“I should say yes!” agreed Hiram. “The idea of trying to cart off the Albatross!”
“Well, his explanation was natural,” said the professor. “These mountaineers, in this lonely region, scarcely ever see money, I guess. But now, boys, get to bed. We’ve got lots to do to-morrow.”
Everyone again retired after the lights had again been turned low, and Dave and Hiram were soon asleep again. It was two hours after daylight when Grimshaw routed them out of their berths.
“Come, get up here,” he ordered; “if you don’t want to miss breakfast.”
“I certainly don’t,” announced the active Hiram. “I’m hungry as a bear.”
“Well, there’s a capital meal waiting for you,” observed the old aeronaut.
The boys found this true as they came in at second table in the cabin. They hurried through with the meal, for outside on the ground Mr. King and the others were assembled. From their actions the young aviator concluded that some active discussion was in progress.
Exit from the cabin was made through a trap door and a balancing ladder.
“Hurrah!” piped Hiram, as he reached the ground. “Here’s a chance to stretch our legs and breathe some fresh air.”
“Let’s see what is going on with the others,” suggested Dave, and they approached the group made up of Professor Leblance, Mr. King, Grimshaw and Mr. Dale.