“Then we’ve been on the wrong track!” cried the tall lad. “We’ll change our direction! Come on, Bob! I believe we have a clew at last!”
[CHAPTER XXVI]
THE WRECK
Despite the invitation of the captain to remain longer aboard the Cinnabar, Jerry and Bob insisted on going back at once to the floating Comet. Lars Porsen was sent for and questioned, but he could add little to what he had told the steward. There seemed no doubt but that he had sighted the missing Manhattan.
“This will be good news for Ned,” remarked Jerry, as he and his chum were being rowed back to their air-craft, and indeed the merchant’s son was delighted with it. He had begun to give up hope, and when he thought of his father waiting for the aid of Mr. Jackson, fighting off his relentless business enemies, the heart of Ned was sad. Now he brightened up.
“We’ll get right on the trail!” he cried. “Come on, Jerry, speed the Comet up as fast as she’ll go.”
“Yes, for if any one is left alive on the balloon, they must need help by this time,” observed the tall lad. “They may have given up hope of ever being rescued.”
“I hope they have plenty to eat,” remarked Bob, with a tragic air, as he thought of the well-filled larders of the Comet.
“Oh, you cannibal!” cried Ned, as he hastened here and there, helping Jerry get ready to send the motorship on her way again.