“Do we get a prize?” asked Bob.
“Two of them,” replied the inventor. “We win the long-distance prize, for we traveled two hundred and sixty-five miles farther than the big red balloon, and we were in the air four hours and a half longer!”
“Hurrah!” cried Ned. “That’s the stuff!”
“Señors!” exclaimed Don Alvarzo, “I call for three American cheers for the brave travelers of the upper air!”
The cheers were given with a will.
A little later telegrams of congratulation were received from the boys’ parents. One of the telegrams, from Mrs. Hopkins, stated that the pocketbook Jerry had dropped from the airship had been found by a farmer living near Broadlands, and he had returned the same with its contents, and claimed the reward.
“That’s all right!” declared Jerry, highly pleased. “I was afraid I’d never hear of that money again.”
The rest of the day was spent in an impromptu celebration, the whole town, in which lived many Mexican friends of the Don, joining in, glad of any excuse to have a holiday.
That night the airship was packed for transportation, and though the Don urged the travelers to make their visit longer, they departed for Cresville the next morning.
“Well, it was a success,” said Jerry as they were rapidly steaming north. “I didn’t think we would get both prizes. It more than pays us for the expenses we were under.”