“I’ve got to try some other means of getting down,” declared Mr. Glassford.
“Maybe the sun will soon stop expanding the gas,” ventured Bob, who was now feeling much better.
“Yes, that will happen shortly, as it is setting; but I must stop our upward flight more quickly than that.”
“Why don’t you stop the motor?” asked Ned.
“Because while we are in motion it rides on a more even keel, and is less subject to air currents. I must climb out forward and ungear the elevation rudder.”
“Isn’t that dangerous?” asked Jerry.
“Well, I’ve been in safer places, and I’ve done more risky things. I’ve got to take a chance.”
Then, almost as suddenly as they had emerged into the open, sun-lit space, which was responsible for much of their trouble, the travelers found themselves enveloped in a mist.
“We’re in the clouds again!” exclaimed Mr. Glassford. “That ought to put a stop to our rising.”
He ran forward and looked at the instrument for indicating the height.