Page:Robert William Cole - The Struggle for Empire; A Story of the Year 2236 (1900).djvu/202

190 pieces a rocky fort, so they did not pay much attention to the long dark object that dashed along beneath them. One gunner aimed his gun at it, but the shot plunged into the ground some distance behind. The enemy little guessed what that insignificant-looking boat contained, or they would have sent every vessel they possessed in pursuit of it.

Half an hour later James Tarrant was in his laboratory directing the shipment of the rest of the instruments. Then they all got on board again, and dashed into the air once more, for there was not a moment to be lost. They ascended right up to the limits of the atmosphere to avoid the enemy's ships as much as possible, and to lessen the resistance offered by the air. The ship dashed along at a terrific pace, the air shrieking as it rushed through the wire apparatus outside. The hatches were fastened down, and everybody went inside to avoid being swept away by the wind, which blew fiercer than a hurricane. They