As the balloon drew steadily away, the boys all realized that in another hour the airmen might be facing an unpleasant, if not dangerous situation.
“My, how I do hope that they can make a safe landing,” said Cranny.
“I’m going to chase them, anyway,” added Bob. “Who wants to go along?”
A chorus of “Ayes!” was the immediate response.
“What’s the use, though, Bob?” queried Tom. “You can’t lasso the ‘Border City,’ like a longhorn, and tow her back.”
“No! But there’s no telling what may happen. We can, at least, see where they land, and be ready to lend assistance, if possible.”
“It may be a case of plucking wee Willie and Major Carroll from a perch in the trees,” murmured Cranny.
“Come on!” cried Bob.
They had soon gathered around the “Ogden II,” while the aviator made a final examination so as to be sure that everything was in working order.
“All right, fellows,” he announced. “Now, whoever is going to make the trip with me must understand that it will be a mighty risky job.”