“I wish I was going with you,” he said, with a pleasant smile, after they had told him something of the trip they had in view.
“Why can’t you?” inquired Jerry. “We are going into somewhat new territory, and you may be able to collect some fine specimens. We can easily make room for you.”
“I might go along with you on a horse,” ventured the little man.
“That’s too risky,” observed Nestor. “Take the boys’ offer and come along without a horse.”
“I believe I will; I have nothing to keep me here,” said the bug collector, and so it was arranged.
A good stock of provisions was laid in, the auto being piled with all it could hold and still leave room for the five passengers. Nestor said they would probably have to camp out a few nights, as on leaving Kansas and skirting down into New Mexico, settlements were few and far between. So some rubber and woolen blankets were added to the outfit.
So far the weather had been fine, but this morning there was a haze in the sky that denoted a storm. It did not worry any one, however, and made the professor smile.
“There’ll be so many more grasshoppers and bugs for me after the shower,” he observed.
An hour passed, and the auto was bowling along at a good pace on a level stretch of road. Soon Nestor, who was sitting in front with Bob, who was steering, jumped up.
“What’s the matter?” inquired Jerry. “One of the professor’s grasshoppers bite you?”