“What’s that?” asked the scientist. “Is any one hurt?”
Mark ran to a small window, something like a port hole in an ocean steamer, and looked out.
“Quick!” he shouted. “Stop the ship! Washington will be killed!”
In fact from the agonized yells which proceeded from somewhere under the craft it seemed that the accident was in process of happening.
“Save me! Save me!” cried the colored man. “I’m goin’ to fall! Catch me, some one!”
“What is it?” asked the professor, making ready to shut off the power and let the ship settle back to earth, from which it had moved about fifty feet.
“It’s Washington,” explained Mark. “He evidently tried to walk up the steps just as the boat mounted skyward. He rolled down and managed to grab the end of the rope which was left over after the steps were tied. Now he’s swinging down there.”
“Are you going to lower the ship?” asked Jack.
“Of course!” exclaimed the professor. “I only hope he hangs on until his feet touch the earth.”
“Keep a tight hold!” shouted Mark, from out of the small window.