true, the more lightly we are weighted, the more likely we are to
come safely to--well, call it civilisation, just for a change."

"Then you believe that uncle Phaeton is really in earnest about
exploring this region, Bruno?"

"He most assuredly is. Did you ever know him to speak idly, or
to be otherwise than in earnest, Waldo?"

"Well, of course uncle is all right, but--sometimes--"

A friendly palm slipped over those lips, cutting short the speech
which might perchance have left a sting behind. And yet the
worthy professor had no more enthusiastic acolyte than this same
reckless speaking youngster, when the truth was all told.

Leaving the animals where they had fallen, for the time being,
the brothers passed over to where rested the aeromotor, finding
the professor busily engaged in rigging up a series of fine
wires, completely surrounding the flying-machine, save for one
narrow, gate-like arrangement.

"Beginning to feel as though you could turn in for all night, eh,
my boys?" came his cheery greeting.

"Well, somehow I do feel as though 'the sandman' had been making
his rounds rather earlier than customary," dryly said Waldo,
winking rapidly. "I believe there must have been a bit more wind
astir to-day than common, although neither of you may have
noticed the fact."