“That’s hardly possible,” remarked Jerry. “I guess we will have to depend on Jim and Mr. Tod. Still, that’s somewhat dangerous, for if they discover them it will be all up——”
Bob, who had gone out on the forward deck, came hurrying in, his face white with fear. He was trembling.
“What’s the matter?” asked Jerry, noticing his chum’s agitation.
“There’s a man—outside—he’s looking at the airship,” stammered Chunky. “An old man, with a long white beard. He’s coming this way.”
“The Indians!” cried Ned. “They have discovered us!”
Jim Nestor and Sledge Hammer Tod reached for their rifles, and looked to the revolvers at their side. Jerry, hardly knowing what he was doing, started from the cabin to go out on deck. He was followed by Mr. Bell and the professor.
As soon as they reached the deck they saw the old man. He was staring at the airship, as if in a dream, and it needed but a glance at him, to tell that he was a white, and not an Indian. At the sight of the figures of Jerry and his friends, the man uttered a cry, and started forward. At the same instant Professor Snodgrass fairly leaped overboard from the ship to the ground. He rushed toward the old man, with outstretched arms.
“Amos Deering!” cried the scientist! “My long-lost cousin! Amos Deering, of all men in the world!”
The old man seemed dazed. He stood still. Then he spoke in a hollow voice: