Finally all was ready.
The professor had really next to nothing he wished to bring away. The valley had grown hateful to him because of his enforced stay and he never wanted to see it again.
He took his place in the seat usually occupied by Andy. His face was grave, for he knew what risks they were running. But surely the lad who had piloted the frail craft through so many perils would not fail now!
"Good-bye, both of you!" said Andy, beaming upon them, as he prepared to assist in the launching. "Please don't forget me down here and let me root, hog, or die for months. Birds of a feather flock together, you know, so come back again, Frank."
Then came the start. It was anything but an easy job to get going in the small space allowed by the character of the valley, but Frank had figured it all out, measured the ground, removed such obstructions as promised to give trouble and had perfect confidence in his ability to make it.
And he did.
After that other ascent in the heart of the tropical forest he declared he did not mean to let anything appal him henceforth.
Once they started circling the valley, low down and just missing the tops of the trees growing there, Andy, sent vigorous whoops after them, and his father answered by waving his hand, for hat he had none.
So, guided by the master hand of Frank Bird, the aeroplane rose above the line of those hateful and cruel cliffs and for the first time since his captivity the man of science saw the blessed outside world again.
There was no trouble landing him on the accommodating plateau, after which the aeroplane started back for its second passenger.