“And now,” he added to the wireless operator, “do your best. Meanwhile, as I can’t help you I’ll turn in.”
Despite the “bark, bark” and “snap, snap” of Bob’s condenser Alan and Roy were soon fast asleep. Later, the increasing cold awoke Alan. Dazed for a moment he at last got his bearings. He thought first of Bob and the wireless. Then he realized that there was no sound from the condenser. Springing up he hurried into the pilot room. There was no light over the operator’s table but in the gloom he made out the sleeping figure of Roy, his head on his arms. At the wheel, silent and rigid, stood Ned.
“What’s the hour?” asked Alan sleepily.
“Nearly two o’clock,” came the answer in a low voice. “Don’t wake up Roy.”
“Where are we!”
“On the fifth leg, nearly eight hundred miles out.”
“And the wireless?” whispered Alan. “Where’s Bob?”
“Asleep. He got Heart’s Content just after twelve. Put her through.”
“Great,” exclaimed Alan. “Let me take the wheel. I’m an hour late.”
“Stand by for a new course,” was Ned’s only answer in a low voice.