"Yes, you will!" exclaimed Frank, somewhat indignantly. "You want us to run all the risks! No, sir, you put the lamp down and pitch in yourself. If we get bit, so do you."
"But the lamp won't give any light unless I press the spring," explained Bart, for the electric switch was thus operated.
"I'll show you how to make it," volunteered Ned. "I can fasten the spring with a match," which he proceeded to do, the light glowing without any one touching the spring. Bart had no further excuse, and assisted his chums in transferring to the bags he had brought a large part of Professor Long's collection. The reptiles made little resistance, though one of the large turtles did nip Frank slightly.
"Never mind, Alice will put on some carbolic salve or peroxide," said Bart, cheerfully. "I guess we've got enough now. Look out, there's a snake going to get away!" He grabbed the lively reptile just in time, and stuffed it into his bag.
The three conspirators hurried away from the school, and made their way to the back yard of Fenn's house. The shack was fastened with a simple catch, which Bart had no difficulty in loosening. Then, working quickly and silently, the three chums made a large addition to Fenn's collection. The snakes, turtles, lizards and frogs from the school cabinet were put in the boxes with Fenn's pets, and the small doors fastened. Then the hut was closed.
"Now we must be on hand here early to-morrow morning," said Bart, as they sneaked away.
"Sure. We'll pretend to Fenn that we are anxious to see his collection," said Ned. "He'll be only too glad to take us out here, and then we can see his expression, when he catches sight of the visitors. Oh, we'll be on hand all right!" and then the trio went to their homes.
Early the next morning, Bart, Ned and Frank called on Fenn. He had not been in evidence the night before, so they felt sure their trick had not been discovered. He came to the door in response to their whistles.
"Say, you fellows are on the job early, aren't you?" inquired Stumpy, with just a shade of suspicion in his tones.
"We want to have a little football practice," answered Bart. "And we came to see if you'd show us your collection of turtles."
"That's straight, Stumpy," added Ned. "We won't hurt 'em, will we, fellows?"