“We’re off!” cried Joe excitedly. “Off for the Andes Mountains!”
CHAPTER VIII
Caught in the Storm
AS the monoplane rose higher, Bob and Joe and the others waved to the little group below until it faded from view. Then they turned to take in the country they were passing over.
Streets, buildings, vehicles, and people were mere specks below, as Karl sent the machine to a new high altitude. Past the city of Washington, and then on—on above the many small cities and towns of southern Maryland.
“Wonderful view!” breathed Joe Lewis, gazing out at the wonderful panorama that was spread out before them.
“Bet we can see fifty miles,” added Bob. “There’s the Potomac River over there, and away off in the distance seems to be the ocean. I wonder if it is?”
Bob and Joe were strangely unaware of forward movement, though they were going nearly twice as fast as the fastest automobile. The comfortable enclosed cabin kept out the fierce roar of the wind, and heavy insulation silenced the noise of the engine to a remarkable degree. Thus they found it easy to carry on conversation.
They made the hundred-and-forty-mile trip to Norfolk in little more than an hour. Then, after leaving this city behind, they passed over North Carolina until finally the ocean loomed up before them.