"The engine is cold, that's all." "Humph, well I'm not! But come on, let us give her another twist." The brothers took hold again, and, at a word from Dick, each gave the wooden paddles of the propellers a vigorous turn.

There came a sudden hiss, followed by a crack and a bang, and then off the engine started with the loudness of a gattling gun.
"Hurrah! she's started!" yelled Tom, triumphantly.

"Say, but she makes some noise, doesn't she ?" he added.
"I should say yes.

That's because airship engines don't have mufflers, like autos," yelled back Dick, to make himself heard above the explosions.
"And see those propellers go around!" went on Tom, in deep admiration.
"All you can see is a whirr! We sure have a dandy engine in this craft, Dick!" "Looks so, doesn't it ?" returned Dick, also in admiration.

"I reckon the _Dartaway_ will give a good account of herself, when she is properly handled.