Red turned and stared deep into David’s eyes. For the first time David saw pin points of flame in the blue depths. He spoke, and his voice carried a new note.
“Any job’s my job, so be it’s for the Moonbeam. There’s going to be a blow, Dave. We’re coming into wind. I have seen too many ‘northers’ in Oklahoma to make any mistake. What I want to know is, why don’t they radio the nearest station and see what weather’s scheduled ahead.”
“The receiver’s gone on the blink,” said David briefly. “That’s why they didn’t get any messages through.”
“Saints keep us, that’s that!” muttered Red. “Well, let’s shove along. I want to see what the engines are doing.”
They climbed down into the eggs, one by one, and Red’s keen eyes took note of every part of the enormous throbbing engines, each controlled by two earnest and keen-eyed engineers. A third man sat on a small stool, always ready to stand by in case of trouble.
Later, as they entered the observation room, after removing their overalls, Red grunted. “Everything looks okay,” he said, “but I wish Miss Hammond was at home in her own house, instead of bummin’ along up here a mile or so from anything more solid and endurin’ than a stiff breeze.”
“You’re right,” said David. “Honest, Red, she is the nicest kid, and such a good sport.”
“I think so,” said Red. “Gosh, did you feel the car shake then? We struck a crack in the wind. Yep, Miss Hammond is the real thing, all right. She is so nice to everybody. Why, she treats me just as good as she does you, Dave.”
“Better!” assented David, bitterly. “Gosh, there’s another crack! Feel her bounce!” He was flung against the nearest chair, where he clung for support for a moment, until the ship again rode on an even keel. A little tremor ran through the Moonbeam; she rolled a little. Several of the passengers who were in the salon hurried to their cabins to rescue small articles which might be broken in the event of rougher weather. Others crowded close to the windows, watching the scudding clouds with anxious faces.
Fifteen minutes passed, then the ship raised her nose, reared in a long curve, and swooped downward. From the galley came the sound of breaking dishes, followed by a yell of anguish from the cook. Flung into each other’s arms, David and Red executed a clumsy dance about the room before they could get their balance, as the ship righted and straightened out again.