regular program.

The other passengers were returning to their berths to finish
dressing, and soon the excitement that followed the accident had
almost disappeared. Breakfast was served, and there was nothing to do
but to wait for the arrival of the wrecking crew.

"What's the matter with taking a stroll across the prairie?" suggested
Jerry, when the boys and the professor had finished their morning
meal. "There's no fun sitting here in the car all day."

"Good idea!" exclaimed Ned. "I'm with you. Maybe Chunky will be afraid
to come, for fear train robbers will carry off the dining car while
he's gone."

"Oh, you let up!" retorted Bob. "You like to eat as much as I do."

"Not quite as much, Chunky, but I admit I like my three square meals a
day."

"Where are you going, boys?" asked the professor, looking up from his
book, as he saw the three chums leaving the car.

"Out for a walk across the prairie," replied Ned.

"Wait, and I'll go with you. I might get some new specimens. I must
never waste an opportunity," and, placing in his pockets several small
boxes to hold any possible captives he might get in his butterfly net,
the scientist was ready.