But try as he did, he could not escape the heavy clouds and terrible wind.
His hope almost gone, he sent the ship to a much higher altitude, thinking it might be possible to get above the clouds.
But it was too late. With a rush and a roar, the tropical hurricane was upon them.
CHAPTER IX
A Fearful Discovery
NEVER in their lives had the explorers witnessed anything like the terrible onslaught that followed. The violent, ruthless wind dashed the monoplane about dangerously, threatening at every moment to tear it to pieces. It was but a frail, man-made machine when caught in those forces of nature.
Karl’s ability as a pilot promised to be tested to the utmost. If he could keep the ship straight it would be nothing short of miraculous. The less skillful aviator would send his craft dashing down to the foamy water below. But Karl was by no means a novice. He had had wide experience in piloting passenger monoplanes on schedule across the United States.
“Sit tight!” he called through the telephone, suspecting that his friends were frightened. “We’ll get out some way—I hope.”
Every gust of wind tossed the ’plane about hazardously. It seemed that a plunge would be inevitable.