But the lion didn’t scare much. It bounded back and forth, snarling and howling, and seemed about to leap off the ship and attack its annoyers. The adventurers withdrew for a consultation.
“What can we do?” asked Bob. “All that grub——”
“I guess there’s something more important than grub,” interrupted Jerry. “We must get the motor fixed, and move off this desert.”
“I should say so—away from these savage beasts,” added Ned; but it was not of the beasts Jerry was thinking—it was of the lack of water.
“Let’s try the yelling scheme again,” suggested Tod. “Maybe it will work this time.”
It was now almost dark, but an early moon gave promise of light. Once more they advanced in a body toward the ship, but the lion evinced no desire to depart. It leaped back and forth, roaring and snarling.
Professor Snodgrass left his companions and strolled around to the opposite side of the craft. At once the lion began new tactics. It leaped from side to side of the airship, as if trying to be in two places at once.
“I have it!” cried Jerry, when he saw what was going on. “We’ll divide our forces. Some of us will attract his attention to the front of the ship, and one of us can slip aboard, get a gun, and shoot him.”
“Fine!” cried Jim Nestor. “The very thing! All of you get up front, and make all the fuss you can. I’ll sneak aboard and get my gun.”
The boys, Professor Snodgrass and Tod hurried to the bow of the Comet, the snarling lion following them. This drew him away from the stern. Yelling, leaping about, and making all manner of queer motions in the hazy twilight, the boys managed to hold the attention of the beast. Jim Nestor climbed softly aboard, and got his rifle. Then tiptoeing to where he could get a good shot, he took careful aim and fired.