"They've lost control of her!"
The big biplane was in serious difficulties, for it gave a lurch,
turned turtle, and then, suddenly righting, shot downward for the
river.
"They're going to get a ducking, all right!" cried Innis.
"Yes, and they may be killed, or drowned," added Paul.
"I'll do what I can to save 'em!" murmured Dick, as he turned on
more power, and headed his boat for the place where the aircraft
was likely to plunge into the water.
Hardly had he done so when, with a great splash, and a sound as of
an explosion, while a cloud of steam arose as the water sprayed on
the hot motor, the aircraft shot beneath the waves raised by the
rapidly-whirling propellers.
"Stand ready now!"
"Get out a preserver!"
"Toss 'em that life ring!"
"Ready with the boat hook! Slow down your engine, Dick."
The motor-boat was at the scene of the accident, and when one of
the occupants of the wrecked airship came up to the surface Dick
made a grab for him, catching the boat hook in the neck of his coat.
The next instant Dick gave a cry of surprise.
"Larry Dexter--the reporter!" he fairly shouted. "How in the world--
"
"Let me get aboard--I'll talk when--when I get rid of--of--some of
this water!" panted Larry Dexter. "Can you save the others?"
"I've got one!" shouted Paul. "Give me a hand, Innis!"
Together the two cadets lifted into the motorboat a limp and
bedraggled figure. And, no sooner had he gotten a glimpse of the
man's face, than Innis Beeby cried:
"By Jove! If it isn't my cousin, Whitfield Vardon!"
CHAPTER II
THE COLONEL'S OFFER
Two more surprised youths than Dick Hamilton and Innis Beeby would
have been hard to find.
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