As the airship drew near the boat, a number of Persians were seen swarming over her deck.
The Pegasus had created a profound sensation among them for they were wildly gesticulating, loudly talking, and all at once began to discharge a number of rifles at her.
A hail of bullets struck her.
As the leaden pellets hummed over her deck Frank and his companions rushed inside and closed the windows.
They headed their boats for the city of Bassorah, a short distance down the stream, and kept up a steady fire at the Pegasus as they retreated before her.
The discharge of firearms alarmed the people in the city, and in a few moments the bank of the river was thronged with armed men.
Many of them embarked in boats and put out to join the one after which the Pegasus was going.
Seeing that there would be serious trouble if the engine remained where she was, Frank raised her.
A tremendous shout arose from the Persians when they saw her fly up into the air.
Many of them hastened back to the shore.