During the week-end the weather conditions improved a little, but not to a degree that would warrant the making of a start. That Harry did not hope to start for at least ten days was apparent from his having cabled to England, ordering a new wireless outfit to be sent by the steamer Digby, which left Liverpool on April 28th.
Describing his preparations in order to avert ignition trouble, Harry said he had four magnetos, set in a series independently of each other, each giving a spark to the twelve cylinders, so that in the event of one or two failing he would still have a reserve. Discountenancing any idea of effecting repairs in the air, Harry said, “Once we leave the ground, we must fly or fall.”
There was great activity on Monday evening, April 28th, when hopes of a start were high. Harry replaced his four-bladed propeller by a two-bladed one. For over three hours Raynham and Morgan stood by their Martinsyde, waiting to seize a favourable opportunity to get away. At 6 o’clock they decided to abandon the attempt. Just as Raynham had given orders for his machine to be housed for the night, Harry drove up from his aerodrome. Some good-natured chaff was exchanged.
The Mayor of St. Johns, on April 30th, presented each of the airmen with an address from the inhabitants, a cup being forwarded to each of them later.
CHAPTER XVI
ONE THOUSAND MILES OVER THE ATLANTIC
Signalling Arrangements—Temperament—A Press Tribute—The American Attempt—Just Before the Start—Parting Messages—The Start—“Poor Old Tinsydes!”—Dropping the Undercarriage—Out of Sight of Land in Ten Minutes—Over the Fog—Four Hours Above a Sea of Clouds—Grieve’s Method of Navigation—Weather Not as Forecasted—Taking the Drift through a Hole in the Clouds—400 Miles Out—Cloud Banks and a Gale—After 5½ Hours—Over-heating Radiator—What was the Cause?—The Only Possible Remedy—Is Effective at First—At 10,000 Feet—Giants of Nature 15,000 feet High—A Side-wind that Became a Gale—Flying “Crabwise”—Losing Height—Clouds, Darkness, and a Doubtful Time—Nearly Down to the Sea—Dawn—Sea-sick—Looking for a Ship—The Mary—The Rescue—Up to the Knees in the Sea—Captain Duhn—Sighting St. Hilda and the Butt of Lewis—A Famous Signal—“Is it Hawker?”—“Yes”—The Navy’s Guests—The Civic Welcome at Thurso.