“Here we go—up in the air—above the clouds—down again—sail like a bird—turn a somersault—hit a star—bound for the moon—whoop! May I go?”
“You may if you will say that all over again, and repeat it slowly, backwards, Andy,” stipulated Jerry, as he caught sight of the excitable little chap. Andy tried, but it was of no use. His tongue got all “twisted” as Bob said. However, the small lad was so enthusiastic over a chance for a trip, and he seemed so fearless that the terrors of Alice and Helen were overcome, after a little more persuasion, in which Mollie did her share. The three girls and Andy Rush entered the cabin, not, however, without many exclamations, half of anxiety and half of pleasure. Then Jerry and his chums started the power, and they were soon sailing through the air. Owing to the timidity of the young ladies no very great height was reached, though Andy was constantly urging Jerry to go above the clouds. They descended without anything having happened.
“Why, how simple it all is!” exclaimed Alice Vines, as she stepped on the ground again.
“Yes, it’s easier than managing an automobile,” added Helen Gale.
“Except in a big wind,” said Jerry. “We’ll take you out in a storm, sometime.”
“No, thank you,” objected Mollie. “We’re much obliged as it is,” and then the girls waved a farewell to the boys.
The weather the following day proved all that could be desired. The boys were up early, for there were several small matters to attend to, but finally all was in readiness for the start over the Rockies.
Jerry had safely put away the letter Noddy had dropped, and he had the torn fragments of the one written by Mr. Bell. He thought he might need them as evidence.
There was quite a crowd assembled at the airship shed to see the start, and the parents of our heroes were there.