“Will you agree——” he began.
“I agree to nothing,” said Frank, sharply. “You are two to one. Cut my bonds quickly, or we’ll all strangle before we are aware of it.”
The villain hesitated no longer.
With a quick spring forward he cut Frank’s bonds. The young inventor leaped to his feet.
In a moment he reached the keyboard. He quickly shut off the current, and the air-ship fell.
Down she sank until the awful pressure on the lungs was removed.
All felt easier.
Then Dooley rushed into the pilot-house with a rope in his hand.
“Make no resistance,” he said, threateningly, “or you will die! You are our prisoners!”
“I have offered no resistance,” said Frank, coolly; “but I ask that you do not tie my hands again.”