They found a gate in the hedge and on the other side an odd sight met
their eyes. Kneeling on the ground was the professor. His right arm
was thrust almost up to the shoulder into a hole in the ground. He
was shouting lustily for help and appeared to be imprisoned in his
queer posture.

"Some animal has got hold of his hand," cried Jack. "Come on, Tom."

"Oh, boys, thank goodness you've come," gasped the scientist.

"What's the matter?" demanded Jack.

"I can't get my arm out of this hole," declared the professor.

"How did you get it in?" asked Tom.

"A fine specimen that I dropped accidentally rolled into it," was the
reply. "I reached in to get it and now I can't get my hand out."

"But you got it in easily enough," said Jack in a puzzled tone.

"Ah, yes," replied the professor, "but then I didn't have my hand
clenched. Now my fist is closed and I have the specimen in it. Oh,
boys, it's a beauty. One of the finest I have ever seen. It shows
distinct monolithic traces."

"But if you don't drop it you can't get your hand out," argued Tom.

"I know that. That's why I shouted for help," said the professor
simply.