The four conspirators had managed, by means of a false key, and by disconnecting the burglar alarm, to enter the airship shed. They were about to proceed with their work of destruction when Koku came on the scene.
The giant's appearance was due to accident. He acted as a sort of night watchman, making a tour of the buildings, but he entered the shed where the Mars was because, that day, he had left his knife in there, and wanted to get it. Only for that he would not have gone in. When he entered he surprised the four men.
Of course he attacked them at once, and they sprang at him. Then ensued a terrific fight. Eradicate, arising to doctor his mule, as he had said, heard the noise, and saw what was going on. He gave the alarm.
"Well, Ned, any luck?" asked Tom, as his chum came in.
"No, they got away, Tom. I had a lot of your men out helping me search the grounds, but it wasn't of much use."
"Particularly if you depended on some of my men," said Tom bitterly.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that the place is filled with spies, Ned! But we will sift them out in the morning. This has been a lucky night for me. It was touch and go. Now, then, Koku, take these fellows and lock them up somewhere until morning. Ned, you and I will remain on guard here the rest of the night."
"I'm with you, Tom."
"Will you be a bit easy on us, considering what we told you?" asked Kurdy.