Before he could carry out this plan, however, there came a sudden report from the weapon.
A shot flew screaming up at the flying machine.
Frank saw it coming.
He made a rapid effort to avoid it.
But he failed to do so.
Straight at the Jove flew the shot.
It struck the planes and passed through them.
Two large holes were made in them through which the air rushed rapidly.
A cry of dismay escaped the inventor.
“They’ve crippled us!” he groaned.