It was General Stanton, commander of the Department of the East, who had consented to start the race, who spoke.
“Yes,” came in a shout from the aviators.
The dirigible men began to cast off ropes and the aeroplanes were dropped into position. A squad of men drove back the pressing crowds, and the boys, after kissing their parents and bidding farewell to their relatives and friends, took their seats in the Golden Eagle’s chassis.
There was a mighty roar and blue flames and smoke spouted from the engine exhausts as the motors were started. Men, with their heels dug into the sandy ground to avoid slipping, held back the struggling planes. The dirigible swayed and tugged at her resting ropes like an impatient horse.
“Bang!”
It was the starting gun at last.
“Hurrah!” roared the crowd.
“They’re off!” shouted everybody, as if there could be any doubt of it.
“They’re off!” shouted everybody.