But it could not be helped.
So he had to submit.
He tried to explain to the prefect, but that dignitary was a very crabbed old martinet, and locked him up.
Frank was kept in durance vile for several days, and his friends had to produce proof by telegraph from Havre that the chief of police there sanctioned Frank’s work.
The inventor was then reluctantly released from custody.
His friends bore him off in triumph.
They lost no time getting aboard the Pegasus and sending her up into the air after that.
As she sped away over the beautiful blue sea Frank said:
“It seems as if fate were against us. We have lost three days. It will be impossible to reach Alexandria, in time to beat the steamer. I’m afraid Murdock has got the best of us.”
“Holy smoke! you ought to be glad you got out!” said the detective. “I was afraid you’d go to prison. Don’t complain. We must make the best of the bad situation.”