“Well, the secretary will be sure to know,” decided Ned, as, followed by his chums, he entered the offices which were in a temporary building.
“Is Mr. Wescott Jackson’s machine here yet?” asked Ned, when he had found the proper official.
“It was here,” was the reply.
“Was here? Why, has he taken it away?”
“Not exactly. It’s off on a trial trip.”
“Then where is Mr. Jackson?”
“Oh, he’s gone, too—he went in his dirigible balloon a little while ago. Didn’t you notice a craft going up, just as you came down?” asked the secretary.
“Yes—yes,” replied Ned, while he felt a lump come up in his throat. “Was Mr. Jackson aboard?”
“Indeed he was. He is piloting his craft, and he has a friend with him besides the crew. As I said, he went off on a trial trip.”
“When is he coming back?” asked Jerry.