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.