“That’s the stuff! Go to the rescue!” was the general cry.
It was a most practical suggestion, but when it came to the matter of applying it, trouble developed at once. Inquiries were made among the several balloonists and aviators as to which craft would be the best to send to aid the unfortunate men, who might, perhaps, even then, be in danger of death.
“Send the big balloon North America,” said the man who had made the suggestion.
“I can’t go in her,” replied the pilot of the aircraft. “Mine isn’t a dirigible, and I’m at the mercy of the wind when I get up. An aeroplane is what you need.”
“There’s the New Yorker!” came from several, and they started toward the shed where a large biplane, capable of carrying four passengers, was housed.
“No use,” answered the owner of that craft. “I wouldn’t dare go over the ocean in her.”
“Why not?” asked Ned eagerly. For more reasons than one he wanted to see Mr. Jackson rescued.
“In the first place, my craft is not reliable enough,” was the reply. “I might take a tumble into the sea myself. Then, again, I can’t carry gasolene enough for a long flight, and, even if I did sight the Manhattan I couldn’t do the people on her any good.”
“Why not?” again demanded the man who had made the suggestion. “Didn’t the steamer Trent rescue Wellman and his crew from the dirigible balloon America at sea?”
“They did,” was the reply, “but the Trent could come to a stop. I can’t come to a stop without falling into the sea. What is needed is a balloon or aeroplane that can remain stationary in the air.”