As the biplane began to respond, a salvo of cheers and good wishes arose. The “Ogden II” had started on its dangerous voyage.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE RESCUE PARTY
Low, scudding clouds were sailing fast across the sky; but the current of air, blowing in an uninterrupted course for miles upon miles across the open prairie, was comparatively steady. This gave the boys who remained behind some encouragement.
Dave Brandon and Tim Lovell went back upon the roof of the ranch-house, where they studied the movements of the balloon and aeroplane until the telescope no longer possessed the power to separate either from the gray background of sky and mountains.
The crowd had no intention of remaining inactive. Only a dash across the prairie in search of their friends could relieve their impatience and pent-up anxiety. The boys below, having saddled the bronchos, finally yelled for the stout historian and Tim to come down.
But before the summons was obeyed the sound of the telephone bell sent Dick Travers in leaps and bounds toward the house.
“Hello!” he was presently calling.
“Is that Lone Pine Ranch?”
“Yes!”
“It’s only me, pard.” Dick recognized Jed Warren’s voice. “Who’s that a-talkin’?”