It was only too true. A moment's reflection satisfied me of that, and I stared blankly at my companion.
My gorgeous, if somewhat vainglorious, plan was knocked on the head.
CHAPTER XVII THE MOMENT OF TRIUMPH
I descended from the airship in silence. Danjuro followed me. Thumbwood was still on guard. The bundle that was Mr. Vargus lay upon the ground, and a face like a white wedge of venom stared up at us. There was no sign of the enemy, but I felt that we should not be left in peace much longer, and my disappointment at the discovery on board the pirate was keen.
"There is still a chance," Danjuro whispered in my ear. "And with your permission, Sir John, I am going to try it."
I nodded, and he stepped up to Vargus and pulled him up into a sitting posture, propping him against the barrier.
"There is a part of the control mechanism of the airship missing," Danjuro said, with silky politeness.
Vargus grinned suddenly, a momentary rictus that came and went, utterly horrible.