It was failing him, just when his need of it was so vital.

Just when he had so much to retrieve, just when he had counted on its help in re-establishing his self-respect.
Bland turned his head, and gave Johnny a fleeting glance from the corner of one eye.

Bland's face was a sallow white.
Johnny laid down his rifle and carefully placed feet and hands on the controls.

Bland might get scared and lose his head, and if he did, Johnny did not want to be altogether at his mercy.

Anyway, Bland did not know the country.
"How far will she glide ?" Johnny shouted above the sputtering cough of the motor.