[CHAPTER XX]
A LION IN POSSESSION
The crippled craft of the air settled down gently on the hot sands, skillfully guided by Jerry. As soon as it was stationary, for it needed no guy ropes to hold it, since most of the gas was out of the bag, the travelers climbed from the cabin to the surface of the desert.
“Whew, but it’s hot!” exclaimed Bob. “I wouldn’t mind an ice cream cone just now.”
“Dry up, Chunky,” advised Ned, puckering up his lips.
“That’s what we’ll all do if we stay here long enough,” replied the stout lad. “Whew! I’m going to take off some of my clothes.”
“Yes, and you and I’d better do the same, Ned,” added Jerry. “We’ll have to get on our overalls and see if we can fix the engine.”
“Is it badly smashed?” inquired Ned.
“I’m afraid it is. Two of the cylinders seem to be cracked,” replied Jerry, who had made a hasty examination.
“I’m so sorry,” put in Professor Snodgrass. “I didn’t mean to do it.”