Into the machine they tumbled helter-skelter. Jack switched on one of the shaded lights, pulled a lever and the welcome chug-chug of the gas pump responded. The Wondership swayed and pitched.
“Let ‘er go!” shouted the captain as from the village a mass of yelling savages came rushing down on them.
“Hold on!” shouted the young commander of the flying auto. “Where’s Tom?”
“Great Scott! Ain’t he here?”
“No!”
“Good Lord!” groaned the captain. “It’s all off now!”
But out of the darkness came a shout. It was Tom.
“Hold on. I’ll be with you.”
Then came the sounds of a struggle and the next instant they heard the impact of a crunching blow, a yell of pain and a savage shout, “Take that!”
“That’s Tom in action,” shouted the captain. “Come on, Tom!”