CHAPTER V
FIRST EXPERIENCES OF SPACE
Alec Brandon hung over the bulwarks of the Lightning as the fleet gradually ascended into the air, watching a small figure that was waving a handkerchief to him from below. But Flora was soon lost in the indistinguishable crowd, for the relentless whirling of the propellers stopped neither for love nor money, and the fleet was quickly leaving the earth's atmosphere. A slight sigh escaped from Alec as he turned away his eyes from all that he held dearest in the world.
'Never mind, my boy, cheer up!' said a hearty voice behind him, as a hand was laid kindly on his shoulder.
He turned round and saw the com-
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