On rushed the Comet, and, as it came nearer the town, under better control now, for the wind had fallen off somewhat, a curious scene was presented. There was an outpouring of men and a few women—a horde of horsemen, and all gathered in a compact mass to watch the oncoming motorship.
As it approached nearer, cries of wonder could be heard, and then, as the craft swept straight for the settlement, with Jerry in the pilot house looking for a smooth place to make a landing, the whole population turned, and fled as though some pursuing demon was after them.
“They’re scared out of their wits!” cried Ned. “I guess they never saw an airship before.”
[CHAPTER XVII]
THE BLACKFEET
With the airship rushing onward, those aboard it looked at the strange sight below them. In a few seconds they were fairly over the heads of the scampering populace, and, as the dim shadow of the aircraft fell on them, several women screamed with fright, and a number of men drew their big revolvers.
“This won’t do!” cried Jerry. “We don’t want a lot of bullet holes in the gas bag,” for it was partly inflated. “Hi!” he yelled, leaning out of the pilot house window, as he shut off the motor to make his words heard. “You’re in no danger! Don’t be afraid! Don’t shoot! It’s all right, we’re going to land!”
“What is it? Oh, what is it?” cried one woman, clinging to her husband.
“Bless me if I know,” he replied. “Maybe it’s the end of the world.”