Part 34 (1/2)

”We cannot use the machinery.”

”I know that, but I can use something else--that is, I think I can.”

”There is nothing to use.”

”Yes, there is. See here!”

As the youth spoke he seized a long pole from the deck, and stuck one end of it in a large cake of ice that floated close by. Slowly, but with the strength of despair he pushed the bow of the airs.h.i.+p around so that it was pointed away from the on-coming whale.

”Run to the rear!” the boy cried to Andy. ”And hurry up!”

The hunter did so. A few seconds later the stern of the s.h.i.+p was toward the ocean monster. Andy called for some one to bring ammunition and feed the hopper of the machine gun, and Bill responded.

Then, when the whale was within a hundred feet of the _Monarch_, Andy began turning the crank. A storm of lead shot out toward the big fish.

The water about was dyed with blood and the spouting streams from the nostrils were changed from white to red. With a terrible flurry, las.h.i.+ng the waters of the ocean to foam with its broad flukes, the whale died, hundreds of bullets in its head.

The airs.h.i.+p was saved.

CHAPTER x.x.x

HOMEWARD BOUND

”We're sinking! we're sinking!” yelled Bill Jones. He pointed to a stream of water that was trickling up from the cabin floor. The freezing of the s.h.i.+p in the ice had strained the seams.

The professor and Was.h.i.+ngton were working earnestly over the gas machine. They piled in fresh chemicals and started the electric current.

The water in the cabin continued to rise.

”Well, I guess I might as well have let the whale finish us,” sighed Andy. ”We're bound to die, anyhow!”

”Not yet!” cried the professor suddenly. ”Not if I can help it! Quick, Was.h.i.+ngton. Another turn to the handle, and I think we will be safe!”

The negro adjusted the machine as the professor had directed.

”Is the water gaining?” asked Amos Henderson.

”No. It's stopped coming in,” replied Bill.

”Then we are saved!” announced the inventor. ”The gas is entering the bag and lifting the s.h.i.+p!”

Sure enough, the Monarch no longer pitched and tossed on the waves. It was rising in the air. In a little while it was quite a distance above the ocean. All on board watched anxiously, but the craft appeared to be on its good behavior and mounted steadily upward. The propeller, which had been stopped, was again set in motion. The professor went to the conning tower and began steering the s.h.i.+p to the south. The adventurers were homeward bound at last.

For some time no one spoke, so anxious were they lest another accident should occur. But when, after another hour or two, the s.h.i.+p still kept on its flight, all breathed easier.

”Well, we've been to the north pole,” remarked Jack, after a long pause.