He hovered over the town long enough to perform several evolutions which highly amazed the entire population.
Suddenly the throbbing of the engine ceased.
Major Carroll turned and gazed sharply along the length of the car; then, as the sound did not begin anew, he roared:
“What’s the matter, Kindale?”
“I’m trying to find out, sir!”
With an exclamation of impatience, Major Carroll immediately began to lash the wheel fast.
“Hang the thing!” exclaimed the engineer, as he walked up. “This is certainly exasperating, eh, Major?”
“You ought to have the engine working in a few minutes, Kindale.”
“I hope so, sir.”
Together, they proceeded to examine the engine, battery and wires, while Willie, deeply interested, looked on. It soon became apparent that the trouble lay with the electrical apparatus, which failed to ignite the explosive mixture within the cylinders of the motor. Occasionally the spark gave an encouraging indication of resuming work; but that was all.