Cold potted chicken and baked beans served on wooden
plates with hardtack and water, and sweet chocolate for dessert, was
the simple meal, but it tasted like a feast.
"Have you christened the craft yet?" finally asked the Mayor who had
absorbed some of the enthusiasm of the young aeronauts.
"That's for you to do," politely answered Ned.
The luncheon was hurried to a finish, for the boys could see that
the bag needed final attention. It had risen higher and higher and
was now swaying and tugging at the suspension ropes. Both boys
alighted and at once began straightening the extension ropes. Here
and there where the cordage net was out of place they pulled down
the bag and adjusted the rigging. Finally a little after three
o'clock, the great case had filled out until its smooth glistening
sides resembled the skin of a fat sausage.
"All ready!" ordered Ned as he shut of the valve of the cooling and
purifying box. "Now, every man bear a hand."
One at a time the extension cords were untied from the retaining
bags, and each of the workmen was given four of the light but strong
lines.
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