“You couldn’t help it,” commented Bob, while Jerry soon related to his mother what had occurred, and told of their plan to set off in search of the missing airship.
“Now, please be careful, boys,” the widow begged. “That Noddy Nixon is getting to be a desperate character. He may do you some injury.”
“I’d like to see him!” cried Ned. “If we get within sight of him and Jack they’ll jump overboard out of the Comet without waiting for us. But I think, Jerry, that we ought to have him and Jack arrested for stealing our airship. Let’s swear out a warrant for those two chaps, and then we can ask the aid of the police in locating them.”
“That’s what I’d do,” put in Sud, who was rubbing his head, where there was a lump, caused by the tussle with the two bullies. “Have ’em arrested, and I’ll make a charge of something or other against ’em.” Bob also thought it would be a good plan to take formal action.
“Well, we’ll see what your fathers say,” remarked Jerry, who had none of his own to consult. “We’ll go over and see Mr. Slade and Mr. Baker,” he added, turning to his mother, “and be guided by them. In the meanwhile, Sud, get out the automobile, will you, and see that it’s in shape for a long trip.”
“Oh, are you going away again, Jerry?” asked Mrs. Hopkins, in some distress. “I was in hopes that you would remain at home a few weeks this vacation.”
“We were just planning our vacation in the airship, when Andy Rush brought word that it had been stolen,” replied Ned. “I guess now we’ll have to stay home, or else go on a trip in the auto.”
“That’s right, I discovered that the Comet was gone!” exclaimed the excitable Andy. “Doors busted open—Sud unconscious—everything upside down—great excitement—tell the police—get a gun and shoot at Noddy—whoop!” and the little chap had to stand on his tiptoes to get out the last few words.
“There, there now, Andy,” spoke Jerry, soothingly. “Come on, fellows, we’ll take some advice on this. Get at the auto, Sud, that is, if you feel able.”