There did appear to be some trouble in that portion of the throng directly below the motor ship. Men were running about, and loud shouts continued to be heard.
“Maybe they’re afraid we’re falling,” ventured Jerry.
“Perhaps,” said Mr. Glassford. “I shall have to let a little more gas out. I used a rather strong mixture. But I think I can get down now by using the depression rudder and shifting the planes. That will save the gas.”
“It doesn’t seem right that any one should shoot at us,” said Professor Snodgrass calmly, as if such a proceeding was even permissible.
“Well, I should say not!” exclaimed Jerry. “If I find out who it was I’ll make him sorry for it!”
“I think I can almost guess who it was,” said Bob.
“You mean Noddy Nixon?” asked Ned, and the stout youth nodded an assent.
Professor Snodgrass was the calmest person aboard the motor ship. The little accident had more or less affected Mr. Glassford and the boys, and the sound of bullets flying uncomfortably close to the big gas bag had not decreased their nervousness. But the professor continued to survey the surrounding atmosphere in search of new kinds of insects. Mr. Glassford had shut the gas outlet and had so tilted the planes and rudder that the big ship was approaching the earth on a slant, not making very rapid progress.
“We’ll land as gently as a feather,” prophesied Bob as he looked over the side.
“That’s my intention,” replied Mr. Glassford with a smile. “It doesn’t do to come down with a thump, you know. An airship, at best, as yet, is rather a delicate piece of machinery. I am sorry this accident happened, but it is better to discover the defects now than later.”