"It would mean death to anyone who ventured to follow our girls in an aëroplane—not rescue for them."
Cumberford moaned, as if in pain; then stamped his foot impatiently, as if ashamed of his weakness.
"Well—well! What then, Stephen Kane?" he demanded.
"It—it has run away with 'em Steve. It's gone wrong, man; there's danger ahead!"
Steve wrung his hands, realizing his helplessness.
"Gentlemen," said Madeline Dentry, laying a gentle hand on Mr. Cumberford's arm, "let me help you. There is no reason for despair just yet; the condition of those girls is far from desperate, it seems to me. Did I understand you to say, Mr. Kane, that your sister is unable to stop the engine, or to turn the machine?"
Steve nodded.