In a short time the gasoline truck arrived, the tanks were replenished, and the explorers again climbed into the monoplane.
The journey to Lima promised to be more dangerous, as there were hazardous stretches of country to be left behind. But all knew that Karl was a skillful pilot. If he had not been he could not have brought them safely out of the terrible storm that they had encountered over the Caribbean.
Mountains, valleys, towns, then more mountains were spread before them as they flew on their way to the “City of the Kings.” The rugged Andes were more impressive than Bob and Joe had imagined.
At last they caught sight of Lima in the distance and before long were hovering over it.
Karl singled out Faucett’s Field and brought the monoplane down at high speed in order to avert a catastrophe. Well he knew that landing at such an altitude would present a difficulty, even at best.
“Can hardly feel the wheels touch the ground,” remarked Bob. “Wonder how Karl knows he’s made a landing?”
They were rolling swiftly over the smooth ground when suddenly Mr. Holton cried out in fright and pointed ahead at another airplane, which was landing directly in their path.
“Look out!” he warned Karl, speaking hoarsely through the transmitter.
Karl Sutman had already seen the danger and was cutting the monoplane to one side as best he could.