“Everything’s covered with water,” added Alan.
Ned groped about and threw open all ports and doors. The fog cleared almost as quickly as it came. In four minutes the thermometer jumped from 2° above zero to 65°. As the comparatively hot wave rolled into the car Alan dropped lower, looking for lights or landmarks. The quick drop again interfered with Roy’s figures but at 12.45 o’clock Alan relieved all doubt.
“Two fixed white lights,” he shouted. “Looks like Thatcher’s Island lighthouse. Hold the wheel while I peel these togs.”
At the same moment the door of the adjoining state room opened and Mr. Arthur Ballard, encased in sweaters and a fur coat, exclaimed:
“The roof is leakin’. I’m soaked through.” The thermometer was now 78°. “Where are we?”
“Ipswich, Massachusetts,” exclaimed Roy. “Change cars for Boston.”
Tossing his polar garments to the floor Roy made this entry in his log:
“June 23; 12, 59´ 11´´ A. M. Thatcher’s Island light abeam to starboard. Between 12.30 and 12.40 A. M. descended from 29,640 feet altitude to 700 feet. Temperature rose from 2° above zero to 78°. Rain falling and weather sultry. Ipswich, Mass., lights ahead. Course for New York, Battery, S. 79° 30´ E. (E. by S.) Last leg 210 miles. Low level speed 180 miles an hour. Probable time of end of journey 1, 10´ plus 12, 59´ 11´´ or 2, 9´ 11´´ A. M. Mr. Napier at wheel again.”
With a word to Ned and a nod in reply, Alan hastened below. Those in the engine room were yet swathed in extra clothing and calling for explanations. Seizing Bob, Alan announced the situation—to the relief of all—and then instructed Russell to attempt to get in touch by wireless with the Herald. The store room was soon aglow from the flashes of the snapping condenser. In fifteen minutes Bob’s call was answered. Then, with short interruptions, this message was forwarded:
“Ocean Flyer west of Ipswich one o’clock on time all well Ballard Clarke Russell stories ready pictures O K best time two hundred five two-tenths miles hour highest altitude thirty-one thousand feet coldest weather two degrees above zero reach office few minutes after two congratulations Herald enterprise answer.”