The bag tugged and strained as Ned
reappeared above.
"Hurry up, Bob, if you're going with us," he said quietly, leaning
over the net of the bridge, "and close the door as you come up."
Bob hesitated, as if he had not heard aright, but then he
understood, and with tears in his eyes be sprang forward. There was
a jar and Ned knew the new passenger was aboard.
"All ready?" he called sharply from the bridge.
"Aye, aye, captain," came in a choking but jubilant voice from the
inside of the cabin.
"Stand by, everybody," sharply ordered Ned. And then, as Bob's
shoulders appeared through the hatchway, the commander of the air
ship gave a final look about.
"Let go all," he cried sharply. "Everybody!"
For a moment only one clinging workman careened the buoyant craft
and then, straight up, the Cibola bounded like a rubber ball.
"Good-bye, all," came from Ned, cap in hand, as he leaned from the
bridge.
There were cheers from below and the Cibola was at last free and
afloat.
"Sit down here and keep quiet," sharply ordered Ned as Bob crawled
out on deck.
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