"What in the world is it?" cried Jack.
"It's my airship!" exclaimed Professor Henderson. "The only successful airship ever invented. It is the electric Monarch!"
"What is it for?" asked Mark.
"To navigate the realm of the stars and moon!" cried the old man. "With that I will rival the eagles in their flight!"
The boys were a little alarmed. The professor was strangely excited. His eyes sparkled in the reflected light of the lamp. Jack and Mark thought they might have been brought to the abode of a madman. They shrank back a little. But they were reassured a moment later when, with a pleasant laugh, the old man said:
"Don't be frightened, boys. I know what I am talking about. Here, Washington, more light! We will show them what we have done, hidden away from the sight of the curious, unbelieving world. Let them see my Monarch!"
"We'll illuminationness dis abode like it was de orb ob day shinin' heah!" exclaimed the negro, as he started several more lamps aglow.
"Are the shutters closed?" asked Mr. Henderson, anxiously.
"Tight as a drum-head," was the reply.
"Now look!" exclaimed the inventor, turning to the boys.