“I reckon not. But—how did you make out, Barney?”
The captain was astonished when he heard the account of Barney’s adventures. He had seen nothing of the panther, nor had he any recollection of anything until he came out of his sleep to find himself on the projecting spur of rock.
However, the affair was ended, and all were safe again aboard the Spectre, which was a matter for congratulation; so Frank at once proceeded to again direct the course of the air-ship.
Down among the valleys now the air-ship sailed. The country, however, was wild and unsettled, though the scattered villages of a few Indian natives were seen.
“It’s about time for us to get a look at the region about the Transient Lake,” declared Nicodemus.
“Can you see anything familiar about this region?” asked Frank.
“Yes,” replied the old mariner. “Yonder is the range of hills where the Paraguay River rises, if my eyesight does not fail me. On the other side of them we first found human beings.”
“Well,” said Frank reflectively, “we don’t want to go there.”
“No,” replied the captain; “steer west by south. I think that is our best course.”
The words were scarcely spoken when a great cry came from Barney and Pomp, who were aft. Frank and Nicodemus turned to behold an appalling spectacle.