5 files changed, 6059 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/22031.txt b/22031.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0b5c196
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22031.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,6043 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Airplane Boys among the Clouds, by John
+Luther Langworthy
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Airplane Boys among the Clouds
+       or, Young Aviators in a Wreck
+
+
+Author: John Luther Langworthy
+
+
+
+Release Date: July 9, 2007  [eBook #22031]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AIRPLANE BOYS AMONG THE
+CLOUDS***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Al Haines
+
+
+
+THE AIRPLANE BOYS AMONG THE CLOUDS
+
+or,
+
+Young Aviators in a Wreck
+
+by
+
+JOHN LUTHER LANGWORTHY
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+M. A. Donohue & Company
+Chicago ------ New York
+1912
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+Chapter
+
+     I.  TRYING OUT THE NEW BIPLANE
+    II.  A RESCUER FROM THE SKIES
+   III.  THE MEN IN THE TOURING CAR
+    IV.  SUSPICION
+     V.  FIGURING IT ALL OUT
+    VI.  AN UNKNOWN ENEMY
+   VII.  SEEN FROM THE EAGLES' EYRIE
+  VIII.  MYSTERIOUS MR. MARSH AT IT AGAIN
+    IX.  STARTLING NEWS OVER THE WIRE
+     X.  IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHIEF
+    XI.  A NEW ALARM
+   XII.  SANDY DROPS SOMETHING
+  XIII.  THE CHALLENGE
+   XIV.  SOMETHING DOING
+    XV.  THE AWAKENING
+   XVI.  THE CHIEF MEETS AN OLD FRIEND
+  XVII.  GALLANT ANDY
+ XVIII.  AT THE FOOT OF THE LIBERTY POLE
+   XIX.  THE MYSTERY STILL UNSOLVED
+    XX.  THE RIVAL AVIATORS
+   XXI.  THE RACE WITH THE STORM
+  XXII.  A TERRIBLE MOMENT ON OLD THUNDER TOP
+ XXIII.  THE BIRD BOYS' TRIUMPH--CONCLUSION
+
+
+
+
+THE AIRPLANE BOYS AMONG THE CLOUDS
+
+or, Young Aviators in a Wreck
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+TRYING OUT THE NEW BIPLANE
+
+"I tell you, Elephant, it's the Bird boys, and nobody else!"
+
+"But they had a monoplane last summer, Larry; and you can see for
+yourself it's a biplane out yonder over the lake.  So that's why I
+thought it must be Percy Carberry and his crony, Sandy Hollingshead."
+
+"Shucks! stir up your think-box, Elephant.  Get a move on your mind,
+and look back.  Don't you remember Percy lost his old biplane when he
+took that trip down to South America, and had some trouble with the
+revolutionists in Colombia?"
+
+"Say, now, that's right.  You mean the time Andy Bird found his
+long-lost father, whose balloon left him a prisoner in such a queer
+way?  Yes, but tell me, where would Frank and Andy Bird get a biplane
+now?"
+
+"Oh! rats, what ails you, Elephant?  Didn't they make the other; and
+don't you know they've been busy all winter, in that shop Old Colonel
+Whympers fitted up for them out in the field?  And not even such bully
+good friends as you and me were allowed to take a peep inside.  That's
+what they were working on--building this new biplane, after sending for
+the parts."
+
+"Don't it just shine like fun in the sunlight, though?" declared the
+little "runt," who had been nicknamed "Elephant" by his chums, possibly
+in a spirit of boyish humor, and which name had clung to him ever since.
+
+"It sure does look like a spider-like craft," Larry Geohegan went on.
+"Just see that white-headed eagle up in the blue sky.  I bet you he's
+looking down, and wondering what sort of thing it is."
+
+"Huh! don't you fool yourself there, Larry," chuckled the other.  "That
+wise old chap knows all about aeroplanes.  He's had experience, he has.
+You forget that last summer, when the race was on between the Bird boys
+and Percy, to see who could land on the summit of Old Thunder-Top
+first, from an aeroplane, those same eagles had a nest up there, and
+tackled the boys for a warm session."
+
+The two lads had come to a halt on the road about half a mile from the
+borders of Bloomsbury where they lived.  From where they stood, holding
+their fishing rods, and quite a decent catch of finny prizes, they
+could look out over the beautiful surface of Lake Sunrise, which was
+over fifteen miles long, and in places as much as three or four wide.
+
+"Mebbe you can tell me, Larry," the smaller boy presently said, "just
+why Frank keeps sailing around over the lake that way?  Suppose he's
+taking pictures from his biplane?"
+
+"That might be, Elephant," Larry answered, slowly and thoughtfully.
+"Seems to me I did hear somebody talking about the State wanting to get
+a map of the lake, with all its many coves and points.  But ain't it
+more dangerous for aviators hanging over water than the shore?"
