CHAPTER XXIII
LOST IN A SEA OF CLOUDS
When Tom Raymond realized that he and Jack were really separated from the rest of the squadron his first act was to throttle down his motor, that it might be possible for him to speak to his companion. If they were in actual danger it was better to share the responsibility, and not try to shoulder it all himself.
"We've lost the rest of the boys, Jack!" he yelled out.
"Yes, I noticed that," came the answer. "What can we do about it?"
"Only one thing that I can see. Have to go on by ourselves! But—" and the pilot paused significantly.
"That means steering by the compass," remarked the other.
"No other way, since I wouldn't know the conformation of the ground below, even if it were daylight and I could see fairly well. Why! what under the sun can this mean?"
"What?" demanded Jack, showing signs of excitement now, as he realized that his com-
193
