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Directly below him the balloonist would have seen the network of streets far and wide, houses, churches, squares, crescents, gardens already derelict spread out like a huge map, and in the southward blotted. Over Ealing, Richmond, Wimbledon, it would have seemed as if some monstrous pen had flung ink upon the chart.
Tom told him their names and Mr. Swift asked the aeronaut if he was sure he didn't need the services of a physician. "No doctor for me," answered the balloonist. "I've been in lots of tight places, but this was the worst squeeze. If you'll put me ashore, I guess I can manage now." "But you're all wet," objected Tom. "Where will you go?
It is little wonder, then, that in the years that now follow we find the balloon returning to all the favour it had enjoyed in its palmiest days. But Green proved himself something more than a practical balloonist of the first rank. He brought to the aid of his profession ideas which were matured by due thought and scientifically sound.
His mother could hardly believe the story of Ned's getting the money just for finding a balloon, but when it was explained how valuable the balloon was, and how it sometimes takes days of searching in the woods to find one after the balloonist lets go and drops down with his parachute, she was finally convinced that the money rightfully belonged to Ned. "No one needs it more than I do," Mrs.
Beside, if by some remote possibility they did imagine it, there would be soldiers shooting at us, instead of the police. As it was, the whole population seemed anxious to bring us down." "And they nearly did," added Mr. Damon. "If they had shot a few holes in the gas bag where would we be?" "Right in the air," answered the balloonist.
Just because you helped save that balloonist from being killed when his balloon caught fire," went on Andy, for want of something better to say. "But you'll never build an airship!" "Of course he won't!" added Sam and Pete, bound to side with their crony, to whom they were indebted for many automobile and motor-boat rides. "Just wait," advised Tom, with a tantalizing smile.
"Oh, I guess I'm a sort of general all-around bad man, who helped you burglars to escape with the booty," answered the balloonist, with a laugh. "I expect to be arrested along with you two." "But must we be arrested?" inquired Tom anxiously. "I don't like that idea at all. We haven't done anything." "This is my plan," went on Mr. Sharp. "We'll get back to Shopton as quickly as we can.
Then, while the young inventor held the gun, the balloonist tied the hands and feet of the thieves in a most scientific manner, for what he did not know about ropes and knots was not worth putting into a book. "Now, I guess they'll stay quiet for a while," remarked Mr. Sharp as he surveyed the crestfallen criminals.
Sharp, who had been silent for some time, suddenly turned to Tom and asked: "Ever invent an airship?" "No," replied the lad, somewhat surprised. "I never did." "I have," went on the balloonist. "That is, I've invented part of it. I'm stuck over some details. Maybe you and I'll finish it some day. How about it?" "Maybe," assented Tom, who was occupied just then in making a good landing.
Swift were much interested in the experiences of the balloonist and asked him many questions, which he answered modestly. Several hours passed and late that afternoon the party approached Shopton. "Here we are!" exclaimed Mr. Swift, relief in his tones. "Now to see of what I have been robbed and to get the police after the scoundrels!" When the boat was nearing the dock Mr.
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