"You still have plenty of time."
So this was agreed to, and, after a look over the craft to make sure
there were no defects, Mr. Vardon pulled over the lever of the
starting motor.
With a hum and a buzz, the propellers started, and this time the
Abaris shot forward on the surface of the water, instead of up into
the air.
"She's going!" cried Paul.
"She sure is doing it!" yelled Innis.
"Yes, I think she's as successful on the waves as he was in the
clouds," agreed Dick, as he looked at a speed-measuring gage.
"We're hitting up forty miles an hour right now."
"And that's good speed for a craft of this size in the water, or,
rather, on top of the water," declared Lieutenant McBride.
For a hydroplane craft, as you probably know, does not go through
the water as a motor-boat does. A regular hydroplane is fitted with
a series of graduated steps, and the front of the boat rises as it
skims over the water. But all hydroplane craft are designed to slip
over the surface of the water, and not to cleave through it. And
it was the former that Dick's craft was doing.
Faster and faster speed was attained, until there could be no
question about the second success of the young millionaire's
airship. If ever occasion should require that he take to the water,
in an emergency, it could be done.
"And now for Chicago!" Dick cried, when several hours had been spent
in maneuvering about, each member of the party taking turns at
steering.
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