"We seem to be held fast."
He further increased the speed of the propellers, and the gas
machine was set to make vapor at its fullest capacity, and force it
into the bag. Still the craft was held to the earth.
"Maybe the gas has no effect in this climate," called Ned.
"It can't be that," replied Tom. "The gas will operate anywhere. It
worked all right today."
Suddenly she airship moved up a little way, and then seemed to be
pulled down again, hitting the ground with a bump.
"Something is holding us!" cried Tom. "We're anchored to earth! I
must see what it is!" and, catching up his electric rifle, he dashed
out of the cabin.
CHAPTER XII
AMONG THE NATIVES
For a moment after Tom's departure the others stared blankly at one
another. They could hear the throbbing and hum of the machinery, and
feel the thrill of the anchored airship. But they could not
understand what the trouble was.
"We must help Tom!" cried Ned Newton at length as he caught up his
rifle. "Maybe we are in the midst of a herd of elephants, and they
have hold of the ship in their trunks."
"It couldn't be!" declared Mr. Durban, yet they soon discovered that
Ned's guess was nearer the truth then any of them had suspected at
the time.
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