"Be it so! But they cannot get away from Pitt Island, and in a day or so I will go back! I will recapture them! And then--" In fact, the safety of the three fugitives was by no means assured.
The "Albatross" would be repaired, and return well in hand.

Before the day was out they might again be in the power of the engineer.
Before the day was out! But in two hours the "Albatross" would be annihilated! The dynamite cartridge was like a torpedo fastened to her hull, and would accomplish her destruction in mid-air.

The breeze freshened, and the aeronef was carried to the northeast.

Although her speed was but moderate, she would be out of sight of the Chatham Islands before sunrise.

To return against the wind she must have her propellers going, particularly the one in the bow.
"Tom," said the engineer, "turn the lights full on." "Yes, Sir." "And all hands to work." "Yes, Sir." There was no longer any idea of putting off the work till tomorrow.
There was now no thought of fatigue.