He was soon in conversation with the colored men, who explained they had heard of the scientist’s object from one of their number who had come from the village where the travelers had last stopped, and where the professor had talked of the butterfly.
“I hope he doesn’t allow himself to be persuaded to accompany those men,” said Mr. Seabury to the three boys. “I believe they would kill him for what valuables he carried, once they got him off in the swamp.”
“They are worse than the Seminole Indians,” declared Mr. Seabury. “I would sooner trust one of the latter than a negro of the everglades.”
“I hope the professor doesn’t go,” remarked Rose. “I like him so much. He’s just like a very old friend of mine who was a teacher in the college I attended.”
“Mr. Snodgrass is his own master,” said Mr. Seabury. “We can only advise him.”
At that moment the scientist came back on the upper deck.
“I’m on the right track,” he declared, his eyes shining with excitement. “Those colored men know just where the butterfly has its haunts. I’m going with them. It is only a day’s journey.”
“We’ll go along in the motor boat as far as possible,” said Jerry.
“No, no!” objected Mr. Snodgrass. “We have to go into the swamp where only a canoe can be used. Besides, the puffing of the boat’s engine might frighten the butterfly. I must go alone with these men. They are honest I’m sure. They will make a camp for the night and they say they have food enough for me also.”
“Of course you know your own business,” said Mr. Seabury, “but I wouldn’t trust them, professor.”
“Oh, I’m sure they will not harm me,” the scientist replied. “Besides, I have nothing they could steal. I have promised to pay them well if they bring me to the place where I can get my prize butterfly.”
“It lies to the east of the lake we discovered,” replied the scientist. “I must start at once. Those butterflies are scarce and I can’t afford to take any chances on losing one.”
In spite of the dangers that Mr. Seabury and his daughters hinted at, and the objections the boys raised, the professor was determined to accompany the colored men. Mr. Seabury went below and took a look at the negroes. He had to admit that they were good-natured appearing enough, with broad grins on their shining, black faces and a manner which seemed to preclude any desire to do any one an injury.