Mr. Preston told many funny stories of his circus days, and some of them had the spice of danger in them, for he had been all over the world, either as a performer or as the owner of amusement enterprises.
"Now, the next question to be settled," said the old circus man, when they were once more gathered in the library, "is how many are going?"
"I am, for one!" exclaimed Ned quickly. "I'm sure my folks will let me. Especially as we aren't going to use an airship, but will travel just as ordinary folks do."
"Except in case of emergency," explained Tom. "We'll have the Lark to use if we need her."
"Oh, of course," agreed Ned. "How about you, Mr. Damon? Will you go?"
The odd man looked around the room before replying, as though he feared someone might be listening on the sly.
"Go on, Andy Foger isn't here," invited Tom with a laugh.
"I'll go—if I can pursuade my wife to let me," said the odd man in a whisper, as if, even then, the good lady might overhear him. "I'm not going to say anything about giants. I'll tell her we are going to rescue a poor fellow from—
