“Yes.”
“Then—perfectly,” assented Dave.
“Watch it closely for variations, and the wind record. If the mirror shows a deviation past the fifteen mark, notify me.”
“And the wind?”
“Over fifty miles an hour is dangerous.”
“And we will have to descend?”
“Or ascend, that’s it.”
Dave seated himself in a chair at one end of the table. The guide, a delicately adjusted instrument, recorded every variation in the progress of the airship. The wind gauge was connected by wires with a vane on top of the gas bag.
Dave turned to his duty with interest and carefulness. His monoplane experience stood him in good stead. He felt a great deal of satisfaction in realizing that he was actually sharing in operating the Albatross, and in addition to that learning something practical and of value.
Inside of five minutes he had mastered the requirements of the occasion and was working in entire harmony with the airman.