“Oh, I’m all right now,” answered the watchman, as he started toward the garage, which had recently been built at the side of Jerry’s house.
In turn Mr. Slade and Mr. Baker were informed of the theft of the airship, and asked as to the necessity of swearing out a warrant against Noddy and Jack. Both gentlemen were opposed to it, and Mr. Baker said:
“If you do get the warrants, and arrest those lads, you will also be obliged to arrest Mr. Bell, the hermit, as you call him. He was with the lads when they took the airship, you think, and, in the eyes of the law, is just as guilty. You don’t want to have him taken into custody, do you?”
“No, indeed,” replied Jerry. “Mr. Bell is a good friend of ours, and, though we can’t just understand what he is doing with Noddy and Jack, nor about the mysterious rescue of his friends, we know he has been deceived by those two chaps. No, we’d better not get any warrants. We’ll hunt for ’em on our own account, and settle with ’em when we find ’em. Come on, boys, back to my house, and then for an auto trip!”
“I wish I could come,” said Andy wistfully. Jerry looked at Bob and Ned. Both nodded in a friendly manner.
“All right, Andy, come along,” answered the widow’s son. “You did us a great service in letting us know, so soon, that the airship was stolen, and you’re entitled to some reward. Only there is one favor I’m going to ask of you.”
“What’s that?” inquired Andy quickly.
“When we sight Noddy in the airship, just keep cool,” went on the tall lad. “If you get excited and talk as much hot air as you usually do, you may explode the gas in the balloon, and then it will be worse than having the Comet stolen.”
“I’ll keep quiet,” promised Andy very earnestly. “I’ll not say a word.”
The four lads were soon back at Jerry’s house, and found Sud busy tinkering with the auto, for he knew something about cars. The gasolene tank was full, and he was putting water in the radiator.