“Then I’ll search for ’em with a dark lantern to-night,” was the answer. “I’ll have a lot for you when you come back.”
“Ah, what a lucky day!” cried the professor, as he got aboard the Comet.
Good-byes were called to Mrs. Hopkins, and to the mothers of Bob and Ned, who had called at Jerry’s house to see the start. The boys took their places, the professor was in the cabin, writing out a description of his latest find, and all was in readiness.
“Here we go!” cried Jerry, as he swung over the lever that started the propeller motor. The Comet rolled across the smooth starting ground. Then, as the elevating rudder was tilted the craft shot into the air like a bird, soon attaining a good height.
At the same time, off to one side of the town, another aeroplane darted forward, trailing the one carrying our friends.
[CHAPTER IX]
THE WRECK
“We’ve got good weather, anyhow,” remarked Ned, as he and his chums stood in the pilot house of the Comet, which Jerry was guiding on her aerial way. “It couldn’t be better.”
“That’s right,” agreed Bob. “I’m glad, too, for the sake of Uncle Nelson and Cousin Grace—that is, if they are still alive. Bad weather in an open boat at sea is terrible!”