Bob stood for several minutes as though transfixed. Then, as though the full meaning of his chum’s words had been suddenly released, he jumped up with a shout of joy.
“Africa!” Bob cried. “Hurrah!”
“And still you wonder why I did all that jumping around a while ago,” grinned Joe.
“So that was it?” asked Bob. “Well, why didn’t you tell me?”
“So you’re going to Africa, are you?” came from Chubby Stevens. “Gonna start a circus?”
“Hardly,” returned Joe. “Dead animals are bad enough to bring back, let alone live ones. But right now, Chubby, come in the house. The lawn isn’t any place to visit.”
The remainder of that day Bob and Joe spent in entertaining their friend from Houston. The three visited the museum and had a long talk with Mr. Holton and Mr. Lewis, who at once took a liking to Chubby. Then, after viewing the many specimens of animal life that had recently been brought back from the Andes, the three drove around the city, noting the United States Capitol, the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, and many other notable attractions.
Very late that afternoon Bob and Joe let their friend out in front of the hotel in which he and his father were staying. Chubby explained that, as they were to start back to Houston before daylight the next morning, he could not remain longer with his friends.
“Watch yourselves while you’re in Africa,” he warned, as parting words. “Don’t get on the inside of a lion.”
“We’ll try not to,” laughed Bob, and then, with a final farewell, he sent the car homeward.