"It would have been all up with us," he said simply. "I might have
volplaned back to earth, but at the speed we were going, and at the
height, around a curve, we might have turned turtle."
"Bless my--!" began Mr. Damon, and then he stopped. The thought of Tom's
trouble came to him, and he realized that his words might grate on the
feelings of his companion.
On they rushed through the air with the Humming-Bird speeded up faster
and faster as she warmed to her task. The machinery seemed to be working
perfectly, and as Tom listened to the hum a look of pleasure replaced
the look of anxiety on his face.
"Don't you think we'll make it?" asked Mr. Damon, after another pause,
during which they passed over a large city, the inhabitants exhibiting
much excitement as they sighted the airship over their heads.
"We've got to make it!" declared Tom between his clenched teeth.
Ne turned on a little more gasoline, and there was a spurt in their
speed which made Mr. Damon grasp the upright braces near him with firm
hands, and his face became a little paler.
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