ruefully. “Come on, I’m hungry!”
“Same old tune!” mocked Jerry, and there was a laugh that somewhat relieved the strain under which they were.