Dirola had disappeared inside the cabin. In a few minutes the professor and Washington were hard at work setting the machinery in motion.
First, after having seen that none of the apparatus was disarranged, Amos Henderson started the gas generating machine. Next, leaving Washington in charge of this and the engine room, the inventor prepared a big patch with some cement on it. This he gave to Mark, who quickly found the place where the old patch had come off the silk bag, and covered the opening. Already the bag was beginning to swell with the gas.
But now with loud yells the Esquimaux came rushing up. Leaping off their sleds, they began throwing their spears and shooting their arrows.
CHAPTER XVIII
NORTHWARD ONCE MORE
"Repel boarders!" sung out Andy. "Where are the guns?"
"Here!" shouted Tom, handing out the rifles fully loaded.
The old hunter seized a weapon, as did Bill, Jack, and Mark. Tom also leveled his gun at the savages.
Bang! Crack! Bang! went the guns. It was like a skirmish in battle. As
Andy directed, each one fired low.
So heavy a fusillade as the adventurers were able to fire had its effect. Many of the Esquimaux fell, none badly hurt, but disabled so they could not attack. Still the main body advanced up the slope with angry cries, determined to capture the airship and regain their captives.