"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. Not one of the men of the
"Albatross" failed to share in the feelings of his chief. Not one but
was ready to do anything to recapture the fugitives!

As soon as the screw was in place they would return to the island and
drop another anchor, and give chase to the fugitives. Then only would
they begin repairing the stern-screw; and then the aeronef could
resume her voyage across the Pacific to X Island.

It was important, above all things, that the "Albatross" should not
be carried too far to the northeast, but unfortunately the breeze
grew stronger, and she could not head against it, or even remain
stationary. Deprived of her propellers she was an unguidable balloon.
The fugitives on the shore knew that she would have disappeared
before the explosion blew her to pieces.

Robur felt much disappointment at seeing his plans so interfered
with. Would it not take him much longer than he thought to get back
to his old anchorage?

While the work at the screw was actively pushed on, he resolved to
descend to the surface of the sea, in the hope that the wind would
there be lighter. Perhaps the "Albatross" would be able to remain in
the neighborhood until she was again fit to work to windward.