“It’s time Joe and I were springing a surprise on you,” said Bob, with a wink at his chum.
There was a quizzical look on the faces of the naturalists.
“Very well,” smiled Mr. Lewis, his eyes twinkling. “What is your surprise?”
“How would you like to see the wild beasts better?” asked Bob, repeating the question asked by the engineer.
Mr. Holton answered on the moment.
“We’d like it so well that we intend to occupy the seat on the cowcatcher of the engine,” he said casually.
Bob groaned hopelessly.
“Good-bye surprise,” he snorted. “Doggone it, Dad. You two are away too wise for us. We ought to tell you something about the Amazon jungle, I guess, instead of picking on Africa. We ought to be able to. We were lost in it long enough.”
“I get it,” laughed Mr. Lewis. “You were going to tell us about the wonderful possibilities for sightseeing while seated at the front of the locomotive. Why didn’t you keep still, Howard, and let them have their fun?”
“Sorry,” grinned Mr. Holton. “Next time I’ll be as mum as a giraffe.”