“Yes, I’ll take your bond,” agreed the officer.
“Then come over to the office, and I’ll sign it!” went on Mr. Durkin eagerly. “There’s no time to lose. Get started, boys!”
The deputy came slowly down from the airship. Mr. Muggins looked puzzled and disappointed. He did not understand the matter of the bond. He wanted the cash.
“Now’s your time, Jerry!” exclaimed Ned suddenly, as he saw the officer alight on the ground. “Start her up!”
“Sure! Everything is clear!” added Bob eagerly.
Jerry nodded comprehendingly. With a last look to see that everything was in order he yanked the starting lever toward him. The Comet shot forward across the smooth ground on her bicycle wheels, for the boys were going to send her aloft as an aeroplane, saving their lifting gas for emergencies. Faster and faster the craft moved, the crowd parting to make way for her. Mr. Muggins saw his prize getting away from him.
“Here!” he cried. “Here! Come back! I want my thousand dollars!”
After the Comet he ran, his coat tails flying in the wind, while, over and over again, he cried:
“Come back! Come back! I want my money! The money for my barn. Hi! Mr. Sheriff, them fellers is escapin’!”
“Faster Jerry!” cried Ned. “He may catch us, and hang on!”