"Isn't that a balloon?" he exclaimed pointing to an orange-like object high in the heavens toward the west.
Ned caught up the binoculars and had a quick look at the rapidly moving ball which was rushing toward them from over the distant Tunit Chas Mountains.
"No question about it," answered Ned, handing Alan the glasses; "a balloon, and a big one."
"And out here, too!" commented Alan in surprise. "I guess the world is pretty small after all."
"Everything ready?" asked Ned eagerly. And then as the retaining rope was untied from the frame of the car and slipped down and out from under the cottonwood snag the Cibola shot upward.
"I have an idea," continued Ned, "and please don't object until you think it over. Let's make a little social call on the stranger!"
"A call!" exclaimed Alan, plainly showing his astonishment; "a call on a balloon five thousand feet in the air?"
"Certainly. We are going that high anyway. And we have the means of going where we like. If we go up until we strike the same, stratum of air the stranger is moving in we have our propeller and aeroplanes to check and guide ourselves. When it passes we can easily run alongside!"
"Well, if that isn't the limit!" laughed Alan. "And I suppose we'll exchange greetings and messages like ships long at sea."
"And," added Ned, "we can send some word to Major Honeywell. You can see our fast flying friend isn't going to stop around here."