It does not require a great while for a heavy body like the Kite to fall several miles through the air.
If the air-ship should strike the ground at that pace it would be demolished, and all on board would be killed.
But even as the cry of despair escaped Barney’s lips he made action.
He saw that the lever for the forward rotascope was not open, and the rotascope was not working.
Of course this rotascope alone could not support the air-ship.
But it would check its rapid downward flight and enable the air-ship to settle down easily.
Barney quick as a flash threw open the lever.
In an instant the downward rate of speed was checked.
The Kite continued, to sink, but at a much slower rate of speed.
Barney’s quick thought had saved the lives of all on board.