At the same moment a broad vivid flare of electric radiance shot
across the sky from the deck of the steamer. It waved horizontally
in some signal to the landing dock two miles further away. Then the
operator of this glowing searchlight sent its gleams upwards in a
slow way, as if for scenic effect for the passengers on board.

"The mischief!" exclaimed Dave bending to levers and starting the
Monarch II forward at best speed.

Hiram sat staring. He blinked, half-blinded. The machine was
irradiated in clear, sharp outlines as the great searchlight glare
was focused, a speck of action in the sky.

A chorus of cheers went up from the deck of the steamer as its
passengers caught sight of the airship. Only for a moment, however,
was the brilliant sky picture in view. Dave turned the head of the
machine on a volplane sweep, and the searchlight operator could not
locate it again.

"Well, we've been seen," observed Hiram,

"I'm sorry for it," replied Dave simply.

"Look there!" cried Hiram abruptly.

Dave had selected a course leading over the land, away from the
water. As Hiram spoke, his own eye caught sight of some brilliant
sparkles of light.