After the first moment of hesitation, the boys, including Andy Rush, stepped within the big shed. It was as if they hoped to see the Comet concealed somewhere in the place, but the expanse of the airship planes, and the immense, bulging, gas bag did not greet their eyes.
“How long ago did you come past here, Andy?” asked Jerry, recovering some of his usual calmness.
“Not ten minutes ago,” replied the little chap. “I was on my way to town, and I thought I’d take this short cut. As soon as I came within sight of the shed, I saw the open doors.”
“And what did you do?” asked Bob.
“Looked in, to see if you were going off on a trip,” replied Andy. “I thought maybe you’d give me a ride. Then, when I saw the airship gone, and noticed that the doors were broken open, I knew something must have happened. I hurried off to find you—saw you sitting on the grass as if nothing had happened—great excitement—airship stolen—robbers in it—Noddy Nixon, maybe—airship wrecked—maybe—whoop!” and Andy ended up with a gasp, so rapid had been his utterance.
“Now just calm yourself,” begged Jerry. “Tell us all you can, Andy.”
“That’s all I know,” replied the small, excitable chap.
“The bars on the doors are broken,” called Bob, as he made an examination. “How do you s’pose that happened?”
“That’s so,” admitted Jerry, who had overlooked this part of Andy’s account. “And I wonder where Sud Snuffles is? He ought to be around. He’s paid enough to watch this place.”
“That’s right; where is Sud?” inquired Ned. “Maybe he went off in the airship with the thieves.”