+
+"That depends," remarked the other boy, whose real name was Fennimore
+Cooper Small, and who was rather apt to have an exalted idea of his own
+importance, as do so many undersized people.  "If a fellow dropped out
+of his machine when he was even fifty feet high, he'd be apt to break
+his neck, or anyhow a leg, if he struck on the land; but in the water
+he might have a show."
+
+"Look at 'em circling round and round, would you?" Larry went on, his
+curiosity climbing toward the fever stage.  "I'd give a fit now to know
+what Frank's got in that wise old noddle of his.  He ain't the one to
+do things for nothing, take it from me, Elephant."
+
+"Hi! step out of the way, Larry, if you don't want to get run over!"
+exclaimed the other, suddenly gripping his companion's sleeve.  "Here
+comes a car, and the driver's tooting his old bazoo to beat the band."
+
+"They're slowing up, don't you see," observed Larry, who had been
+startled by the other's abrupt warning.  "No need to scare a feller
+like that, Elephant."
+
+"Well, that machine don't belong around here, anyway; and I guess
+they're tourists doing the lake road course.  Lots of 'em come this way
+just for the view, which they say can't be beat," the other went on, in
+a low tone; for the touring car had drawn very close by now.
+
+Two men sat in it, one apparently the chauffeur, and the other
+occupying the commodious seat in the tonneau.  The latter was a
+keen-faced man, with a peculiar eye, that seemed to sparkle and glow;
+and Larry immediately became aware that he was experiencing a queer
+sensation akin to a chill, when he returned the gaze of this individual.
+
+Still, the other could look very pleasant when he chose to smile, as
+was the case immediately after the car came to a halt within five feet
+of where the two Bloomsbury high school boys stood.
+
+"Looks like you had had pretty good luck, boys," he remarked, smoothly.
+
+"Pretty middlin'," Elephant said, indifferently, as though this were an
+everyday occurrence with him; when to tell the truth, he and Larry had
+not done so well all season as on this particular day.
+
+"Guess you know where the old fishing hole lies," laughed the stranger,
+pleasantly.  "Quite a collection too--black bass, perch, 'slickers,' as
+we used to call the pickerel, and even some big fat sunfish.  Many a
+happy hour have I spent just as you've been doing.  And I'll never
+forget how fine those same fish tasted after I'd cleaned them myself
+for the frying-pan."
+
+"That's what we do, sir," replied Larry, now beginning to think the
+stranger rather a nice spoken man.
+
+"My friend and myself were just wondering what aviator you've got up
+here," continued the gentleman, as he cast a quick glance out over the
+lake.  "You see, our attention was attracted toward that circling
+biplane as we came along.  I happen to know some of the most famous
+fliers myself; but I never heard that any one of them was hiding up
+here this summer, trying fancy stunts.  Look at that dip, Longley.
+That was a corker, now, I'm telling you.  Do you know who that fellow
+is, my boy; the one handling the levers of that sparkling biplane out
+yonder?"
+
+Larry and Elephant glanced at each other and grinned.  Then the little
+fellow threw out his chest, after a pompous way he had, and observed:
+
+"Sure we do, mister.  That's a chum of ours.  His name is Frank Bird,
+and he knows more about aeroplanes in a minute than the rest of us do
+in a year.  His cousin, Andy, is along with him.  They stick together
+through thick and thin."
+
+"Bird!" remarked the other, watching the agile movements of the biplane
+eagerly, as Larry could not but note.  "A very suggestive name for a
+flier, too."
+
+"That's right," burst out Larry.  "Frank always said he was just forced
+to take to being an aeronaut.  He says it's just as natural for birds
+to take to the air, as it is for ducks to swim in the water."
+
+"Bird?" the other went on, turning to his companion.  "Seems to me,
+Longley, there used to be a professor by that name in one of our
+colleges, who went daft on the subject of flying."
+
+"You're right, Marsh; and he lost his life down at Panama; tried to
+cross the isthmus in a dirigible, and was never heard from again."
+
+"Oh! but you're wrong, sir!" exclaimed Elephant, eagerly.  "He was
+saved through those two boys in their monoplane, and is alive and well
+in Bloomsbury right now.  It's a great story, and all to the good for
+the Bird boys."
+
+"I'd like to hear it some time or other," replied the gentleman called
+Mr. Marsh by his companion who was serving as chauffeur.  "But it seems
+to me these young fellows must be unusually bright boys to do what
+they're doing right now."
+
+"That's easy for Frank and Andy Bird, sir," declared Larry.  "Why,
+they've got a shop that they keep under lock and key, where they spend
+most of their time when they ain't flying.  That biplane is what they
+made last winter--got some of the parts, and did the rest themselves.
+And it would be just like Frank to have invented some clever stunt
+that's going to just revolutionize flying."
