“And it’s this shebang you’re going to ship out West to go down into the valley where I’ve hidden my nuggets?” asked the prospector.
“This is it,” answered Jerry. “If you’ll come up here I’ll show you how I control her,” and when Mr. Brill entered the pilot house Jerry pointed out the various levers and wheels.
“What’s this one for?” asked the Westerner, as he touched a small lever. Quite by accident he moved it a trifle. Instantly there was a snapping and crackling sound in the motor room, and the Comet gave a sickening lurch.
“We’re falling!” cried Mr. Brill. “We’re going down! I know! I fell in an elevator once! We’re falling down!” and he jumped back in terror, and sought to climb out of the window of the pilot house.
[CHAPTER XI]
OFF FOR THE BORDER
“Here! Come back!” yelled Jerry, making a grab for the Westerner. “Don’t jump!”
“But we’re falling! I’m not going to stay in here and be killed!”
“You’ll be killed sure if you jump. But there’s no danger!”