Frank shook his head.
"I hardly feel like doing that," he said. "There is a bare chance that the professor will relent. We will wait and see."
"There can be little waiting," said Clyde. "I start in the morning. Everything is ready, and Graves and Kerney are eager to be off."
"Well, we'll see what the next few hours will bring forth."
Little did they dream of the surprising things the next few hours would bring forth.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE MAD INVENTOR.
Frank and Barney were strolling about the place when they came upon Professor Scudmore.
"Ha, young gentlemen!" cried the eccentric old fellow; "come with me. I am about to start upon my trial voyage. The Eagle is inflated and ready to soar. I wish you to witness my triumph."