In the Wonderful Land of Hezor, The Mystery of the Fountain of Youth

We find Prof. Remington Easy and his exploring party in the heart of the great Everglades three weeks later. Had they not possessed a vast amount of pluck and endurance, they would never have reached this far. But to turn back was strictly out of the question to them, and this, coupled with the fact that they were completely fitted out for such an undertaking, was the secret of their success.

As Prof. Easy had expected, they found the central position of the swamp less dangerous to traverse. It seemed to be upon higher and more solid ground, and there was less water and, consequently, fewer alligators to look out for. It is a beautiful morning upon which we find them camped in a picturesque spot. The air seems purer than ever since they entered the recesses of the unexplored region, and all appear happy and contented. The stranger and his dog have not been seen during all this time, nor has any other human being outside their party.

Each one of the swamp explorers has lost more or less flesh, though it cannot be said that Martin Haypole’s loss, in that respect, amounts to much. Though a native of the Southern clime, Lucky has suffered the most. He is worn down to a mere shadow, and had it not been for the professor’s store of medicines, he would undoubtedly have found a grave in the swamp. As it is, he has just about pulled through by the “skin of his teeth,” as the saying goes.