Off to the eastward sailed the Comet in the direction indicated by the lone sailor. Jerry kept his craft far enough down so that there would be no chance of missing the boat. But from her position in the air, those aboard the Comet could easily see even a small object on the surface of the sea, and thus, in this search, the boys would have an advantage over a water craft, for the range of vision of those aboard such a vessel is comparatively limited.
Jerry sent the motorship about in ever-increasing circles, and the eyes of one or another of the boys were constantly directed downward. They would take no chances of missing the small boat.
“Grub’s ready!” called Bob. “Shall I bring yours to the pilot house, Jerry?”
“No, I guess we all might as well sit down at the table and eat in comfort.”
“But we may miss the boat,” objected the stout lad.
“I’ll start the gas machine, and we’ll stay as nearly as we can in one place until after we’ve eaten,” said Jerry. “If the boat drifts within range we can easily see it through the glass floor. I’ll work the propellers just enough against the wind to hold us almost stationary. Get busy on the gas generator, Ned.”
Soon a hissing in the motor room told them that the powerful vapor was being made. It would soon fill the lifting-bags, and the Comet could then navigate as a dirigible balloon.
Until such time, however, Jerry kept her going as an aeroplane, watching below for any small boat.
“It will soon be dark,” Ned remarked.
“Then we’ll start the searchlight,” answered Jerry. “How about the gas?”