+
+Again a quick look passed between the two tourists, but the boys simply
+considered that it implied wonder at such youthful ingenuity.
+
+"They must be smart boys, surely," remarked Mr. Marsh, again turning
+his head to look out over the lake.  "And you say they even have a
+shop, where they work out these wonderful new ideas?  Perhaps if we
+stayed over in Bloomsbury, Longley, they might be willing to let us
+have a little peep in that place?"
+
+Elephant promptly shook his head in the negative.
+
+"I wouldn't build too much on that, if I was you, sir," he said,
+"because, you see, we're chums of the Bird boys; and if they wouldn't
+let us once inside that shop all winter they ain't going to invite
+strangers there."
+
+"Well, hardly," laughed the other.  "How's that, Longley?  Quite
+interesting to run across a couple of boy inventors up this way.  Must
+tell Wright about it the next time we see him, and Curtiss too.
+They'll want to look them up perhaps, and coax them to join the new
+aeroplane trust that's forming.  But what makes that biplane shine so?
+It glitters in the sunlight like silver."
+
+"That's just what me and Elephant were talking about when you came
+along, mister," remarked Larry.
+
+"And we just came to the conclusion that it must be something Frank's
+been experimenting on.  Mebbe he's made his machine out of aluminum; or
+else he's got a new Kinkaid engine that has a lot of brass about it.
+Gee! look at 'em now, Larry!  My heart jumped up in my throat because
+they just skimmed the water, and I was dead sure it meant a ducking for
+the boys."
+
+"They certainly seem to know how to handle an aeroplane as well as any
+one I have ever seen," declared Mr. Marsh; who apparently could not
+tear his eyes away from the thrilling spectacle of the swooping air
+craft, that soared aloft, only to again dart daringly down toward the
+surface of the almost quiet lake.
+
+"I bet you it's a game of conquer they're playing," suggested Elephant.
+"Each one seeing how close to touching the water he can come.  Say,
+Larry, d'ye suppose Percy Carberry has got his new biplane yet?  He's
+been boasting about it for weeks, and what he meant to do when she
+arrived."
+
+"I saw him this morning, and he said he was still waiting; but that the
+thing had been shipped," replied the other.  "Never saw such an unlucky
+dog as Percy is; and to tell the honest truth, Elephant, 'twouldn't
+surprise me one little bit if the old train got smashed up on the way,
+and the new flying machine along with it."
+
+"Wonder if he's watching the stunts them fellers are doing out there,
+and saying all sorts of mean things about 'em?" suggested the smaller
+boy, grinning.
+
+"Shouldn't wonder," Larry chirped.  "He keeps tab on all Frank does
+these days.  You know they've had to keep a man on duty every night
+around that workshop, because of Percy.  He ain't to be trusted, and
+would just as soon put a match to the place as eat his dinner--if he
+thought he could do it on the sly."
+
+Mr. Marsh caught the eye of his companion, and instantly a quick signal
+seemed to pass between them, unnoticed by either of the two boys, who
+were keeping their attention glued on the fluttering aeroplane a
+quarter of a mile away, and which had again mounted to quite a little
+height by means of boring upward in circles.
+
+"There they go again!" exclaimed Elephant, excitedly, as the flying
+machine once more tilted its planes, and started down toward the water
+like a huge bird intending to alight.
+
+"Oh! look at it, would you?" cried Larry, almost as much worked up as
+his smaller companion.  "This time there's going to be something doing!
+I bet you Frank wants to just snatch a floating piece of wood off the
+water as he skims along, just like them Wild West riders do on
+horseback, when they throw their hats down.  Why!  Something must
+a-busted--they dropped splash on the lake; and look at the old biplane
+sitting right there like a great big gull!  Ain't that too bad, though;
+I'm sorry for Frank and Andy!"
+
+But Mr. Marsh, bending his head close to the ear of the man who sat in
+the front of the touring car, laughed softly, and remarked with an air
+of triumph:
+
+"What did I tell you, Longley?  Now say it was a false scent, will you?
+It isn't often I make a mistake, and already I believe we've struck
+great luck in coming up here."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+A RESCUER FROM THE SKIES
+
+"What if the bally thing takes a notion to duck under, Larry?" asked
+Elephant, staggered himself at the possibility of such a catastrophe
+happening.
+
+"Wow! they'd stand a chance of being drowned, then, I take it!"
+answered the taller lad, shaking his head as if worried.
+
+"Say, p'raps we ought to be chasing after a boat, and putting out there
+right now," the small boy exclaimed.
+
+"O K say I.  Let's make a dash for Cragan's dock, and borrow his
+skiff!" suggested Larry, ready to toss fishing poles, and even the fine
+catch in the dusty weeds bordering the road, so that they might be
+unimpeded in their flight.
