“Good-bye,” answered Alan waving his cap as the Flyer lifted its huge shape into the air. “Report our departure two one P. M.”
The real test of the Ocean Flyer had begun.
CHAPTER XXII
EXTRACTS FROM THE LOG OF THE Ocean Flyer
“June 22, 2.1´ P. M. Left Acton (London). Fair S. W. wind. Thermometer 88°. Mr. Hope at wheel. Magnetic course, N. 55° 30´ W. (N. W. 7/8 W.) Altitude 800 ft. Speed 176 miles per hour.
“June 22, 6.47´ 12´´ P. M. Finished fourth leg W. bound. Heavy S. W. wind. Thermometer 68°. Mr. Napier at wheel. Magnetic course, N. 62° W. (N. W. by W. 1/2 W.) Altitude 2,800 ft. Speed, 165 miles per hour. East bound speed average of three miles per hour dropped to 2.75 miles. Distance covered, 788 miles. Mr. Napier and Mr. Hope in consultation over loss due to increasing S. W. wind. At 4 P. M., Mr. Ballard was too ill to work. Mr. Clarke busy writing. Mr. Bowman working under difficulties owing to the motion of the ship. Mr. Stewart served dinner at 5.30´ P. M. Mr. Ballard did not appear. Mr. Bowman, the photographer, has been forward many times. Interesting descriptions by him of the royal pageant.
“June 22, 7.15´ P. M. At present rate of speed New York will be reached in 19 hours and 30 minutes. Deducting time gained, in 14-1/2 hours or at 4.30´ A. M., June 23. Wind strong and steady S. W. Thermometer falling, 65°. Present speed, 2.72 miles per minute or 163 miles per hour. Mr. Napier and Mr. Hope have gone over all calculations.
“June 22, 7.25´ P. M. Mr. Ballard has asked that Mr. Stewart be assigned to take dictation on his newspaper work. Seems very ill. Mr. Clarke complains of the cold and has borrowed a sweater.
“June 22, 7.30´ P. M. Captain Napier has decided to rise above wind which continues strong. Passengers not notified.
“June 22, 9.48´ P. M. Finished seventh leg W. bound. Got above wind at 7.40´ P. M., rising to 4,000 feet; light breeze on that level S. by E. Speed 180 miles per hour. Mr. Hope at wheel. Magnetic course N. 68 W. (W. N. W.) Altitude 6,000 feet. Five hundred and forty miles have been covered since 6.48´.24´´ total, west bound, 1,328 miles. Miles to New York, 1,890.1. Difficulty calculating speed owing to quick rise and special pressure in anemometer. Mr. Napier and Mr. Hope in frequent consultation. Mr. Russell is preparing newspaper copy at his engine post. Mr. Stewart yet engaged with Mr. Ballard.”