He took a parachute from a locker. "Holl is below." He buckled the
thing across his chest and stepped up on the edge of the cockpit.
"Do you mean it, dear?" said he softly.
She stared at him stonily. He turned away, his mouth shaking
slightly, then held out his hand.
"Good-by, then, for the last time!"
Mona suddenly grasped his hand. For an instant hope flared in Fort's
eyes, then faded, leaving his face gray and drawn. He poised hiself,
letting go her hand reluctantly. Then he turned resolutely.
"It's the only thing for a man to do, Mona! As for you--turn about
and go as fast as you canl You've got just time enough. Good-by!"
And with Mona unable to utter a single word, able only to watch and
to feel, the athlete leaned to one side so as to clear the wing,
pulled his cap down tightly, and jumped into space.