If the cable he held were pulled and it depressed the rudder, which would act in their position as an elevator or “flipper” acts, all would be well. In that case, the propeller blast striking the rudder airfoil would push the nose downward, and the ship would begin to dive; then the air, rushing against the leading edge of the wings, would cause them to be operative, even in their sidewise position, and with the dive and the engine pull giving flying speed, they could then maneuver.
But if the rudder went upward, it would lift the nose. Already deprived of all but the little speed the engine had picked up, the blast on the rudder, lifting the nose, would cause another stall, and they would perhaps fall too far to get the other side of the rudder cable before he could help it.
“I’ve got the end of the cable,” he cried. “Set yourself, Lang!”
Lang, with a swift glance toward the windows, which faced the earth, saw the ground seeming to leap upward toward them. Above was the silent sky. There was a little margin of time—if——
“Pull easy!” Lang shouted.
“Pull easy!” Instantly Curt relayed the message.
“Easy!” cried Al.
Bob tensed his muscles, braced himself, gave a gentle tug and held it.
The nose lowered.
“Hold it!” shrilled Al, relaying Lang’s relieved cry.