The latter explained to the official that he had plenty of ready money provided by John Davis to pay rewards and expenses. The result was that the police were divided into two parties.
“If the outlaws have really gone, good riddance, and we won’t follow them,” said the officer. “Let one party visit the island and burn the old shack to the ground. The rest of us will look for your lost airship, Mr. Hardy, and report to you at the settlement. We’ll be glad to have a hand in helping out you aviators. There is a big interest in airships everywhere, and we may get some helpful notice in the newspapers.”
It was a decided satisfaction to Ben, Bob and the count to sit down to a good meal in a comfortable little hotel at the settlement two hours later. The Indian guide was handsomely rewarded. A courier had been hired to ride on horseback across country to the nearest telegraph station with messages for New York, Blairville and Woodville.
Before nightfall the captain of police came in with a report of the findings of the Dart. Ben immediately secured the services of a man owning a large broad wagon, and the next morning the monoplane was taken apart and packed on the vehicle.
Count Beausire took charge of the barograph and distance register, sealed both, and announced that he would accompany the boys to Blairville.
“My declaration as a representative of the international aero clubs, will be accepted as to the veracity of your exploit,” he observed, somewhat grandly.
Ben paid liberally all those working in his behalf. Arrangements were made to ship the Dart to Blairville. The motor and some other parts of the wrecked Meteor were also to be sent forward, at the request of Count Beausire.
The news quickly spread that the young aviators had made a truly wonderful flight, and many came to see Ben and Bob.
“I’ve got an extra telegram to send home,” said Bob, and went off, leaving Ben alone at the hotel.
A little later our hero received a letter, asking him to call at a certain address in the town, to see a new invention of an airship. The letter added that Ben would regret it if he did not pay attention to the communication.