“No!” exclaimed the professor. “Boys, I have an idea—an excellent idea. I will sail with you in your airship. I’ll go with you in the interest of science—science and—and bugs. I’ll write a volume on the insects of the upper air, and gather all the specimens I can for illustrations. My! but I’m glad I happened to come here to-day. I have a rare fly, and now comes the chance to do what I always wanted to—sail in the air!”
“You’re just in time, then,” said Jerry. “We are going to have a trial in about three days.”
[CHAPTER XV]
THE MOTOR SHIP SAILS
Though Jerry had told Professor Snodgrass that the Comet would have a trial flight in about three days, it was not until five had passed that all was in readiness. Almost at the last moment Mr. Glassford decided on changes which took some time to make.
However, the professor was in no hurry, if the boys were. He was a guest at Jerry’s house, and his time was fully occupied in catching strange insects, or getting new specimens of old ones. For the professor was employed by a prominent museum to gather materials for exhibit and for experimental purposes. His latest exploit had been to accompany the boys on their trip to California, where he went in search of a horned toad, which he captured after considerable trouble.
“Well, professor, are you all ready for a flight through the air?” asked Jerry one evening.
“I think so. Why?”
“We are scheduled to make our first trial trip to-morrow. That is, if Mr. Glassford doesn’t find something else that needs changing. I suppose you’ll be on hand?”