Suddenly Dacres saw the horizontal plane dip into an almost vertical position. The unfortunate reporter slid until brought up by the rope. For a few moments he hung there, struggling frantically to gain a foothold upon the smooth surface. His efforts only caused the rope to chafe through on the sharp edge of the plane and with a splash he fell into the sea.
Quickly rising to the surface he struck out for the nearest boat, amid the laughter of the onlookers, while Dacres, mindful of his warning, returned to the shelter of the outer envelope.
Whittinghame was about to give the order to let go for'ard when Callaghan entered the navigation-room.
"Wireless just come through, sir," he announced.
"Important?"
"Yes, sir," said the man gravely.
Half dreading that it was bad news from Naocuanha the Captain took the proffered paper.
The message was not from Valderia, but from the Admiralty. Its wording was indeed serious:—
"To Captain Whittinghame, airship 'Meteor.' Advises from British Polar Expedition state that communication with Lieutenant Cardyke has been interrupted for forty-eight hours. Feared disaster has overtaken party. Is 'Meteor' capable of rescue?"
Whittinghame turned to the operator.