As he hurried about from one part of the ship to the other the professor told them how he had come to build the Monarch. He said he was an old bachelor and alone in the world, and had long desired to sail to the north pole. The failure of many land expeditions had convinced him that an airship was the only feasible method. Accordingly he had come to this rather deserted part of the country, built his cabin and shed, and then had begun the putting together of his airship.
The engine parts, the various pieces of apparatus, and the machinery, he bought from many different sources, so as not to excite suspicion. At last after much labor the great undertaking was done.
"The Monarch has never been tested," said the professor, "but I know it will sail. I have made many small models and they worked perfectly."
Several busy hours were spent. Much more machinery was put in the ship, the food lockers were stored with supplies, the gasolene tanks filled, and the supply of fur clothing increased.
"There!" exclaimed the professor at length. "We are about ready to sail. I could start in an hour if necessary. All I have to do is to fill the silk bag with my wonderful gas, which is all ready to generate."
"Den you'd better start to generationess it right off quicker than sooner!" shouted Washington, running from the rear of the shed. "Hurry up, Perfessor!"
"What's the matter?" asked Mr. Henderson anxiously.
"Dat prisoner man has escaped!" cried Washington. "He's clean gone!
Flown away! Jumped his bail!"
"That's bad!" exclaimed the professor. "He'll work some mischief now! I guess we'll have to start on our trip at once!"