“We’ll be floating on the surface in a few minutes if all goes well. Slow down, Ned.”
They were all soon busy over the machinery, and when the craft had been brought to slower speed they glanced down, and saw the shining waters of the lake below them. Several rowboats and motor craft were on it, and in the distance was a yacht.
“Are you all ready for the trial?” called Jerry, with his hand on the lever that would let out the gas, and cause a descent.
“All ready,” answered Ned, and his voice was a trifle solemn. Suppose the hydroplanes should not work?
“Here we go then!” announced the tall lad. He yanked the lever toward him. There was a hissing sound, and the Comet, whose propellers had ceased revolving, shot downward.
With a quick motion Jerry straightened out the toggle-jointed arms that held the hydroplanes. They slipped into place, as the bicycle wheels moved out of the way.
A few seconds later the Comet, with a little splash, had settled down upon the surface of the lake as gracefully as a wild swan, and floated as gently and as lightly as a cork.
“Hurrah!” cried Jerry. “She floats! She floats!”
“Will she move?” asked Bob.