It was utterly impossible for any of the voyagers to recall what transpired in that period while the air-ship was in the clutches of the hurricane.
Frank had turned the lever to send the air-ship above the storm. But he had not done this quickly enough.
The weight of the storm had kept it down. It was whirled about like a top, dashed hither and thither madly.
The voyagers were hurled about the interior like puppets. Nothing could be seen beyond the windows, nor could they even guess where they were being whirled.
How long this lasted they were never able to guess.
Frank gave up all as lost. He had not the slightest faith that the helices and masts would successfully resist the shock.
When the wind ceased for a moment its force, he expected to be dashed to atoms upon the earth below.
But the unexpected often happens.
The storm departed almost as suddenly as it came. The wind died out, the air-ship ceased whirling and the blackness disappeared.
The sun burst forth once more and all was again light.