“Do you know what von Kluck’s cargo consisted of?” he asked.
“Mostly cheeses,” replied Ned. “Also an airship!” he added.
“An airship?” was the questioning response. “An airship?”
Ned smiled a trifle regretfully as he related briefly the adventures of the four lads with those who have read the previous volume of this series are already familiar. He concluded by saying:
“We were trying to get ourselves and the airship back to the United States, when this man Mackinder seemed bound to delay us on some flimsy pretext. Unfortunately our Grey Eagle went down with the schooner.”
“Yes. And now you are headed directly away from your desired destination. For you, at least, the situation is unfortunate!”
“We think we are lucky to be afloat!” declared Ned.
“Yes. You are indeed fortunate in that respect. But I wish to make some inquiries,” went on the commander.
“We shall be pleased to give you any information possible,” answered the lad heartily. “We highly appreciate your kindness to us!”
“Perhaps my act of picking you up was not altogether prompted by such a noble sentiment,” smiled the other. “I want some information.”