The airship was saved.

CHAPTER XXX

HOMEWARD BOUND

“We’re sinking! we’re sinking!” yelled Bill Jones.  He pointed to a stream of water that was trickling up from the cabin floor.  The freezing of the ship in the ice had strained the seams.

The professor and Washington were working earnestly over the gas machine.  They piled in fresh chemicals and started the electric current.  The water in the cabin continued to rise.

“Well, I guess I might as well have let the whale finish us,” sighed Andy.  “We’re bound to die, anyhow!”

“Not yet!” cried the professor suddenly.  “Not if I can help it!  Quick, Washington.  Another turn to the handle, and I think we will be safe!”

The negro adjusted the machine as the professor had directed.

“Is the water gaining?” asked Amos Henderson.

“No.  It’s stopped coming in,” replied Bill.

“Then we are saved!” announced the inventor.  “The gas is entering the bag and lifting the ship!”

Sure enough, the Monarch no longer pitched and tossed on the waves.  It was rising in the air.  In a little while it was quite a distance above the ocean.  All on board watched anxiously, but the craft appeared to be on its good behavior and mounted steadily upward.  The propeller, which had been stopped, was again set in motion.  The professor went to the conning tower and began steering the ship to the south.  The adventurers were homeward bound at last.

For some time no one spoke, so anxious were they lest another accident should occur.  But when, after another hour or two, the ship still kept on its flight, all breathed easier.

“Well, we’ve been to the north pole,” remarked Jack, after a long pause.  “That’s something very few can say.”

“Yes, I think we can safely assert that we have accomplished what we set out to do,” remarked the professor.  “True, we did not land on the exact spot, and I am inclined to believe it would be impossible, because of the whirlwind of the electric currents.  But we certainly were at the exact north, as the deflecting needle showed.”

“I wonder if the south pole is like this?” asked Mark.

“I do not know,” returned Amos Henderson with a smile.  “I hope the south pole is a little nicer.  We might go and see, some day.  Would you boys like to make the trip?”

“You bet!” exclaimed Jack fervently, speaking for himself and Mark.

The Monarch sped on her way.  Every hour brought her nearer to her starting point.  When it became evident that the machinery was now in good working order and not liable to a breakdown, the professor ordered a meal gotten ready, since all were hungry.

With thankful hearts they sat down to a spread of the best the patent foods afforded, and ate heartily.  Then, being worn out with fatigue, the professor advised all to take to their bunks and get some sleep.  He said he would steer the ship for a while, to be relieved by Washington and Jack in turn.