“Glad to meet you, young gentlemen!” exclaimed the professor, rubbing his hands. “I thought us two were the only ones in this wild place. I am glad that such is not the case, though, I assure you. For had it not been for you, both Haypole and myself would surely have been devoured by that ferocious monster. All on account of his pig-headedness, too.”
“Now, see here, professor,” put in the Yankee, “I ain’t a-goin’ ter quarrel with you ag’in under no consideration. This oughter be a lesson for us both. Why, I swan ter Guinea! that little foolishness nearly cost us both our nat’ral lives! Come aboard, boys; I’ve got some fine, old Medford rum here, an’ gosh! if I don’t stand treat.”
The smell of the blood from the dead alligator was drawing others to the spot, and both Leo and Dick deemed it advisable to board the boat.
They at once clambered over the gunwale of the Maid of the Marsh, and then, tying their canoe to the stern, questioned the professor and Haypole as to where they had come from, and what they were doing there.
In a very matter-of-fact way Prof. Easy related his whole story, word for word, and in conclusion said:
“Now, then, young gentlemen, tell us how we came to find you in this dangerous and unhealthy place.”
It did not take Dick Vincey long to do this, and when he had finished all four seemed glad that the meeting had taken place.
“Leo Malvern and Dick Vincey, eh?” said Prof. Easy. “Well, I’ll tell you both bluntly that I like you. I am now going to make a proposition to you, which you can accept or decline as you see fit.”
“What is it?” asked Leo.
“I would like to have you accompany me on my exploring trip. You are both made of the right sort of material for such an undertaking; and, if my theory proves correct, you will assist me in making one of the greatest discoveries the world has ever known.”