“See anything of the grounds where the balloon meet is being held?” asked Jerry of Bob, who was up early to make coffee.
The stout lad took an observation over the rail of the craft before replying.
“Nothing like it in sight,” he answered. “We seem to be over a farming country, and I can see two or three men driving their teams along the road. They’re looking up here and waving their hands. That one fellow will dislocate his neck, if he doesn’t look out.”
“Well, see to it that the anchor isn’t trailing,” advised Jerry. “We can’t afford to rip off any more barn roofs. By the way, I wonder if we hadn’t ought to have left some money for Mr. Muggins?”
“He was too mean,” declared Ned. “But we must be careful not to have any more delays. I’m getting nervous about not seeing Mr. Jackson.”
“We’ll catch him to-day I guess,” declared Jerry, as he got up to take an observation. By looking at some maps which he had, he calculated that they were within a few miles of Danforth, having been blown a little out of their course in the night. The motor was started, and the Comet headed in the right direction.
Eagerly the boys kept watch for the first sight of the big park where the balloon and aeroplane meet was to take place. They knew it would be visible some distance away, for there would be tents erected as “hangars” for the balloons, and probably the canvas shelters would be gay with flags.
They were right. Half an hour later Bob, who had gone away up forward, where he had an unobstructed view, gave a shout.
“There it is!” he cried. “I see it! Crimps! but it’s a big one. We’re all right, fellows, let’s make a sensational landing, Jerry!”
“How do you mean?” asked the tall lad, “turn a somersault, or something like that?”