CHAPTER XXVII.
PREPARING FOR THE PRESIDENT'S VISIT.
"NOT all of you," remonstrated Dacres, although well pleased at the devotion of the men under his immediate orders. "Seven will be sufficient. That will lighten No. 5 section enough to give it proper buoyancy. Callaghan, you will take charge of the section until it is rejoined to the rest of the airship. Explain matters to Captain Whittinghame and say that we will sit tight so long as we can. Ask him to take the 'Meteor' out of sight of Naocuanha till ten this morning. If then it is advisable for him to return, a blue and white flag will be hoisted from the flagstaff of the Cavarale."
"One moment, Dacres," interposed Gerald Whittinghame. "I am ready to abide by your decision, but couldn't I render some assistance by remaining with you? My knowledge of Spanish, for instance? If you are to lure Zaypuru into the Cavarale you'll have to be very wary."
"I quite agree," replied Dacres, "but at the same time I think you ought to rejoin your brother."
"It's not a question of ties of relationship," objected Gerald. "It's a question of duty. That idea of yours, Dacres—if it comes off—will be a means of bringing the war to an end. With Zaypuru in our hands the resistance of the Valderian troops will crumble like a pack of cards."
"Very well, then," agreed Dacres. "We shall be very glad of your assistance. We'll discuss the plans later."
"I say, Dacres," persisted the Admiral's flag-lieutenant, "I mean to stay——"
"I'll put you under close arrest if you don't obey orders," retorted Dacres with well-assumed severity.
"Landing-party, fall in!" he ordered.