CHAPTER XXIII
PLANS FOR AN AIRSHIP
"Slow her down, Ned!" cried Tom, for the Arrow was shooting so swiftly through the water that the young inventor found it impossible to pull up the balloonist. Ned hurried back to the motor, and, when the boat's way had been checked, it was an easy matter to pull the dripping and almost exhausted man into the craft.
"Are you much hurt?" asked Mr. Swift anxiously, for Tom was too much out of breath with his exertion to ask any questions. For that matter the man was in almost as bad a plight. He was breathing heavily, as one who had run a long race.
"I—I guess I'm all right," he panted. "Only burned a little on my hands. That―that was a close call!"
The boat swung around and headed for shore, on which was quite a throng of persons. Some of them had cheered when they saw the plucky rescue.
"I'm afraid we can't save your balloon," gasped
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