Mr. Glassford tried to shift the planes, so as to counteract the changing wind, but he had little success.
“I think I’ll go higher,” he said to Jerry, who stood beside him in the pilot house. “We may be able to get above the storm.”
He pulled the lever toward him. The ship again tilted her nose toward the heavens. The speed of the motor was increased, and the Comet fairly trembled throughout her whole frame. Anxiously did the travelers watch the compass to see if their course would be changed. Up and up shot the airship. Then, with a loud explosion, the motor stopped, and those in the Comet felt her falling rapidly.
“Something’s broken!” cried Jerry as he hurried from the steering tower to the engine compartment.
[CHAPTER XXVII]
AFTER A STRANGE BIRD
The Comet was now at the mercy of the wind, as, the propellers no longer revolving, the motor ship had no steerage way. The craft was whirled and tossed about, and those in it, especially the boys, were much frightened.
“Don’t be alarmed!” cried Mr. Glassford. “We can’t possibly fall, and I’ll soon have her before the wind again.”