ail to see
that we have any reason for holding you," returned the commandant. "As
for the snake, I think the men--and I may say myself--would feel
obliged if you did not turn it loose again."

"Well, I suppose I can select some other place for my experiments,"
murmured the professor, in rather disappointed tones. "But this spot
was ideal. There are so many rats and mice about a camp of this sort
that a snake or two would be very beneficial."

"I have no doubt," said the colonel dryly. "And yet, somehow, I think
I prefer the rodents. But I should be glad to have you explain further
just what your experiments are in reference to your reptile. I am
interested. I shall be pleased to have you lunch with me," he went on,
for, now that he had a chance to observe, he saw that Professor
Snodgrass was a cultured gentleman, as well as, he presumed, a devoted
scientist. The colonel was something of a student himself.

"I should like to lunch with you," said the professor, "but my three
friends--Ned, Bob and Jerry--are here and----"

"We'll see you later," whispered Jerry. "We're enlisted men and can't
mess in the officers' quarters. You must dine with the colonel and
we'll see you later."

"All right," assented the professor, and accepted the colonel's
invitation. "Help me carry Ticula out to my auto and I'll see you
after dinner," he went on to the boys.

"Have you an auto here?" asked Bob.

"Yes. I left it just beyond the confines of the camp. I have an old
friend of yours with me, too," he went on. "He helped me carry my
snake here."

"An old friend?" murmured Bob.

"Yes, Pete Bumps who used to be your father's hired man. I've engaged
him as a helper since you boys joined the army. He runs my auto for me
and helps me catch specimens. He isn't afraid of snakes."

And old Pete Bumps it was who greeted Ned, Bob and Jerry as they
accompanied the professor to his car.

Pete had left the Baker service some time ago, and had secured a place
as janitor of a college in which the professor taught, he briefly
explained to the boys. There the professor had engaged him just prior
to starting out on his present expedition.

"Come on. We've got to hurry back to mess," said Jerry to his chums.
"But we want to have a talk with you, Professor, after you finish
dining with the colonel. We want to hear what you are doing here
again. I should think once being taken for a German spy was enough,"
and he laughed at the recollection of a