Frank sent Barney away, and the coon reached the earth glad enough over his providential escape.
Barney was so glad to see his friend safe that he did not molest him when they returned to the Jove.
Despite the storm, the four got at the broken and damaged parts of the airship and repaired them.
Then they set a watch for the night, and turned in with the intention of departing at daybreak.
CHAPTER V.
THE TERROR OF THE COAST.
“Great heavens! What is the meaning of this?”
Frank gave utterance to this startled exclamation just as the light of the rising sun streamed into the room where he had been peacefully sleeping.
A violent shake had aroused him.
Glancing up he observed half a dozen strange men in the cabin, and a keen scrutiny showed him that they were a gang of ruffians of the vilest stamp.
They were of different nationalities, were clad in rough garments, their faces were darkened by the sun, and every one of them carried weapons in their belts.