“No, we’ll go up a short distance, circle around, and see how the ship behaves,” answered Jerry. “Then we’ll start for home in the morning. We’ll need a little time to stock up the cupboard, Chunky,” and the tall lad winked at Ned, while Bob blushed at this tribute to his eating powers.
“Yes, and we’ll have to arrange to have the auto taken care of,” added Ned.
“We’ll ship that home by freight,” decided Jerry.
It was soon circulated through the crowd that the airship was going to ascend, and the people crowded up so close that it was with difficulty that the boys could move about. But when Jerry, speaking loudly on purpose, told Ned and Bob to start the gas generating machine, there was a sudden movement of the big audience.
“That made ’em skedaddle!” exclaimed Ned with a laugh, though there was no danger.
In a short time the big gas bag was filled with the powerful vapor, and the airship began tugging at the guy ropes with which it was fastened to the earth. The boys looked carefully over every part, and then entered the cabin, to see that the controlling mechanism was in working order.
“I’ll steer first,” said Jerry. “Ned, you and Bob be ready to cast off the ropes when I give the word.”
The tall lad took his place in the pilot house. The indicator connected with the gas machine showed that enough vapor had been made to raise the ship without the use of the aeroplane feature. Jerry shut off the gas, and pulled the lever to get the planes and rudders in the right position.
“All ready?” he asked his chums.
“All ready,” replied Bob and Ned.