Air Service Boys over the Atlantic; Or, The Longest Flight on Record

by E. J. Craine

  CHAPTER X

  GROPING FOR LIGHT

  Tom realized that for once his chum was completely broken up, and hardlyknew which way to turn for help. This told him that if anything were doneto relieve the desperate situation it would have to originate with him.

  "Stick to your programme, Jack, and don't give up the ship. Until youknow that Randolph has reached the other side, and entered intopossession of the property, there's still some hope left."

  "Yes, a fighting chance. And I must hang to it like a leech," admittedthe other, trying to smile, but making a sorry mess of it.

  "How do we know what the good fairy may do for you, so as to outwitthe villain of the piece?" continued Tom. "While it isn't a pleasantthing to speak of, still some marauding undersea boat may lie in waitfor his ship, and in the sinking who can tell what fate may overtakeyour cousin?"

  "It would only serve him right if he did go down like others, a thousandtimes nobler than Randolph, have done before now," grumbled Jack; andsomehow the vague possibility excited him, for his eyes began to sparkleand take on a look that told Tom he was seeing the whole thing before hismental vision.

  For a purpose Tom chose to encourage this supposition; it would have theeffect of building up Jack's sinking hopes, and just then that was themain thing. So Tom proceeded to picture the scene, having plenty ofmaterial from which to draw, for he had read the details of more than onesubmarine sinking.

  "It must be a terrible sensation to any passenger, no matter how bravehe may think himself," he went on to say, "when he feels the shock asa torpedo explodes against the hull of the steamer and knows that in ashort time she is doomed to be swallowed by the sea. And you told meonce yourself, Jack, that this scheming cousin of yours couldn't swima stroke."

  "Worse even than that!" declared Jack, with a sneer on his face toexpress his contempt, "he's a regular coward about the water. And if theydo have the hard luck to run up against a Hun torpedo, Randolph will befrightened half to death."

  "Queer," commented Tom, "how most of these schemers prove to have ayellow streak in their make-up, when the test really comes. Just picturehim running screaming up and down the deck, and being kicked out of theway by every officer of the vessel when he implores them to save him."

  "I can see it all as plain as day!" cried Jack excitedly. "And if I knowhuman nature the chances are those sailors would think of the cowardlast of all."

  "Yes, they'd leave him to the sinking ship if there was no room in theboats, you can depend on that, Jack. And now set your teeth as youusually do, and tell me again that you're not going to own up beatenuntil the umpire says the game is over."

  "I do promise you, Tom," came the immediate response, showing that Jackwas getting a fresh grip on his sinking courage and hopes. "But all thesame, I keep on groping, and I'd like to see the light."

  "For a change of subject," Tom observed, "shall we tell LieutenantBeverly about your troubles? I've just glimpsed him coming this way."

  "No reason why we shouldn't," agreed Jack. "He's a good friend of mineand three heads might be better than two in cracking this hard nut I'm upagainst. But he looks as if he might be bringing us news. Ten to onehe's going to say the way is cleared for us to take that long trip withhim to Berlin and back in his big Martin bomber."

  "Too bad to disappoint him," remarked Tom. "But of course that's out ofthe question now."

  "I'd have been glad of the chance to go, only for this suddencomplication in my own affairs," Jack sighed. "But why couldn't you takethe spin in his company, Tom? It's a pity to break up his plans."

  "And desert my chum when he's in trouble? I'd never forgive myself fordoing such a thing. The lieutenant will have to find some other pals forhis record making Berlin and back flight."

  Jack thought he detected a vein of regret in his comrade's voice, and hequickly flashed:

  "You're disappointed, of course, Tom; you've been counting on that tripall the while, because its daring and dash appealed to you, just as theydid to me."

  "Forget it, please," urged Tom sturdily. "It was only a dream, and, afterall, perhaps it couldn't be carried out. For all we know it may be thebest thing in the world for us that we're prevented from starting; forsuch a long flight is a great risk, and might end our careers."

  "Well, here's the lieutenant," said Jack, turning to greet the newcomer,and striving to look natural, though it cost him a great effort.

  "I've hurried here as fast as I could!" exclaimed Beverly, his eyessparkling with pleasure. "I wanted to bring the good news before youreceived it officially."

  "What's that?" demanded Jack, turning a puzzled look toward his chum.

  "Why, when they notified me I could have three weeks' leave of absencefrom duty, with no question concerning my movements during the interim, Ichanced to learn that your request had also been granted. Both of youwill be free, don't you understand? and the big game is now open to us."

  "Well, that's certainly good news you've brought us, Lieutenant Beverly,"said Tom, accepting the other's extended hand which was offered incongratulation. "I suppose you're counting now on getting that longflight off your mind? I regret to tell you I fear it's hull down in thedistance for the two of us!"

  "What! You haven't flunked, Tom? I'd never believe either of you could goback on me like that," cried the other, looking sorely distressed andbitterly disappointed.

  "Circumstances over which we have no control," continued Tom, whileJack hung his head and looked gloomy, "have arisen to knock ourplans galley-west. Much as we'd be pleased to make the game, wesimply can't do it."

  "But the bomber is all ready and waiting!" gasped Lieutenant Beverly."And we're having a vacation extended to us, with no red tape or stringstied to the conditions! Why, the track is cleared for the biggest flighton record, and now you tell me you'll have to drop out. See here, what'sthis mean? There's something queer about it all, I know."

  "Just what there is, Lieutenant," remarked Jack, looking him squarely inthe eye, "and it's only right you should know the reason. Tom might goalong with you, but he absolutely refuses to leave me alone to fightagainst the slickest scoundrel living. Now listen, and I'll sketch thewhole story for you."

  This he proceeded to do rapidly, omitting nothing that seemed of moment.When the meddler's secret work in tampering with their plane before theywent up on the night raid was mentioned, the flight lieutenant's eyesflashed with indignation. Being a pilot himself he could appreciate suchrank treachery better than any layman could.

  "That's how the land lies," said Jack in conclusion. "And you understandnow just why we must disappoint you, and make you look elsewhere for twocompanions on your trip to Berlin to frighten the Huns. It breaks myheart to decline, but this other matter must take my whole attention."

  "You don't blame Jack, do you?" asked Tom.

  "I should say not!" came the ready answer, accompanied by a keen look,first at Jack and then at the other, as a dazzling idea suddenly flashedinto Beverly's mind. "Business before pleasure, every time with me; andit's only right you should devote every atom of your mind and body tobeating that skunk to the post."

  "We've settled on that policy all right," said Jack. "The only trouble iswe haven't so far found a remedy to overcome his long lead; for he's gotalmost two days' run head of me, you understand."

  Tom saw the lieutenant smile broadly and draw a long breath. Thensomething seemed to grip his heart as he heard Beverly say:

  "Hold on! I've got an inspiration, boys. Perhaps there may be a way opento beat him to it yet!"