They paid no attention to the wreck; all eyes were riveted on the now slowly descending Antonio.
“Give way, lads, now,” shouted Davie. “Let us get right beneath, for the sharks are in shoals.”
And so well did they manage it, that the captain alighted right amongst the men.
Had he fallen into the sea to-day, his life would not have been worth a minute’s purchase.
Antonio was smiling.
“Here’s a wind-up to a windy day,” he said.
“Indeed, sir,” said Davie, “you seem to bear a charmed life.”
“Pull right away for the basket and wrecked balloon, boys,” he made answer. “My telescope and other instruments are in it, and I wouldn’t lose them for a good deal.”
“Give way again, boys,” shouted Davie, and very soon they reached the wreckage.
To Antonio’s joy the basket had not capsized, so everything was saved.