"We'll use the dynamo again as
soon it cools."
This machine, going out of commission, had no effect on the progress
of the airship. She was still fighting her way upward, with Dick
at the wheel, and Grit crouching uneasily near him. The dog gave
voice, occasionally, to pitiful whines.
"What is it, old boy?" asked Dick. "Is something wrong?"
And Grit's manner showed very plainly that there was. But what it
was no one could guess.
"How is she coming, Dick?" asked Innis, a little later. "Can I
relieve you?"
"No, I'm not tired. It's only a nervous sort of feeling. I feel
as if I were trying to push the airship along."
"I know how it is," murmured the cadet.
"But just take it easy. How is she doing?"
"Better, I think. We seem to be gaining a little. If we could only
get above the gale we'd be all right. But it's hard forcing her up.
I'd just like to know how Uncle Ezra is making out."
As a matter of fact, as Dick learned later, his relative had no easy
time of it. He had gotten off in fair weather, and under good
circumstances, but engine trouble developed after the first few
hours, and, while he and Larson, with the army man, did not have to
come down, they could only fly at slow speed.
"I don't know what's the matter with the thing," said Larson. "I'm
afraid we'll have to use even a different carburetor."
"What! And spend more money!" cried Uncle Ezra. "I guess not!
No, sir! Up to date this machine has cost me nigh on to eleven
thousand dollars! I've got it all down.
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