l more thrilling experiences came
unto these daring navigators of space, and that almost before one or the
other of them could fairly realise that greater danger really menaced
both their air-ship and their lives.

Another whirly-gust of sand and other debris assailed the
flying-machine, and while sight was thus rendered almost useless for
the time being, the aerostat began to sway and reel from side to side,
shivering as though caught by an irresistible power, yet against which
it battled as though instinct with life and brain-power.

Once again the adventurers found it difficult to breathe, while an
unseen power seemed pressing them to that floor as though--Thank heaven!

Just as before, that cloud was swept away, and again air came to fill
those painfully oppressed lungs. Once again the trio cleared their eyes
and stared about, only to utter simultaneous cries of alarm.

For, brief though that period of blindness had been, 'twas amply
sufficient to carry the aeromotor perilously near yonder storm-centre,
and though Professor Featherwit gripped hard his tiller, trying all he
knew to turn the air-ship for a safer quarter,-'twas all in vain!

"Haste,--make haste, uncle Phaeton!" hoarsely panted Bruno, leaning to
aid the professor. "We will be sucked in and--hasten, for life!"

"I can't,--we're already--in the--suction!"

CHAPTER III. RIDING THE TORNADO.

Whether it was that the air-ship itself had increased its speed during
those few moments of dense obscurity, or whether the madly whirling
winds had taken a retrograde movement at that precise time, could only
be a matter of conjecture; but the ominous fact remained.

The aerostat was fairly over the danger-line, and, despite all efforts
being made to the contrary, was being drawn directly towards that
howling, crashing, thundering mass of destructive energy.

Already the inmates felt themselves being sucked from the
flying-machine, and instinctively tightened their grip upon hand-rail
and floor, gasping and oppressed, breath failing, and ribs apparently
being crushed in by that horrible pressure.

"Hold fast--for life!" pantingly screamed Professor Featherwit, as he
strove in vain to check or change the course of his aeromotor, now for
the first time beyond control of that master-hand.

A few seconds of soul-trying suspense, during which the flying-machine
shivered from stem to stern, almost like a human creature in its
death-agony, creaking and groani