The professor gave an involuntary shudder as the recollection of that protracted soaking in ice water of the previous Saturday night flashed across his mind.
Discretion prompted him to give a negative response. Curiosity, however, got the better of discretion, and he accepted the invitation.
"I'll be on hand," said he. "There's no fun standing in that cold water, especially when you get no fish; but if you can stand it I guess I can."
At the appointed time the boys came by, when, the professor joining them, they proceeded to the fish trap.
On arriving there, Mose produced a couple of pieces of candle, one of which he proceeded to light and put in the lantern. It was nearly twice as long as the one they had burned out on the previous occasion.
The other piece he placed in the lantern, so that it could be easily got at if it should be needed.
This latter piece Mose had had manufactured himself especially for the occasion, and had taken some little pains in its construction.
After soaking the wick in water until it was perfectly saturated, he had taken a skillet and melted some tallow therein; then placing the wick in a mould, he filled the latter with the melted tallow, and the thing was accomplished.
This particular candle he had carefully marked, so as to be able to distinguish it from any other candle.
Before completing their arrangements at the fish trap, preparatory to beginning the drive, the professor proposed that one of the boys should take his place at the trap while he accompanied the others and assisted in driving the fish.