Washington went to where the cylinder had fallen, to detach it from
the weight and bring both to the shed.

"It seems so," Mr. Henderson answered. "True, it was only an
experiment. We have yet to test the ship itself."

"When can we do that?" asked Jack.

"I hope by Monday," the scientist answered.

"Will you try it in the water or air first?" asked Mark.

"I'm almost certain it will float in the water," the aged inventor
said. "It does not require much work to make a ship which will do
that. But the air proposition is another matter. However, since the
cylinder rose, I am pretty sure the Flying Mermaid will.

"But we have done enough work to-day. Let's rest and have something to
eat. Then, with Sunday to sit around and talk matters over, we will be
ready for Monday's test."

Some of the game Andy had killed was soon on the table, for
Washington, in addition to his other accomplishments, was an expert
cook. During the evening the boys and their friends sat in the living
room of the big shed and talked over the events of the day.

Sunday was spent in discussing what adventures might lie before them
should they be able to descend into the big hole. Washington did not
say, much, but it was easy to see he had no notion of going. He even
began to pack his few belongings in readiness to leave the service of