“It will do you good—dry you off,” declared Ned. “Come on, Jerry. I’m ready.”
Professor Snodgrass was again off on a hunt for the flying lizard, and the two miners had disappeared over a little ledge of rock in search of water. The three boys started across the hot sands.
They found that the walk did rest their tired arms and cramped legs, and though there was nothing to see, and it was very hot, they rather enjoyed the stroll. They went on for a mile or more, and then turned to go back, as night was approaching and they did not want to be away after dark.
“There comes Tod and Nestor,” remarked Bob, pointing to the figures of the two miners, who were approaching the stalled airship from the southeast.
“Yes, and I s’pose the professor will be along presently. When do you think we can start again, Jerry?” asked Ned.
“I think we’ll have the motor in shape to-morrow,” remarked the tall lad. “I’ll cut some new washers for the water pipes, and I think that will do away with the leaks.”
The three lads soon joined Tod and Nestor, and the five proceeded toward the Comet. In the hot, thin air of the desert it looked to be not more than a hundred yards away, but they were still over half a mile from their craft.
Suddenly Bob, who was walking a little in advance, called out:
“Did you see anything move then?”
“Move? Where?” inquired Jerry, with a laugh.