Early in the morning, before a crowd of curiosity-seekers had had time to gather, our heroes and Professor Snodgrass entered the cabin. The parents of the boys were there to say good-bye.
“All ready?” called Jerry to his chums.
“All ready,” came the answer.
There was a hissing sound as the gas rushed into the big bag, a straining of the holding ropes, and then, as they were cast off, the motor-ship rose into the air. Jerry started the propellers.
“Off at last!” exclaimed Ned, waving his hand to his father.
“And may we be successful!” murmured Jerry.
A small figure dashed up the street. Off came a hat which was waved in the air. Then came a shrill cheer.
“There they go! Off in the air—rush along—never say die—blow up—no matter—on again—that’s the stuff! Good luck! Good-bye!”
“No need to look to see who that is,” remarked Jerry, as he put on a little more speed, and the Comet pointed her sharp nose toward the place of the balloon meet, where our friends hoped to get the aid of the man who could save Mr. Slade from ruin.