At the forward part was a smaller plane, the deflections and inflections of which changed the angle of movement of the machine.
Two enormous propellers drove the air-ship ahead by whirling at a tremendous speed, and the car was oblong forward, with a long ram, wheels at each side for running over the ground, and a flat stern, at which hung a rudder for use in water.
Forward on deck stood a huge electric motor for operating the drive wheels, and before it a powerful searchlight was fastened.
The after deck was covered by a bullet-proof wire cage, and the pilot occupied a small conning tower under the forward deck.
It was very evident that the principle of operating the Jove, as the ship was named, was by imitating a boy’s kite.
Simply by driving the planes against the wind caused the air to lift the machine into the sky, and once elevated, by keeping it constantly moving, suspension was sustained.
There was a man in the turret, and two men on deck.
The Mexican could plainly distinguish their outlines, and a mad, baffled feeling overwhelmed him.
“Must I lose after all the exertion I put forth?” he groaned, hoarsely. “No! By heavens, I’ll chase that machine till my steed falls dead beneath me, and I’ll scream till my voice leaves me to attract their attention.”
He raced on wildly after the flying air-ship.