They were busy days for the motor boys. Early and late they worked on the Comet. The main cabin was enlarged and improved. The engine and machinery was overhauled, and made more powerful. The gas-generating machine, which supplied the lifting vapor, that was used when it was not desired to operate the Comet as an aeroplane, was changed to allow a more powerful gas to be used.
Additional room for carrying provisions and stores was provided, and a number of comforts were added to the motor-ship’s equipment.
But the hydroplane attachments were the most radical. As has been explained they enabled the airship to alight on water and float there, and Jerry even added an auxiliary propeller so that the motor-ship could travel in the water for a short distance.
So that, in reality, the Comet would soon be a craft that could roll along the ground, on the bicycle or starting wheels; it could sail through the air, or skim on the surface of the water.
“Well, fellows,” remarked Jerry one afternoon, when all, including Mr. Glassford and his helpers, had put in a hard day’s work on the craft, “I think we’ll have her in shape in another day. Then we can give her a try-out.”
“Where?” asked Mr. Glassford. “You ought to test her on some water, for you are sure enough that the air features are all right. It’s the hydroplanes that need testing.”
“That’s true,” admitted Jerry, “and I thought of making a trip through the air to Lake Hammond, and dropping down on the surface there.”
“Good idea,” agreed Ned.
They were about to stop, assuring themselves by an inspection of the craft that at least one day more would put her in shape for a trial in the air and on water, when into the barn, that was used as a work-shop, there burst a small chap, with every appearance of great excitement oozing out from almost every pore in his body.