He at once learned the course the balloon had taken, and then got a buggy and horse and went over every inch of the ground.
A little later he found himself at the spot where the balloon had come down.
He walked around in much perplexity.
If Mart had escaped injury, where was he?
“All this must be Porler’s work,” said the young gymnast to himself. “I would just like to come across that man.”
Satisfied that nothing was to be gained by remaining near the woods, Leo started back to the road.
In doing this he came across the bottle which had contained the chloroform Porler had used.
He picked up the bottle and smelled of what remained in it.
“My gracious!”
Like a flash the truth burst upon him.