For the rest of the distance the flight-sub trod literally on air until he reached the path that Betty had mentioned. Tripping over a slab of stone he came to earth in a double sense.
"Dash it all!" he exclaimed as he picked himself up. "Has the governor defended Lady bird Fold with entanglements and pitfalls? By Jove, this is a night!"
Groping his way Billy ascended the steeply sloping cinder path across the meadow. Another stile and a broad stretch of rugged ground had to be negotiated before he saw a dark mass looming up in front. By this time he was feeling particularly stiff, hungry and cold. The keen air of the hillside made him regret the absence of his airman's leather coat.
"Wonder if this is the show?" he mused as he surveyed the isolated and apparently deserted building.
He stopped and listened intently. Voices were heard within, behind the thickly-curtained window. He recognised one of the speakers.
"That's the governor, right enough," he exclaimed, all traces of annoyance vanishing at the pleasurable discovery.
The outer door was unlocked. Billy threw it open and burst into the well-lighted study.
"Cheer-o, pater!" he exclaimed. "Sorry I'm late. Some night, eh, what?"