"WE must catch that cylinder!" the professor exclaimed. "Some one may
find it when it comes down and analyze the gas. Then he would discover
how to make it. The cylinder must come down!"

"Don't see how we can proximate ourselves inter th' vicinity of it
lessen we delegate th' imperial functions of orinthological specimens
t' some member of this here party," observed Washington.

"If you mean we can't catch that there contraption unless we turn into
birds I'll show you that you're mistaken!" cried Andy Sudds. "I guess
I have a trick or two up my sleeve," and the old hunter quickly threw
open the breech of his gun and inserted a couple of cartridges.

He raised the piece to his shoulder and took quick aim. There was a
sliver of flame, a puff of smoke and a sharp report. The professor and
the boys who were watching the cylinder saw it vibrate up in the air.
Then there came a whistling sound. An instant later the metal body
began to descend, and it and the weight fell to the earth.

"I'm sorry I had to put a bullet through it, Professor," said old Andy
with a queer smile, "but it was the only way I saw of bringing it
down. Hope it isn't damaged much."

"It doesn't matter if it is," the scientist answered. "I can make more
cylinders, but I don't want that secret of the gas to become known.
Your bullet served a good turn, Andy, for it let the compressed vapor
out just in time."

"Then we may consider the experiment a success," said Mark, as