“There, I guess he’s had enough of trying to follow us this time,” said Jerry, grimly.
And, down on the beach, where they made a safe, but rather sudden landing, Noddy and Bill accused each other of being to blame for the accident.
Meanwhile the Comet kept on, the motor boys chuckling to themselves at the way they had made Noddy take to earth. He could not start upward again in time to follow them, for the Comet was soon out of sight of land.
And now the real search began. Dinner was served by Bob, and a bountiful meal it was. Down below glittered the calm sea—calm after all the turmoil that had sent several gallant ships to the bottom.
Professor Snodgrass busied himself with his scientific work, now and then making a capture of some upper-air insect, or making notes of those already in his possession.
Ned, Bob and Jerry kept watchful eyes on the waters below them. They saw many sailing and steam vessels, and were themselves the cynosure of many eyes which gazed aloft at the fine air craft.
Jerry had worked out, as he best could, the approximate position of the Hassen as it was reported when she was last seen. Getting to a place near this, the airship was sent about in ever-increasing circles, covering a wide area over the surface of the sea.
The motorship worked to perfection. Not a trace of the former trouble was noticeable. Jerry and his chums had done their work well.
The night of the first day of the search began to settle down. The big search lamp was set aglow, and by the aid of its powerful rays the boys looked for a sight of a wreck, or some small boat that might have come from the Hassen.
If they expected to have success at once they were mistaken. But Jerry pointed out that this could hardly be.