“About that, for the present,” returned Mr. King.
“Remember, we are still over land,” reminded the professor. “It is calm and fair. It is a pleasant beginning. When we get over the ocean——”
The Frenchman here shrugged his shoulders expressively, as if he thought it no child’s play ahead.
“Then,” added Mr. King, “every man must do his duty as on a ship in stress of weather.”
“The orders are for four hours drifting,” explained Professor Leblance. “About nightfall we will have reached what we call the approximate air current. The right air course is just as established as the ocean roads, and we aim to follow it in our voyage.”
“And now, my friends,” came from Mr. Dale. “I have something more to say about this wonderful airship.”
All eyes were at once turned on the rich gentleman who had made it possible to construct the Albatross.
“Years ago Dave Dashaway’s father and I were chums. He did me many a good turn. That is why I have taken such an interest in my young friend here. Now that this giant airship is an accomplished fact, I wish to make it known to all of you that I have had it built on his account——”
“Oh, Mr. Dale!” interrupted our hero.
“It is true, my boy, and from this moment on I wish the Albatross to be known as Dave Dashaway’s airship,” went on the rich gentleman.