as tossed out at the stern of
the aircraft. This would serve to hold her back. Then, as nothing
further could be done, preparations were made for supper.

"Well, this aeroplaning has its ups and downs," said Paul, with a
laugh, as he sat at table. "Last night we were eating up in the air,
and now we're on the water."

"And it's lucky we're not IN the water!" exclaimed Innis. "Regular
Hamilton luck, I call it."

"No, it's Vardon luck," Dick insisted. "He planned the hydroplanes
that made it possible."

Lights were set aglow to show the position of the craft on the water.

"We don't want to be run down in the night," Dick said, as he noted the
red and green side lights as well as the white ones at bow and stern.
For, in the water, the Abaris was subject to the same rules as were
other lake craft. It was only when in the air that she was largely a
law unto herself.

The night passed quietly enough, though it came on to blow a little
toward morning. But the drag anchor worked well.

"And now for the repairs," cried Dick, after breakfast, as he and his
chums got out the collapsible boat. It was blown up, and in it Dick
and Mr. Vardon paddled out to the stern rudders.

They were examining the universal joint, by which the apparatus was
deflected when Dick suddenly became aware of a wet feeling about his
feet, and a sinking feeling beneath him. He looked down, and found
that the boat, in which he and Mr. Vardon were standing, was going
down. Already it was half filled with water.

"More trouble!" cried Dick. "I guess we'll have to swim for it!"

CHAPTER XXVII

A HOWLING GALE

There was no doubt about it. The little craft was going down. Later it
was learned that a leaky valve had allowed the air to escape, and a
break in the boat's rubber sides had let in the water.

"Come on!" cried Dick. "Overboard, Mr. Vardon!"

There was really little danger, as both of them could swim, though if
they did not jump out they might be carried down with the boat.

So, overboard went Dick and his aviator. The collapsible boat sank
with the downward impulse given it when they leaped out, but as it was
moored to the airship by a cable it could be recovered.

"Say, what is this--a swimming race?" asked Paul, as he tossed Dick a
rope, a like service being performed for Mr. Vardon by Innis.

"Looks like it--doesn't it?" agreed the young millionaire. "I should
have tested that boat before we went out in it," he