This was Martin Haypole, the professor’s right-hand man.
The Yankee was not over thirty years of age, and had it not been for the thin bunch of yellow hair he wore on his chin, he would have been a fair-looking man.
Martin was about six feet two inches in height, and weighed probably one hundred and thirty-five pounds; thus it will be seen that he possessed not an ounce of superfluous flesh.
He had often remarked that what he lacked the professor amply made up for, and vice versa.
But what are these two curious individuals doing in this wild part of Florida? the reader may ask.
The question is answered in a very few words.
Prof. Remington Easy was of an exploring turn of mind.
About a month before the opening of our story he became deeply interested in that vast, unexplored region in the southern part of Florida known as the Everglades.
The more he studied over the matter the more he became desirous of penetrating the heart of the swamp and discovering something wonderful.
The professor possessed an unlimited supply of cash, and he spared no expense in fitting himself out for his trip.