In two hours the reaction of the
bubbling acid had sent enough hydrogen through the purifier to raise
the bag shoulder-high and everything was going splendidly. The boys
had removed their working clothes and were now in the light but warm
canvas suits and caps they meant to wear in their flight.
Ned stole away a few minutes and at the bank secured bills to pay
off the men. On his way back he stopped to invite Mayor Bradley to
lunch with them on the Cibola and to be present at the "let go." By
noon the men had been paid and the articles of baggage and tools
that were to be left behind had been packed, tagged with shipping
directions and turned over to Buck's wife.
The cigar-like bag, 98.4 feet long and 17.4 feet in diameter, which
was to hold over 65,000 feet of gas, was now so far inflated that it
was nearly off the ground. Then Mayor Bradley came. With pride the
boys bade him climb into the cabin of the Cibola.
"You won't find anything hot in a balloon, Mr. Mayor," laughed Ned,
"except the reception. Make yourself at home."
On the bridge of the craft the two boys and their guest had
luncheon.
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