Now the approaching vessel drew closer to Jack, and he at length realized that he had been seen. A small boat put off to him. Strong arms gripped him and pulled him and Frank into the boat, and a hearty voice exclaimed in English:
"By Jove! They're English! Now, how do you suppose they got here?"
Jack was conscious of a pleasant sensation at hearing his native tongue spoken thus, but he was too exhausted to take much interest in it then. He fell back unconscious.
But, if the lad was surprised at thus being addressed in English, there was still a greater surprise and joy in store for him—and for Frank.
When Jack reopened his eyes, he lay in a small but well-furnished cabin. Frank lay near him. He already had returned to consciousness, and even now was glancing curiously about.
He glanced at Jack as the latter opened his eyes.
"By George!" he ejaculated. "I was afraid you were done for, you lay there so quietly. How did I come here?"
"Why," said Jack, "you toppled into the sea right beside me, and
I grabbed you and held on until we were picked up."
"Then," cried Frank excitedly, "you were aboard the first plane that dived into the dirigible?"
"I was there," replied Jack briefly.