The men worked on. Would they accomplish their task? Every person in the little group of watchers held his breath.
Crack-crack-crack. The automatic spoke again. Doubtless Dave had moved to a position more directly under the cabin.
“’E’s got ’em! ’E’s got ’em!” exulted Jarvis, throwing his cap in air.
One of the Orientals was seen to waver, then to fall backward. The other instantly dropped from sight.
“The windlass,” commanded Jarvis. “Some of you bring it up. We’ll pull ’em down alright, alright! We’ll get the bloody, bloomin’ ’eathen yet.”
A wooden windlass, made for bringing the balloon to earth in case of storm, was brought forward, while Dave and Jarvis watched for any indication of further activity on the part of the robbers.
Once the windlass was fastened to the bank by means of ice anchors, the task of bringing down the balloon was a matter of moments.
Two cowering wretches were found in one corner of the cabin.
“I’m for ’aving an end to ’em at once and immediately,” stormed Jarvis.
“No! No!” smiled Dave. “They’re just the boys we want. They are going to tell us why the engine won’t go for us.”