"Now we're ready," called the inventor.
The popping of a motor began and gradually gathered into a swift murmur.
"And now we're off," added Jerrold. "Stay right where you are and don't change your positions unless I tell you."
The whir of the propeller started, and the house and shrubbery began slipping away from under those in the car.
"Ach, du lieber!" gasped Carl. "Der eart' vas falling avay from us. I vill say my brayers forvarts, packvarts und sidevays, oof it vill helup any."
"I've got a bad case of rattles, myself," admitted Harris. "But it's for your pard, my boy."
"You bed my life!" returned Carl, "aber I never dit anyt'ing pefore for dot bard oof mine dot dook so mooch nerf as vat dis toes. I vill shud my eyes, und you dell me, blease, ven ve reach der svamp!"
[CHAPTER IX.]
ABOARD THE HAWK.