e
in his circling above the clouds.

Quickly, then, he started to make the trial; and Andy, seeing his
movement, comprehended what he must have in mind; for he swung out in
such fashion as to preserve a balance, and thus help things along as far
as lay in his power.

What a sensation of relief that hum of the faithful little Kincaid
engine brought in its train, as it once more took up the burden of its
busy song. Why, it seemed to Andy as though he could almost shout in
sudden relief, when he heard it first, and saw the water flying from the
partly submerged propeller.

But Frank was wise enough not to turn on full speed, knowing what a
terrific strain this condition of affairs must be upon the entire
fabric, flimsy at best; and if anything gave way it was all over with
them; for if a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, a
heavier-than-air flying machine certainly comes under the same category.

"We're going it, Frank!" shouted Andy, when he saw that their speed had
increased several hundred per cent, and that they were now heading
straight for the partly submerged air navigators.

It never occurred to Andy that either of the men might offer the
slightest objection to being rescued. Frank looked a little further
ahead; but even he could hardly believe that Casper Blue would prefer
to drown rather than be saved.

What Frank was really concerning himself about more than anything else
was how he could stow away the two fellows, once they found a chance to
climb aboard the hydroplane; and whether he could get enough impetus
from the engine with such an unusual load, to rise from the water, once
he elevated his planes.

"Hurry! oh! Hurry! I'm going down!" cried the larger man.

Casper never said a word. Possibly, being a swimmer, he did not feel the
same degree of terror that his companion experienced. Then again, he may
have been coolly figuring on how he might turn the rescue to his own
advantage in some way; for he seemed to have that little black box slung
over his back by means of the strap; and it was easy to understand that
it must, as Andy had guessed, contain something of considerable more
value than a mere camera.

Now they were closing in. The hydroplane round-up was being carried out
in what seemed to be a successful manner; and if all went well during
the next few minutes the drifting fugitives would be hauled aboard by
Andy, who stood ready to act the part of gallant rescuer to the king's
ta