One more fierce struggle and Johnny tumbled over the side into the balloon's basket. "It--it's put on with steel rings," he panted. "It--what is?" Felix stared. "The cable. What did you think?" Johnny laughed in spite of himself. "That's what I went over to see about." "Yes," Felix grinned. "But now they've found us. All the honest people in that great city will want to save us. Isn't it wonderful when you think of it?" he marveled. "So many good people in the world! So many willing to give a fellow a lift when he's in trouble. If only we could all pull together all the time, what a world this would be!" After that, each occupied with his own thoughts, they drifted on into the night. A half hour later a dark bulk came stealing toward them. This was a small dirigible balloon owned by an advertising firm. Soon they were alongside. Instruments were taken aboard, the runaway balloon deflated, then they went gliding back toward the city of a million lights. "Should have had this old sausage in the beginning," Felix grumbled. "Will next time perhaps." Johnny wondered if he would be invited to participate in that next endeavor and, if so, what he would learn. In due time they were back on good solid earth. But the day, for Johnny, was not yet over. CHAPTER XI A ROOM OF STRANGE MAGIC "Say!" Felix exclaimed as they boarded a car bound for home. "Wonder how it happened that searchlight fellow was looking for us." "Somebody told him," Johnny suggested. "Yes, and I know who!" The young inventor's face fairly shone. "It was Beth; couldn't have been anyone else. Fellow without a sister is just square out of luck, that's all. The way she gets me out of things! Say, man! It's great!" A half hour later, over cups of steaming chocolate produced, as before, by the mysterious "Eye," Beth told her story. "Gunderson Shotts," Felix murmured, examining the card Beth handed him. "'Everybody's Business.' Suppose that means he tends to everybody's business?" "Got quite a job on his hands," Johnny laughed. "He's big enough to take a huge load of it on his shoulders." Beth was staring into space. "Have to look him up and thank him," Felix drawled. Already the events of the day were fading from his memory. He was dreaming of some strange new contraption that might startle the world. "You'll stay with us tonight." Roused from his revery, he turned to Johnny. "Why I--" "Sure, sure you will. Show you the room right away. It's on the third floor; a little strange, you may find it, but comfortable, extra fine, I'd say." Felix favored him with a smile.