Following the aged man’s departure several plans were discussed. Jim Nestor proposed that the attack be made on the Indians while they were at their services in the temple of the flying lizard.
“If we do that, some of us will have to be on hand to know just when that time is,” objected Tod. “We’ll have to be in the temple, or near it.”
“Exactly,” agreed Jim. “That’s my idea. You and I can go, watch our chance, notify the white captives to slip away, and, if necessary, stand off the Indians, for they may catch on, and try to stop the rescue. Yes, Tod, you and I will have to go to the temple of the flying lizard, if there is such an insect.”
“Oh, there is!” cried Professor Snodgrass. “I know it. But I must beg of you to allow me to be of the party, for it will be my only chance to secure one of the curious insects. I, also, must go to the temple.”
“I’d like to go, too,” spoke Ned. “I want to see the curious rites of the ceremony.”
“Well,” remarked Jerry, with a smile, “I guess we all would like to go, but it’s hardly possible. I suggest we draw lots for it. Four of us will go, and the others stay here to defend the ship if necessary. There may be a fight.”
“Couldn’t you take the airship near enough, make a sudden descent, and pick up the people who could be in waiting?” suggested Mr. Bell.
“I’m afraid not,” answered Jerry. “We would have to sail so slowly that we would lose steerage way, and then, too, if the Indians are celebrating they’ll have many fires, and the airship would show plainly. They would detect us, rush out, and, perhaps, damage the ship, which would be low down. Then we would all be captives together.”
“I guess Jerry’s right,” added Jim Nestor. “We will have to work in the dark. That is, sneak into the temple, watch our chance, and, when the right time comes, which will be when the Indians are so busy they won’t notice us, and then lead the whites to where the airship is. Here is as good a place for it as any. Then we can fly off before the Indians see us. Get the lots ready, Jerry. I hope I’m one to go.”