CHAPTER VIII.
ATTACKING THE PIRATES’ LAIR.
The morning was far advanced by the time the second shot came from the fort somewhere along the creek.
The ball landed in the water near the stranded Jove, and Frank anxiously gazed at the shore to see if the tide was rising.
It was impossible to lift the flying machine from the mud flat till the tide came up.
The pirates in the rowboat had all gone ashore.
“One of their shots is bound to hit us if we remain here long enough,” said Frank. “We must get ashore.”
“How kin yo’ lif’ de airship off ob de mud?” asked Pomp.
“I’ll find a means of moving her!”
As Frank made this assertion he pondered deeply, and finally passed into the engine-room.
The dynamo was working at its full capacity, and the big propellers were whirling furiously.