The passengers and crew of the Cinnabar cheered as the gallant little craft left the waves and flew into the air. Then, circling about, and dipping the airship down in place of lowering any colors, in response to three hoarse blasts from the steamer’s whistle, Jerry sent the Comet off in the direction indicated by the sailor.
Soon the smoke of the big vessel was left far astern, and once more our friends were peering eagerly forward through the telescope for a sight of the disabled balloon.
Bob prepared the fish they had caught in so many different ways, and so often, that Ned and Jerry declared they never wanted to see a hook or line again. But they also had good meals of other viands, for Bob gave his whole attention to the task of cooking. Indeed, for the next few days there was little else to do. They kept on, moving slowly, so as not to miss the big balloon, and travelling a few miles on either side of the direct course, pursuing a sort of zig-zag way, in order to cover more space.
Professor Snodgrass had his note-books all written up—he had classified and arranged all his specimens, and then he sighed for new ones. But none was to be had, for they were now well out to sea, beyond the limits of birds or insects, and the water below them offered the only dwelling-place of specimens. As they did not want to lose time, they did not go down again for some time.
One evening, after an uneventful day, when their eyes ached with the strain of looking in vain for the balloon, the three boys were sitting on the forward deck, talking over matters connected with their trip. The automatic steering apparatus had been set, and there was no need of any one being in the pilot house.
Suddenly Jerry, who had been listening to some banter between Bob and Ned, jumped to his feet, exclaiming:
“I smell smoke! There must be something afire!”
“So do I!” added Ned.
It was enough to cause intense alarm to all of them, for a fire on board the airship, with the tanks filled with the lifting gas, was a terror most to be dreaded.
Fairly running, Jerry made his way back to the stern, followed by his two chums. The smell of smoke became stronger as they neared the after-deck, and, once they were beyond the deck superstructures, they caught fleeting glimpses of darting tongues of fire.