Part 13 (2/2)

”He's off,” the man murmured. ”I thought he'd never get to sleep!

Now to get in and dose those two lads! Then I'll have the place to myself!”

There was a clicking noise about the lock on the shed door. It was not a very secure lock at best, and, under the skilful fingers of the midnight visitor, it quickly gave way. The man entered. He gave one look at the slumbering watchman, listened to his heavy breathing, and then went softly toward the airs.h.i.+p, which looked to be immense in the comparatively small shed--taking up nearly all the s.p.a.ce.

The intruder peered in through the cabin windows where Ned and Tom were asleep. Once more there was in the atmosphere a sickish odor.

The man again worked the instrument which was like a small air pump, taking care not to get his own face too near it. Presently he stopped and listened.

”They're doped,” he murmured. He arose, and took from his mouth and nose a handkerchief saturated with some chemical that had rendered him immune to the effects of the sleep-producing that he had generated. ”Sound asleep,” he added. Then, taking out a long, keen knife, the vandal stole toward where the great wings of the RED CLOUD stretched out in the dim light like the pinions of a bird.

There was a ripping, tearing, rending sound, as the vandal cut and slashed, but Tom, Ned and the watchman slumbered on.

CHAPTER X

TOM IS HELD UP

Tom Swift stirred uneasily in his heavy sleep. He dreamed that he was again in his berth in the railroad car, and that the thief was feeling under his pillow for the map. Only, this time, there seemed to be hands feeling about his clothing, trying to locate his inner pockets.

The lad murmured something unintelligible, but he did not awaken.

The fumes prevented that. However, his movements showed that the effect of the drug was wearing off. It was intended only for temporary use, and it lasted less time than it would otherwise have done in a warmer, moister climate, for the cold, crisp air that penetrated the shed from outside dispelled the fumes.

”Guess I'd better not chance it,” murmured the intruder. ”He may not have it on him, and if I go through all his pockets I'll wake him up. Anyhow, I've done what they paid me for. I don't believe they'll sail in this airs.h.i.+p.”

The vandal gave one glance at the sleeping lads, and stole from the cabin of the craft. He looked at his work of ruin, and then tiptoed past the slumbering watchman. A moment later and he was outside the shed, hurrying away through the night.

Several hours after this Mr. Damon and the old miner were pounding on the door of the shed. Mr. Parker, the scientist, had remained at the hotel, for he said he wanted to work out a few calculations regarding some of his theories.

”I thought we'd find them up by this time,” spoke the eccentric man, as he again knocked on the door. ”Tom said he had lots to do to-day.”

”Maybe they are working inside, and can't hear our knocks,”

suggested Abe. ”Try th' door.”

”Bless my heart! I never thought of that,” exclaimed Mr. Damon. ”I believe I will.”

The door swung open as he pushed it, for it had not been locked when the intruder left. The first thing Mr. Damon saw was the watchman, still asleep in his chair.

”Bless my soul!” the old man shouted. ”Look at this, Abe!”

”Something's wrong!” cried the miner, sniffing the air. ”There's been crooked work here! Where are the boys?”

Mr. Damon was close to the airs.h.i.+p. He looked in the cabin window.

”Here they are, and they're both asleep, too!” he called. ”And--bless my eyegla.s.ses! Look at the airs.h.i.+p! The planes and wings are all cut and slashed! Something has happened! The RED CLOUD is all but ruined!”

Abe hastened to his side. He looked at the damage done, and a fierce look came over his face.

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