They had discussed all this many times, and settled on what seemed the most feasible route.  Of course, it might have been a much shorter distance had they decided to head almost south-west-by-south, making for the Azores, and stopping there to prepare for another flight across to Newfoundland.  Going that way, they would have had the benefit of the general easterly winds.  But this did not appeal to Tom and Jack for several good reasons.  In the first place, it meant that a landing at the Azores would be reckoned of such importance that it must be heralded far and near.  This was apt to get them into trouble with the military authorities, since they had received no bona fide permission to leave the soil of France; at least, to return to America.

Then again Jack was opposed to the plan for the reason that if they should land at the extreme point of Newfoundland considerable delay must be caused by the difficulty of getting transportation to the States.  All the while Randolph Carringford would be steadily moving on, and, landing at New York, have an advantage over Jack.

There was also a third reason that influenced the young navigators in deciding to take the longer course across the Atlantic.  This concerned the fogs such as can always be met with off the Newfoundland Banks, and which are often so dense that vessels flounder through them for several days at a stretch.

By taking the southern course, and steering direct for the Virginia shore they would be likely to miss much of this trouble, even though it was a time of year when heavy mists hang along the entire Atlantic seaboard.

All of them were silent for some little time, only the roar of the motor and the propellers beating in their ears.  Beverly had established a method of communication when in flight without unduly straining the voice.  It was very similar to a wireless telephone outfit which Tom and Jack had employed not long back, and by the use of which they could actually talk with an operator similarly equipped, even if standing on the earth a mile below their plane.

It was arranged for all three of them, and could be removed from the head when no communication was desired.  In the beginning they were not in the mood to make use of this contrivance, which, however, would undoubtedly be welcome later on, when they would be passing over the apparently limitless sea and the monotony had begun to wear upon their nerves.  Then conversation might relieve the tension.

It was Jack who presently called out: 

“I can see lights below us.  Do you think we’ve crossed the Channel, Lieutenant?”

“Yes, that’s the English shore, and doubtless Dover lies directly below us, although we’re at such a height that it’s impossible to make sure.”

“What’s the idea of keeping so high, Lieutenant?” continued Jack.

“Simply to avoid collision with any of the coast guard fliers, who might take us for Huns meaning to attack London again after a long break.  But Jack, I’m going to ask a favor of you.”