“Doing what?” asked Ned.
“Making a search along the mountain ridge in the aeroplane,” was Jerry’s prompt answer. “This horseback business is too slow.
“Mountain climbing and searching around on top of a range is about the hardest work there is. Now what’s the matter with getting in our craft, taking along a week’s supply of grub—can we carry that much, Chunky?”
“Sure—more.”
“That sounds good, coming from you. Well, let’s go on a regular air expedition,” went on Jerry. “We can take it easy a thousand or so feet up in the air, and we can be looking down for signs all the while. We may pick up the trail of the stolen cattle, the rustlers, or even that of——”
“Professor Snodgrass!” cried Ned.
They set off early the next day, having packed a generous supply of food in the lockers of the airship.
“We’re off!” cried Ned, as the propellers whirred about.
Amid the cheers of the cowboys, who waved their hats and shot off their revolvers, the start was made.
Would the boys come back safely, having discovered the location of the rustlers’ camp, and perhaps having found Professor Snodgrass? Or would they be lost as the scientist had been, somewhere in the wilds of the mountain?