“We’ll be there in about an hour,” announced Jerry, but he did not reckon on an accident that happened about ten minutes later. One of the auxiliary planes of the motor ship broke, and it was decided to descend to repair it. The work did not take long, however, and, while it was going on, Mr. Deering and his friends left the ship, and strolled across the grassy plain, for they were tired of their rather cramped quarters. Professor Snodgrass, naturally, could not miss a chance like that, to hunt for specimens, and he was soon making a careful examination of the ground, and every tree and shrub that he approached. He caught several bugs and insects, all of which were very valuable, he said, but the boys were too anxious to get on to their mine, and see what was the outcome of the claim Noddy had made, to pay much attention to the scientist.
At last the repairs were completed, the party re-entered the ship, Professor Snodgrass, as usual, being last, and then the journey was resumed.
“Hurrah! There’s Mike Malone on guard!” cried Ned, when, after coming within sight of the mine, he had peered through a telescope.
“Is he?” cried Bob. “Then, if he’s in possession, the lawsuit isn’t settled yet. There is some doubt about it, and we have a chance to hold our mine.”
“Unless Mr. Malone is there in the interests of Noddy and his gang,” put in Jerry.
“Not much!” exclaimed Jim Nestor. “You couldn’t hire Mike to work for that bully. You’ll find that the case isn’t settled yet.”
By this time they were within sight of the deputy sheriff, who had sprung to his feet, when he first had a glimpse of the airship, and was now wildly swinging his hat.
A safe landing was made, and, even before they had seen to the disembarkation of their refugee passengers, Jerry, Ned and Bob made a rush for the deputy, who was broadly smiling.
“How about what?” inquired Malone, with provoking slowness.
“The mine--our mine--is it still ours?” spluttered Bob.
“It sure is,” was the hearty response of the deputy sheriff. “Noddy Nixon and his gang have been cleaned out, bag and baggage, by the Supreme Court. Their case came up day before yesterday, and their lawyer made a big talk. They went on the stand--Noddy and some of his cronies did--but shucks! what they said didn’t amount to a hill of beans. Then the lawyer you folks had hired made a little talk, and it was all over but the shoutin’. The court said Noddy had no claim and decided in your favor, and instructed me to remain in possession until you came, and then to turn the mine over to you.