Bob and Andy released the ropes, and the Comet shot up with the swiftness of a rocket.
“Say, she’s got more speed than she used to have,” exclaimed Ned from the engine-room, as he adjusted levers and gear wheels.
“I thought the new gas machine would do the trick,” said Jerry rather proudly.
He started the big propellers, and soon the motor-ship, instead of shooting straight up, like a balloon, darted forward, like an aeroplane. Faster and faster she went, until the cheers of the little crowd below could be no longer heard.
“Where are you heading?” asked Bob, as, followed by Andy Rush, he entered the steering house, where Jerry was busy with various levers, handles and valve wheels.
“Straight for Lake Hammond,” was the answer. “We’ll be there in half an hour, and then we can see how the hydroplanes work.”
The Comet was not pushed to her full speed, as some of the machinery was new, and the boys wanted to see how it would work. They found that it was doing satisfactorily, however, and the various new appliances they had added were very successful.
They were flying along at a moderate height, looking for a sight of Lake Hammond, a large body of water about twenty miles from Cresville. Bob, Ned and Jerry found plenty to do, but Andy Rush was as good as his name, rushing here and there, exclaiming in delight at the scenery that seemed to be slipping along beneath him.