"Get ready, everybody!" called Mr. Vardon, as he saw that, in a few
seconds more, they would be on the surface of the water.
"Do you fear something will go wrong?" asked Larry, quickly.
"Well, we've never tried the hydroplanes in rough water, and there
is always the chance for an accident. Stand out where you can jump,
if you have to," he directed.
Lieutenant McBride was standing with his watch out, ready to note
the exact second of landing. He knew he must be officially correct,
though he would give Dick every possible chance and favor.
"Here we go!" came the cry from the aviator. "Only a few seconds
now!"
They could plainly see the heaving waters of the big lake.
Fortunately it was comparatively calm, though once she had landed
the airship could stand some rough weather afloat.
Splash! went the hydroplanes into the water. The springs took up
the shock and strain, and the next moment Dick's craft was floating
easily on the great lake. The landing had been made without an
accident to mar it.
"Good!" cried Lieutenant McBride, as he jotted down the time. "Do
you know how long you have been, so far, Dick, on the trip?"
"How long?"
"Just thirty-five hours, four minutes and eight seconds!" was the
answer.
"Over half the estimated time gone, and we re only a third of the
way there!" exclaimed the young millionaire. "I'm afraid we aren't
going to do it, Mr. Vardon."
"Well, I'm not going to give up yet," the aviator answered, grimly.
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