Barry, convulsed with laughter, which seemed very strangely out of place, pointed up into the air, as if to explain his untimely mirth.
The others looked, and instantly the expression on their faces changed from the serious to the comic. And no wonder. There was the light little naturalist coming down, sailing slowly and majestically toward the ground, and holding with both hands to his large umbrella.
His brilliant idea had proved a success.
CHAPTER XV.
WHY RALPH WAS CALLED THE “HUNTER HERCULES.”
How the naturalist happened to think of this very extraordinary idea, none of the others knew. They saw, however, that it had proved a success, and that was enough just then.
Monsieur Tierney was not hurt in the least, for the big umbrella had let him down as softly as though it had just been made for that purpose. The three others soon had hold of the Frenchman, but they could not hold him long.
Breaking away, he rushed over to where his case lay, and opening it, he began to laugh with joy when he found the precious herb just as he had left it. The guide soon explained the curious (to the young hunter and Barry) antics of his patron.
“Ye see, boys, he cum out to find an ’arb that he sed would make him famous, an’ I guess he’s found it. Ye must excuse him, for ye know he’s only a Parley Voo, frog-eating Frenchman.”
At length they managed to get the “mounseer,” as Ralph called the naturalist, over to where the fire was burning.
The guide cut off the choice portions of the defunct bear, and then followed them. The naturalist held his case under his arm, as if it was a loving friend, and in truth was it not?