“Yes, a few minutes more and we would have been gone,” observed Ned. “But you didn’t bring your trunk with you, Professor.”
“No, I couldn’t manage it with my box of specimens, spare cases in which to put new specimens I may get, my net and other things,” and, truly, it did seem as if the professor could not have carried another thing, for every pocket bulged with something, and over his shoulders and around his waist were strapped boxes and cases, besides various nets, and other instruments he used in his capture of insects and reptiles. “I will buy extra clothing at the first place we stop,” went on the scientist. “But you boys haven’t yet told me why you are going West, and your father didn’t mention it, Bob.”
“We are going out to inspect our mine,” spoke Jerry quickly, at the same time guardedly motioning to Bob and Ned not to say anything about the incident of Jackson Bell, the former hermit. “We have heard that some one may try to get possession of it and we want to stop him.” Jerry decided it would be just as well, for the present, not to mention the trouble they had had with Noddy Nixon, and he also resolved to keep silent regarding the strange mystery they hoped to solve.
“Well, your plans will not be interfered with by me,” continued Uriah Snodgrass. “I will go anywhere you do, and look for the flying lizard.” The professor went on, and told of his hurried trip to Cresville, that he might join his friends. They talked of former trips, of his pursuit of the wonderful butterfly in the everglades of Florida, and of his search for the horned toad in California.
All this while the airship kept on, increasing her distance from the home of the boys. Jerry had sent the Comet up about two thousand feet, and finding favorable currents of air there kept her in that position. It was an easy matter to go higher or lower as they desired.
In about an hour, during which time many reminiscences had been exchanged, Bob exhibited signs of uneasiness.
“What’s the matter, Chunky?” inquired Ned. “Has one of the professor’s pink fleas got inside your clothes?”
“I sincerely trust not,” said the scientist in apprehension.
“No, it isn’t that,” replied the stout lad, somewhat awkwardly. “I—er—that is—I was just wondering if I hadn’t better go and see about getting dinner.”
“Dinner? Why, you lobster, it’s only ten o’clock!” cried Jerry.