Now and then they saw big snakes, and they passed several alligators without at first knowing what the saurians were, as they looked so much like floating logs of wood. When they did discover that the “logs” were alive the boys tried several shots at them but without success.
They camped on shore one night but the mosquitoes and fleas were so bad that thereafter they stayed on the boat until out of that district. They caught several fine messes of fish and had a glorious time. At the close of the fourth day they approached the end of the lake. By reference to the map they discovered that they were near to the land of the everglades, those trackless patches of dense swamp, lonely and dangerous, inhabited only by negroes and Indians.
“We ought to see signs of my prize butterfly soon,” remarked the professor as the boat was speeding along. “I hope I shall soon capture a specimen.”
“There’s some kind of a butterfly!” exclaimed Bob, pointing ahead to where a brilliantly-colored insect was flying over the water.
“Quick!” cried the professor. “Speed up the boat, Jerry. It looks like one!”
The craft was put after the butterfly which was winging its way toward shore. As the _Dartaway_ advanced the boys noticed that they were entering a narrow part of the lake. The width of water quickly decreased until they were in what corresponded to a river.
“This is queer,” said Jerry. “The map doesn’t show any place like this.”
“Keep on!” cried the scientist, anxious only about the butterfly.
The insect led them a long chase. Straight ahead it flew, and, as the travelers went on they found themselves between two closely wooded banks.
“We’ve left Lake Okeechobee behind!” exclaimed Ned.
Hardly had he spoken ere the view changed. They rounded a point of land and came out on a broad sheet of dark green water.
“It’s another lake!” exclaimed Jerry. “It must be a strange one, as there is nothing in the guide book about it, or on the map. Boys, maybe we’ve discovered a new lake!”
“It’s big enough!” remarked Ned, as he pointed to the distant shore that marked the boundary.
“Yes, and it’s full of alligators!” cried Bob, indicating several long black objects floating in the placid water.
“Give me a gun!” cried Ned. “I’m going to try and hit one in the eye. I’ve read that’s the place to shoot ’em!”