Then, after sailing swiftly above the surface of the water Jerry suddenly began a descent. While Bob and Ned managed the craft Jerry stood ready at the hydroplane levers.
“Tell me when to shunt them into place,” he called to Bob who was on the lookout.
“Now!” suddenly shouted the stout lad.
The lever snapped forward, the floats on the toggle-jointed arms went downward, while the bicycle wheels came up and, a moment later, the Comet was afloat.
A cheer went up from the crowd, and there was continued hearty applause for a feat that has seldom been seen, save very recently in airship circles.
Jerry put the craft slowly about on the lake, and then as it was drawing toward noon, when other aeroplane “stunts” would be the order of the day, and as they were anxious to see if they could sight Mr. Jackson returning, it was decided to go back to the aviation park.
Another cheer greeted the ability of our heroes, as they headed their craft for the park, and the crowd streamed back below them.
“See anything of the dirigible?” asked Jerry, as Ned was anxiously scanning the air all about them.
“No,” was the somewhat despondent answer. “Mr. Jackson’s machine doesn’t appear to be in sight.”