As if to prove his words, the Comet, now that she had reached the limit of her climbing powers, darted forward. But Jerry had made good use of his opportunity, and he was now ahead of the Comet, though still slightly below her.
“What are you going to do now?” asked Ned, as he saw his chum put his foot on a pedal that connected with the motor.
“I’m going to use the last notch of speed, and see if I can stop ’em!”
With a rush the Chaser mounted upward and, a few minutes later, she was on the same level as was the Comet, and considerably in advance. Both craft were moving with considerable speed, but, owing to the fact that her gas bag was so choked with vapor, causing a big wind resistance, the Comet must necessarily move more slowly than the Chaser.
“What are you going to do, Jerry?” asked Ned, as he saw his chum reach for a rudder control lever.
“Turn around, and come back at him head on,” answered the tall lad. “This is going to be a game of tag, and I’m going to make Noddy ‘it.’ To do that I’ve got to head him off. He’ll try to dodge, I expect, but I think I can nab him.”
Then began what was perhaps the most risky and sensational game of “tag” that was ever played—a game in the air, nearly a mile above the earth.
Turning quickly to the left, [Jerry sent the Chaser directly at the Comet.] As he had expected, Noddy, who was managing the craft from the pilot house, tried to dodge to one side. He could go no higher because the gas retort was choked. But Jerry was ready for him, and met the shift quickly. Once more Noddy dodged, this time on the other side, but Jerry was right there.