For over three hours the Albatross was kept on as perfectly straight a course as could be mapped out.
“We seem to have encountered a heavy southwest storm of great extent,” Mr. King told him.
“Have we got to pass over its entire length before we land?” asked the young aviator.
“Professor Leblance thinks that plan best,” replied Mr. King.
It must have been nearly midnight when the Frenchman came back from the engine room.
“Superb!” was his first commendatory word. “The Albatross does not seem to have strained a seam. I must congratulate you both.”
The airman smiled pleasantly at this praise and Dave bowed modestly. The professor again took the barometric readings.
“I think we have hit the tail of the wind,” he announced a few minutes later. “As soon as we are sure of it, we will make a descent.”
“What’s that?” suddenly called out the young aviator.
Boom! A great shock traversed the airship!