specimen of mud turtle, that he has forgotten all about writing,"
suggested Bob. "If he doesn't--"

What Bob intended saying was interrupted by a commotion at the front
door. The bell had rung a few seconds before, and the servant maid had
answered it. Now the boys heard her voice raised in protest:

"Stop! Stop!" she cried. "Don't do that! You are a crazy man! I'll
call the police!"

And, in reply came these words:

"Calm yourself, calm yourself, my dear young lady. All I desire is to
capture that spider crawling on your left arm. It is a very valuable
variety of the red spotted species, and I must have it for my
collection. Now just stand still a moment--"

"Professor Snodgrass has arrived!" cried Ned, as he made a rush for
the door.

CHAPTER VI

A STRANGE CONVERSATION

WHAT the boys saw made them stop short in amazement, and they had hard
work not to burst into laughter at the sight of the professor, but
they knew he would be offended if they made fun of him.

Professor Uriah Snodgrass had dropped his valise on the doorstep, and
the impact had caused it to open, thereby liberating a number of toads