"I don't know," replied Hal, answering Chester's question. "Something seems to have gone wrong with the engine. Guess we had better go down."
He tilted the elevating levers and the plane descended gradually and swiftly.
Under Hal's firm hand it settled gently upon the ground and all immediately climbed out. Stubbs drew a great breath of relief.
"I never expected to reach here alive," he declared.
Ivan and Nikol also were plainly relieved. They said nothing, but the expression upon both their faces spoke plainer than words.
Hal bent over the engine. As he straightened up, Chester asked:
"Anything serious?"
"Believe I can fix it within an hour," replied Hal. "I'll have a try at it, anyhow."
"Need any assistance?" asked Colonel Anderson.
Hal shook his head.