"Not exactly," replied the scientist, "though I shall examine them
with much interest. What I came down for was to secure some specimens
of horned toads for the museum. I--"
"Horned toads!" exclaimed Nellie, who was walking with Jerry, while
Rose had volunteered to show Ned the beauties of the Mexican garden.
"Horned toads! Ugh! The horrible things. I hope you don't bring them
around where I am, Professor. Horned toads! Why don't you search after
something beautiful, like the wonderful butterfly you found in
Florida?"
"A horned toad is just as beautiful as a butterfly," said Mr.
Snodgrass gravely. "The only difference is, people don't appreciate
the toad. I do, and, some day, I hope to write a history of that
creature. I have my notes ready for the first volume, which will be a
sort of introduction."
"How many volumes do you expect to write?" asked Mr. Seabury,
curiously.
"Twelve," replied the scientist calmly. "Even then I will have to omit
much that is of interest. But I hope, in twelve, large books, to be
able to convey some idea of horned toads, as well as some information
about the other species."
"Twelve volumes! I should hope so!" murmured Mr. Seabury.
By this time the travelers were at the bungalow. It was a
well-arranged affair, quite large, and set in the midst of a beautiful
garden, with rambling paths, and shady bowers, while the whole place
was enclosed by a mud or adobe wall. All around the bungalow was a
wide veranda, and in the center courtyard was a small fountain, with a
jet of water spurting up from the middle of a large shell.
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