“There is no other way for us,” he said.

“Yes, there is.”

“What?”

“On board the air-ship.”

“You do not mean it!” cried the millionaire, joyfully. “No, we will not infringe upon your generosity to such an extent.”

“Indeed, it will be a pleasure to me to take you to the coast,” said Frank.

“But you are not yet ready to leave the Andes?”

“Yes; I am. I have been here six weeks now, and that is enough. I am anxious to get back to Readestown, for I have a new invention which I desire to perfect.”

“Mr. Reade,” said Dane, warmly, “we can never repay you for your kindness to us. Yet I would ask one more favor of you.”

“What is that?”