“That’s what I’d do,” put in Sud, who was rubbing his head, where there was a lump, caused by the tussle with the two bullies. “Have ’em arrested, and I’ll make a charge of something or other against ’em.” Bob also thought it would be a good plan to take formal action.
“Well, we’ll see what your fathers say,” remarked Jerry, who had none of his own to consult. “We’ll go over and see Mr. Slade and Mr. Baker,” he added, turning to his mother, “and be guided by them. In the meanwhile, Sud, get out the automobile, will you, and see that it’s in shape for a long trip.”
“Oh, are you going away again, Jerry?” asked Mrs. Hopkins, in some distress. “I was in hopes that you would remain at home a few weeks this vacation.”
“We were just planning our vacation in the airship, when Andy Rush brought word that it had been stolen,” replied Ned. “I guess now we’ll have to stay home, or else go on a trip in the auto.”
“That’s right, I discovered that the _Comet_ was gone!” exclaimed the excitable Andy. “Doors busted open--Sud unconscious--everything upside down--great excitement--tell the police--get a gun and shoot at Noddy--whoop!” and the little chap had to stand on his tiptoes to get out the last few words.
“There, there now, Andy,” spoke Jerry, soothingly. “Come on, fellows, we’ll take some advice on this. Get at the auto, Sud, that is, if you feel able.”
“Oh, I’m all right now,” answered the watchman, as he started toward the garage, which had recently been built at the side of Jerry’s house.
In turn Mr. Slade and Mr. Baker were informed of the theft of the airship, and asked as to the necessity of swearing out a warrant against Noddy and Jack. Both gentlemen were opposed to it, and Mr. Baker said:
“If you do get the warrants, and arrest those lads, you will also be obliged to arrest Mr. Bell, the hermit, as you call him. He was with the lads when they took the airship, you think, and, in the eyes of the law, is just as guilty. You don’t want to have him taken into custody, do you?”
“No, indeed,” replied Jerry. “Mr. Bell is a good friend of ours, and, though we can’t just understand what he is doing with Noddy and Jack, nor about the mysterious rescue of his friends, we know he has been deceived by those two chaps. No, we’d better not get any warrants. We’ll hunt for ’em on our own account, and settle with ’em when we find ’em. Come on, boys, back to my house, and then for an auto trip!”