For, in the water, the Abaris was subject to the same rules
as were other lake craft. It was only when in the air that she was
largely a law unto herself.
The night passed quietly enough, though it came on to blow a little
toward morning. But the drag anchor worked well.
"And now for the repairs," cried Dick, after breakfast, as he and
his chums got out the collapsible boat. It was blown up, and in it
Dick and Mr. Vardon paddled out to the stern rudders.
They were examining the universal joint, by which the apparatus was
deflected when Dick suddenly became aware of a wet feeling about his
feet, and a sinking feeling beneath him. He looked down, and found
that the boat, in which he and Mr. Vardon were standing, was going
down. Already it was half filled with water.
"More trouble!" cried Dick. "I guess we'll have to swim for it!"
CHAPTER XXVII
A HOWLING GALE
There was no doubt about it. The little craft was going down.
Later it was learned that a leaky valve had allowed the air to
escape, and a break in the boat's rubber sides had let in the water.
"Come on!" cried Dick. "Overboard, Mr. Vardon!"
There was really little danger, as both of them could swim, though
if they did not jump out they might be carried down with the boat.
So, overboard went Dick and his aviator. The collapsible boat sank
with the downward impulse given it when they leaped out, but as it
was moored to the airship by a cable it could be recovered.
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