the balloon was rapidly approaching the
surface of the lake and in a few seconds more would be within such a
short distance that a leap would not be fatal. But the burning bag was
coming straight down and scarcely would the man be in the water ere the
fiery canvas mass would be on top of him.

In such an event he would either be burned to death or so held down
that drowning must quickly follow.

"If there was only wind enough to carry the balloon beyond him after he
jumped he could do it safely!" cried Ned.

Tom said nothing. He was measuring, with, his eye, the distance the
balloon had yet to go and also the distance away the motor-boat was
from where it would probably land.

"He can do it!" exclaimed the young inventor.

"How?" asked his father.

For answer Tom caught up a newspaper he had purchased at the hotel that
morning. Rolling it quickly into a cone, so that it formed a rough
megaphone, he put the smaller end to his mouth, and, pointing the
larger opening at the balloonist, he called out:

"Drop into the lake! We'll pick you up before the bag falls on you!
Jump! Let go now!"

The balloonist heard and understood. So did Ned and Mr. Swift. Tom's
quick wit had found a way to save the man.

Faster and faster the blazing bag settled toward the surface of the
water. It was now merely a mushroom-shaped piece of burning and
smoking canvas, yet it was supporting the man almost as a parachute
would have done.

With one look upward to the burning mass above him and a glance
downward to the lake, the aeronaut let go his hold. Like a shot he
came down, holding his body rigid and straight as a stick, for he knew
how to fall into water, did that balloonist.

Tom Swift was ready for him. No sooner had the lad called his
directions through the megaphone than the young inventor had speeded up
his engine to the top notch.

"Steer so as to pick him up!" Tom cried to Ned, who was at the wheel.
"Pass by him on a curve, and, as soon as I grab him, put the wheel over
so as to get out from under the balloon."

It was a risky thing to do, but our hero had it all planned out. He
made a loop of the boat's painter, and, hurrying to the bow, leaned
over as far as he could, holding the rope in readiness. His idea was
to have the balloonist grab the strands and be pulled out of danger by
the speedy motor-boat, for the blazing canvas would cover such an
extent of water that the man could not have swum out of the da