ing, but the three chums, having faith in their old friend, the
little scientist, did not retreat.

"There now, Ticula," murmured Professor Snodgrass, in what he
doubtless meant to be soothing terms, "no one shall harm you. You're
excited on account of getting out of your box, I suppose. But I'll
soon have you back there."

He reached up, and began to stroke the snake back of the weaving head,
and gradually the forked tongue, that had been playing in and out with
the quickness of lightning, was quieted. Ticula seemed to regain her
composure. She settled down, wrapping a fold or two about the little
man, who did not seem at all alarmed at the movements of the snake,
though one officer murmured:

"Great Scott! he's taking an awful chance. That's a constrictor, and
it can crush an ox!"

But Professor Snodgrass gazed mildly through his glasses at those
surrounding him and inquired:

"Are you all three there--Ned, Bob and Jerry?"

"All present and accounted for, Professor," answered Jerry, with a
laugh. "And now that Ticula seems quiet, perhaps you'll explain what
it all means."

"Yes, I think an explanation is very much in order," said the
colonel, who had urged some of his men to shoot the snake.

"First let me get my pet back in her sleeping box," said the little
scientist. "She will be quieter then. If one of you gentlemen will
have the kindness to bring me the box you took away from me, I'll put
Ticula to sleep."

"Bring in the box," commanded a lieutenant. "We caught this man, Sir,"
said the lieutenant, addressing the colonel, "hanging around the
officers' mess hall with a box. We thought it contained an infernal
machine, and that he might be a German spy. We brought him here to
talk to him, and then we discovered the snake crawling around. The box
is outside."

"Have it examined and brought in," said the colonel. "It is just
possible," he added with a smile, "that the prisoner is what he claims
to be--a naturalist. Is there any one here who knows him?" he asked.

"Yes, Sir," answered Ned, Bob and Jerry in a chorus.

"Come forward and explain," ordered the colonel.

The three chums advanced and saluted. Professor Snodgrass seemed to be
having a little trouble quieting the snake, which had again raised her
head and was hissing at the crowd in front of her. Some explanations
were necessary, it would seem, and Ned, Bob and Jerry seemed the best
qualified to offer them.

"We know Professor Snodgrass very