added, as he
clambered up, Grit frisking and barking about him in delight.

"Yes, that's where we made the mistake," agreed Mr. Vardon. "That
rubber must have been cut as it was packed away. Well, we can easily
mend it, so no great harm is done."

By means of the cable, the sunken boat was pulled to the airship, and
when the water was allowed to run out it was hauled aboard. Then it was
examined, the leak found, and the craft was placed out in the sun to
dry, after which it could be mended.

"Well, we can't do anything but wait," said Dick, after he had changed
into dry garments. "The break is out on that part of the rudder that's
over the water. We can't reach it without the boat."

"Then, while we're waiting let's have a swim," proposed Paul. "It will
do us all good."

"And then we can do some fishing," added Innis. "I'd like some nice
broiled fish. Did you bring any tackle along, Dick?"

"No, I'm sorry to say I didn't."

"Then I'll have to rig up some. I'll use some cold canned chicken for
bait."

"What about a hook?" asked Lieutenant McBride, with a smile.

"Well, anybody who can build an airship ought to be able to make a fish
hook. I'm going to call on Dick for that," went on Innis.

"I guess I can file you out one from a bit of steel wire," answered the
young millionaire.

This was done, after some little labor, and with several of the
improvised barbs, and bait from some of the canned goods, a fishing
party was organized. There was plenty of string, and for leaders, so
that the fish would not bite off the hooks, Innis used some spare banjo
strings. He had brought his instrument along with him.

The swim was much enjoyed, for the day was warm. The young aviators
sported around in the cool waters of the lake, and several little
spurting races were "pulled off," to use a sporting term.

I cannot say that the fishing was very successful. A few were caught,
but I imagine the bait used was not just proper. It is difficult to
get canned chicken to stick on a hook, unless you use a piece of
gristle. But some good specimens were caught, and were served for
dinner, being fried on the electric stove.

All this while the airship floated tranquilly on the surface of the
lake. Several vessels came near, attracted by the strange sight of
Dick's craft, but, by means of a megaphone they were kindly asked not
to approach too near, as the least contact with one of the heavier
craft would damage t