With Jerry in the pilot house the motor ship was sent along at rapid speed, while Ned and Bob sat with Professor Snodgrass in the main cabin. The little scientist was keeping a lookout for any insects or birds that he might add to his collection. So far his trip had not been very profitable to him.
“What’s that?” suddenly asked Ned, pointing to a small black speck off to the right.
“Maybe one of the airships,” replied Bob.
“No, it’s too small.”
“Well, maybe it’s a good way off.”
“No, it isn’t an airship,” went on Ned. “But whatever it is, it’s coming nearer.”
“Get the telescope,” suggested Bob.
Ned did so, and when he had focussed it on the speck he uttered an exclamation of astonishment.
“It’s a bird—a strange bird!” he said.
“A bird!” repeated the professor. “It must be a rare sort of bird to be this high in the air. Let me take a look.”