“Not perceptibly. I count on such accidents, more or less. I can duplicate the balloonets, and as to the gas—we have arranged for all necessary replenishment in that direction. Mr. King, everything is favorable for a descent.”
“All right,” replied the airman. “Have you any idea where we are?”
“I should say, south of Washington.”
“In Virginia, then?”
“Or still farther south. I have measured the distance covered since our start, but I do not know how far we are inland.”
Mr. King left Dave in charge of the signal table for a few moments. He went to the lookout, meantime instructing the young aviator as to what buttons he should operate. This brought the Albatross on a lateral slant. The enormous headlight at the prow of the airship cast a glow far below. Mr. King was able to trace outlines on the landscape. He returned to the pilot table, and following his directions there were many changes made in the course of the giant airship during the next half hour.
Once more the aviator consulted the lookout. Then, back again at his post, he ordered a slow-up and a gentle, gradual drop.
“Landed,” breathed Dave at last, intensely interested in all the gentle and natural movements of the descent.
“Yes, and that was certainly easy,” replied his patron, with a sigh of relief and satisfaction “The professor understands his business.”
The Frenchman soon appeared, followed by two of his assistants. The aviator and Dave accompanied him to the cabin.