With an answering wave of the hand Peggy threw in the clutch that started the aeroplane forward, and after their long enforced delay they once more took the air. But a day had practically gone—a day in which the fight for the mine might have been lost.
Never had Peggy urged an aeroplane to greater speed than she did the fast monoplane, at the wheel of which she was now stationed. The desert floor flew by beneath them in a dull blur. The roar and vibration of the powerful motor shook the car like a leaf. Wandering William said nothing, but he gazed rather apprehensively over the side from time to time. Also he might have been observed to clutch at his hair occasionally.
"Can you see anything of the town yet?"
The professor leaned forward and shouted the question in Peggy's ear. He had to do so in order to make himself heard above the roar of the engine.
Peggy shook her head, but motioned to a pocket in which were a pair of field-glasses.
Wandering William understood, and raising them, held them to his eyes.
The sun was low and a reddish haze overhung the desert. But presently into the field of the binoculars there swung a-tall water tower. It marked the site of Blue Creek.
"I've got it," cried the observer; "swing off to the right a bit."
Obediently the big flying thing turned and rushed through the air toward the distant landmark.
"I can see the place now," cried Peggy. "Pray heaven we'll be in time."