[CHAPTER XXIX]
OVER THE MISSISSIPPI
“Who is in the pilot house?” asked Mr. Glassford.
“Ned is steering.”
“Tell him to turn the craft about. We’ll go against the wind a bit, until I see what damage has been done. You come with me, Jerry; I may need your help.”
Jerry and Mr. Glassford climbed up to a long, narrow platform, suspended above the roof of the cabin of the airship, and held up by cords attached to the net holding the gas bag. Then they walked along, inspecting the vapor container for signs of a hole.
“I’ve found it!” cried Jerry. “Here it is. My, but that’s a strong gas!”
“Yes, don’t breathe it,” cautioned Mr. Glassford. “It is quite poisonous, though comparatively harmless in the open air. I’ll see if I can’t mend the tear.”