“Undt ein Tiger!”
But perhaps the cheers had been a little premature. It was getting toward dawn when it became apparent to all on board that the Wondership was not behaving properly. Her engines revolved more and more slowly. She began to make long swoops and dips.
“What in the world ails her?” demanded the captain.
“Don’t know,” rejoined Jack; “might be any one of a dozen things. We’ll have to go down to fix her.”
“But it’s dark. You can’t land in the tree tops,” expostulated Mr. Chadwick.
“I know that. I think I can manage to keep her going till daylight. If not, we must take our chances.”
Soon after, the first pale light of dawn dimmed the stars. Beneath them—they were heading due east—showed a river. By this time the craft was almost without motion, although, of course, there was no fear of her dropping, for her gas-bag supported her. But the wind was east, and every minute that the engine remained idle, they were being carried back toward the land of the tribe from which they had effected their escape.
With what power remained, Jack brought the Wondership to rest on the surface of the river. She was at once made fast to the bank and the two boys set to work on the engines. It did not take long to locate the trouble. The air intake, by which a certain amount of air was mixed with the explosive gas, had become clogged. To clean it out and put it in good shape would have taken quite a time. Under the circumstances they decided to have breakfast first and then get to work. During the meal a bright lookout was kept and they ate cold stuff, not knowing what hostile tribes might be about and not daring to light a fire.
It was toward the close of the meal that they were considerably startled by loud shouts from a point not far distant. They came rapidly nearer.