On the following morning the air ship was hovering over the Atlantic.
Pomp had taken charge of the cooking department, and the Irishman attended to the machinery when it became necessary.
The professor was a very much relieved man.
“Had I been incarcerated for that crime,” said he to Frank, as they went out on deck after breakfast, “I could not have gone with you, and might have been hung.”
“For my part, I was determined that you should not fall into the detective’s hands,” replied the inventor, “for I was anxious to have you go with me on this cruise.”
They shook out the sails, as the Ranger was going with the wind, and as the white duck bellied out, speed was added to the boat.
“Do you think we will meet the Red Eric?” asked Vaneyke.
“She has considerable start, but we may be able to overhaul her, as we can make very rapid headway,” Frank replied. “I owe Captain Ben Bolt a grudge for the scalp wound he gave me, and I’ll avenge myself by wresting Walter Grey from his power.”
“What is your destination?”
“The Kara Sea and the island of Nova Zembla.”