“Yes, and the most mysterious,” spoke Bob, but neither he nor his chums knew how many wonderful things were before them.
[CHAPTER IX]
PROFESSOR SNODGRASS ON HAND
Cresville was reached, without incident, in much less time than the journey had taken our friends in the auto. They had but one slight accident. A leak was discovered in one of the compartments of the gas bag, but no stop was made to repair it, as the ship could be used independently of the bag, as an aeroplane. The leak was of small importance from the fact that the bag was divided into several sections, so that if one or two were emptied of gas the Comet would still be buoyant.
“Here we are!” announced Ned, the same afternoon that they had left Platville, and he looked toward a town that was looming up into sight. “There’s Cresville.”
The boys’ parents were anxiously awaiting their arrival for, though they had been informed by telegraph of the success of the quest, they did not know all that had taken place. The story of the chase, and the disappearance of Mr. Bell, was soon told.
“Is Noddy Nixon back in town?” inquired Bob, of his father.
“I don’t know,” replied Mr. Baker. “But I wouldn’t have anything to do with him, if I were you.”
“We don’t intend to,” spoke Ned, “only we’d like to get on the track of that mystery.”