[CHAPTER XXX]
NODDY NIXON DEFEATED—CONCLUSION
Jerry felt a sensation of relief. Help had appeared at a most-needed time. An instant after he had spoken Bob raised his rifle and began to pump bullets into the mass of Indians. His example was followed by Sledge Hammer Tod and Mr. Bell.
Such an unexpected fire threw the savages into a panic. They fell back, their leaders crying in vain to make the warriors keep to the attack.
“Now’s our chance!” cried Jerry, looking back, and seeing the confusion in the ranks of their enemies. “The airship is just ahead!”
With a final rush they gained it. The old men and women were helped into the cabin.
“Cast off!” cried Jerry to Ned and Bob, who were on the alert for orders. The tall lad rushed to the pilot house and started the gas machine. The Comet was tugging and straining at the holding ropes.
“We’ll stand off the savages, Tod and I!” yelled Nestor. “You move the ship, Jerry!”