Another day dawned, and saw the sun rise up and sink far towards the west again, before old Wharton gave up all hope of relief. He had been peering steadily down on the encampment for a couple of hours before he turned to Snap with:
'Sonny, it's got to be done. Them Redskins have almost got over their skeer, and I guess poor Warwolf has been tortured and scalped by this time.'
'Yes, Dick,' said Snap quietly; 'then suppose we get ready.'
'Why, what is there to do, pard, except get right in and go?' asked his companion.
'Well, first of all we must try whether the balloon will carry us all. She certainly won't unless we take some of the cargo out.'
'All right, bear a hand, Towzer. You are boss of this show, Snap,' was the reply.
Snap climbed into the car and handed out the instruments and a bag or two of sand, the balloon straining wildly at its moorings as he did so.
'Come in with me, Frank,' he cried, 'and help me steady her.'
Frank climbed in.
'Now, Towzer!' Snap added; and Towzer joined the other two.