But the inventor had already seen the stream. As Jerry had said, it was a very wide one.
“That’s the Mississippi River,” declared Mr. Glassford. “Now I know where we are, but just how far south I can’t say. I think I’ll drop down a bit, and perhaps we can get some information.”
“Can’t we drop some messages, too?” asked Jerry. “I think the folks at home will be anxious about us. Let’s write some messages containing a request that whoever picks them up should report us.”
“A good idea,” declared the inventor. “Write your messages, boys, and I’ll send the motor ship as close to the earth as is safe. But I’ll not do it until we cross the river. I have no desire for a bath now.”
The airship, deflected by the depressed rudder, went lower and lower. As the travelers came closer the river loomed larger and larger, until they could make out boats upon it. Then they saw a large city, slightly to the south.
“Let’s cross that,” suggested Ned. “We can find out where we are, then.”
The Comet was headed right across the city, and as it approached lower and nearer to it the travelers could see people running about the streets in great excitement and pointing upward.
“Take the telescope and see if you can make out the names on any of the buildings,” suggested Mr. Glassford, and Ned did so.
“It’s Vicksburg!” he cried. “I see the name ‘Vicksburg National Bank.’”
“I did not think we were so far south as that,” remarked Mr. Glassford. “If we don’t look out we’ll be over the Gulf of Mexico. Better drop your messages, boys.”