And while the Abaris was rushing onward those aboard her prepared to fight that most deadly of enemies—fire—and at a terrible disadvantage—nearly ten thousand feet in the air!
Fortunately preparations had been made for this emergency, and a number of portable extinguishers were placed in various places on the walls of the cabin.
These the young aviators now pulled down and rushed with them to the motor compartment, from which the black smoke was pouring in greater volume.
"Look out for a gasolene explosion!" warned the lieutenant. "Is there any of it there?"
"Only a little," answered Mr. Vardon. "The main supply is in the deck tank. But there is a small can in there for priming the cylinders, in case we have to."
"It smells like oil afire," said Larry Dexter.
"That's what it is—probably some oily waste started by spontaneous combustion," said Mr. Vardon.
As he spoke he threw the contents of his extinguisher inside the motor compartment—it was hardly large enough to be called a room. The smoke was so black that no blaze could be seen.
"Open some of the windows!" shouted Paul. "It's choking in here."
"That's right!" agreed Larry, with a cough and a sneeze.