“Imagine my feelings,” said Zamora. “However, let it suffice that after a week of captivity among the pirates, I saw the great treasure they had amassed and learned all the secrets of their retreat. Before the day of my execution I escaped. After many hardships I returned to my native town. It was while I was there that I learned of this flying machine, and gained the idea that I might hire it to attack my enemies and rescue my little child from their clutches.”
“So that’s what you want the Jove for, eh?”
“Exactly. I am in momentary fear that Captain Diavolo may take it into his head to kill poor little Leon, and therefore am impatient to go to his rescue as soon as possible.”
“Can’t your Government aid you?”
“Not in the least. I have already attempted to get relief from that source, but failed. Only by utilizing some such contrivance as this can I hope to succeed.”
Frank was intensely interested in the man’s story, and when Zamora had told him how he had gone to Readestown and then chased the machine, he began to ponder deeply.
An idea flashed into his mind, and he said to Barney:
“I have faith in this unfortunate man’s story.”
“Faix! I have that same,” replied the Irishman.
“And I am going to help him.”