For an instant the hearts of all the boys stood still and each looked at the other in consternation.
“In the name of the United States of America!”
That meant that in some inexplicable way their project had leaked out and that the federal government had sent officers to prevent their going.
The heavy pounding on the great gate had resumed and now the same commanding voice shouted:
“Are you going to open to us, or is this intended as resistance of the law? I give you two minutes to open these doors before we smash them in!”
“That fellow means business,” whispered Alan. “Whatever can we do? We dare not oppose them, yet to let them in means the indefinite postponement of our flight.”
“We’ll go anyway,” said Ned, his eyes lighting with determination. “This is only another scheme to delay us. Are you all ready there, Mr. Engineer?”
“Whenever you say the word,” answered Bob up through the tube.
“Then start your engines! We’ll be a mile up in the sky before they can break in those heavy doors.”
So saying, Ned jammed down hard on his starting lever, the whir of the big turbines swelled forth. But not a tremor shook the Ocean Flyer. It did not budge an inch.