Then Frank said:
“You get into one, Wallis; and you, Captain Hardy, into the other. Pomp will remain with the machine. Barney, don this suit of mail and at once.”
“All right, sor!” replied the Celt, who proceeded to obey.
“Then you propose to wear these suits of mail in attacking the natives?” asked Hardy.
“Certainly,” replied Frank. “Thus equipped we can clean out the country. Ah, there is great work ahead for us!”
All were, of course, enthusiastic over the prospect.
It is needless to say that they were soon ready. Over the rail they went and stood upon the volcanic ground.
Pomp elevated the airship a few hundred feet for safety’s sake, after they had gone. Then the four rescuers entered the hollow mountain.
As they did so they noted a peculiar vibration and at times a distant jarring, jolting sound as if machinery were at work beneath them.
And doubtless it was, but not machinery made by human hands.