"Two holes in the engine cowl, a dozen in the planes, bracing wires shot away; they don't cripple her, but the worst thing is that one of the landing wheels is buckled. She's useless till that is put right."
"Well, perhaps we can get that done for you. You seem as badly crocked as the machine, and no wonder."
"But tell me, Hedley, where are we? And how did you get here?"
"Tell you by and by," said Hedley, who spoke in whispers and showed other signs of nervous apprehension. "Come on."
"But I can't leave the machine."
"You must. We can't take it with us. It won't be found while the rain lasts."
"I can't fly back unless I get this wheel straightened."
"All right. Stanbridge," he said, calling up a short, sturdily-built corporal, "get that buckled wheel off. Quick work!"
"Very good, sir."
"You'll find some tools on board," said Burton.