"Had them then, I'm sure," he said, "but lost them the next second."
"It's their speed," the General asserted quickly. "Probably they can get you all right, because you're sending with more power. Tell them to slow down and repeat their message."
The operator followed these instructions, and a few seconds later looked up smiling. Straining to catch every click recorded in his ear, he wrote:
"Fully understand—ready for emergency—constant watch and full speed—Bentner."
"Ask them their position now," the General snapped out.
"Ask them their Position now!" the General Snapped Out.
The radio operator began sending again, but there was no response, and repeated efforts were unsuccessful.
"They're probably pounding out for Europe at the best speed that the craft will develop now," the operator finally announced. "And if they are, their spark plugs will sufficiently divert the radio to prevent their message carrying this far."