“That was a lucky break for us,” said Bob.
“You bet it was, Chunky,” agreed Ned. “If we hadn’t recovered the auto we would have had to walk back home, and home is a good ways from here.”
Repairs to the machine were quickly made, and then, with light hearts, the adventurers took their places and started forward once again.
Nothing in the car had been disturbed, and even the collection of insects made by Professor Snodgrass had not been harmed. The steady chug-chug and puff-puff of the motor was heard as the adventurers moved on up the mountain.
They stopped for dinner on top of a little hill in the midst of a grove of trees. A fire was kindled, coffee made, and some canned provisions set out.
“This is something like,” observed Bob, smacking his lips over some preserved tongue.
“I’d have given five dollars for a cup of coffee last night,” spoke Nestor.
“Me, too,” said the hunter.
“I am so thankful my specimens are safe I could go without eating for a week,” put in Professor Snodgrass, at which they all laughed.
Taking a comfortable rest under the trees until the afternoon sun went down a little, the adventurers were thoroughly enjoying the pleasant day. Suddenly Broswick started up.