It would be much more
perilous now, under these conditions; but Frank had made up his mind to
attempt the rescue of those in the water, and was not to be easily
daunted.
When the right opening came he allowed the hydroplane to dip gently
down, making sure that there was as little violence as possible in the
drop, because of the chance of burying the forward propeller under; or
losing his balance, upon which so much depended.
Andy knew what he was expected to do, and was nimbly endeavoring to
swing his weight this way or that after they had launched on the waves,
so as to keep the pontoons on an even keel, and prevent a disastrous
spill. For once this occurred, the hydroplane would be of little more
advantage than the wrecked biplane, which barely upheld the two clinging
men, and was evidently sinking lower under the strain, with each passing
second, until the end must be in sight.
At least they had dropped safely. The pontoons had been cleverly
adjusted so as to bear a just proportion of the weight, and they did
their duty faithfully and well in this great crisis.
Of course, the next thing was to try and work closer to the sinking
biplane, and take the men aboard, one at a time. That would be a risky
proceeding, requiring all the skill that Frank could bring to the front.
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