+
+"Hold on, boys!" observed the gentleman in the tonneau of the touring
+car, as he reached out and caught Larry by the sleeve of his shirt.
+"No need of bothering yourselves in the least, I assure you."
+
+"But perhaps the biplane might sink, sir," declared Elephant, still
+showing extreme nervousness.  "And what if Frank or Andy happened to be
+caught in the wires that stay the planes?  They might be drowned, you
+see.  Accidents can happen, even to the two smart Bird boys."
+
+"No danger of any such catastrophe, I give you my word," went on the
+gentleman.  "And when you learn the truth, you'll thank me for
+restraining you from acting in a foolish manner.  Here, take a look
+through this glass I chance to have along in the car.  What do you see
+now?"
+
+Larry accepted the binoculars, and immediately adjusted them to his
+eyes.
+
+"Well, of all the things I ever heard of!" he slowly ejaculated.
+
+"Let me look, Larry," exploded Elephant, as he deftly "hooked" the
+glasses away from his companion's hands, and immediately clapped them
+to his own eyes, to let out a shout of amazement.  "I declare if the
+old thing ain't floatin' like a big duck.  Talk about her sinking, you
+couldn't push that wonder box down under the surface.  Some more of
+Frank's magic; he's got 'em all queered a mile, Larry."
+
+"Listen," remarked Mr.  Marsh, quietly.  "There's nothing so very
+wonderful about this new stunt of your friend, Frank.  Those shining
+things you noticed about the biplane happened to be a couple of new
+aluminum pontoons under the craft, meant to float the whole affair
+whenever it drops in the water.  They will be in common use shortly.
+And that machine is what we call a hydroplane--that is, it will prove
+to be as much at home on the water as in the air."
+
+"What d'ye think of that, Elephant?" cried Larry, ready to swing his
+hat, and give a loud whoop to let the young aviators know that friendly
+eyes had been watching their startling maneuvers.  "Ain't they all the
+candy, though?  Why, Perc Carberry never could get up early enough in
+the morning to best the Bird boys."
+
+"They float all right," remarked the other boy, still gazing through
+the fine pair of marine glasses that seemed to bring the biplane within
+touching distance.  "But how under the sun can they start up again?
+Don't they have to take a run on them bicycle wheels first?"
+
+"Watch and see," laughed Mr. Marsh.  "A hydroplane can rise from the
+surface of the water just like a wild duck might.  The propeller starts
+to working, the machine is sent swiftly along, and soon leaves the
+water, to soar upward as the planes are moved accordingly.  There they
+go; now, keep tab on what they do, Longley."
+
+He took the glasses from Elephant and placed them to his own eye, as
+though it might be of the greatest importance that he see distinctly
+every little movement of the daring young aviators.
+
+"Whoop! hurrah! there they quit snaking along on the water!  They're
+going to climb, I tell you, Larry!  Look at that, would you?  Up they
+go, as easy as you please!  Now, ain't that just a hummer; and did you
+ever hear tell of as smart a pair of boys as Frank and Andy Bird?  What
+won't they try next, I wonder?"
+
+"They certainly seem to be made of the right stuff for airmen,"
+admitted Mr. Marsh, with animation.  "Some time I hope to make their
+acquaintance, and hear the story of their stirring adventure down in
+South America.  What say Longley, can we afford to lay over at this
+Bloomsbury for a couple of days, while we have the car overhauled, and
+put in apple-pie condition?"
+
+"It might be a good thing, Marsh," the other promptly answered, as he
+detected the signal wink his companion gave.  "You know they say an
+ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.  And unless
+something is done we stand a chance of being thrown over a precipice,
+when that weak place in the machinery gives way suddenly."
+
+"All right, then; we'll stop," remarked the gentleman with the
+glittering eyes, as if the new idea quite appealed to him.  "I'd like
+to see something of these Bird boys.  They have a future before them, I
+believe.  And if I'm any judge of up-to-date things I even suspect
+they've gone and applied that latest device the Wrights patented, where
+a little pendulum under the machine warps the planes automatically, at
+the slightest motion of the body, keeping the aeroplane in an exactly
+horizontal position."
+
+"Oh! they're up to snuff, all right, take it from me," declared
+Elephant, with an air of pride, since it was his friends whose praises
+were being sung, and he could bask in the reflected light.
+
+"I bet you there ain't anything going on in aviation circles that them
+two boys don't know," put in Larry, enthusiastically.  "They take all
+sorts of papers and magazines, and spend every living day in that old
+shop.  I knew something was on, and there she is, all hatched out.
+Poor old Percy, won't he just want to crawl back into his hole, though,
+when he learns this?"
+
+"Rats! you don't know him if you think that!" exclaimed Elephant.  "Ten
+to one he plays Frank and Andy a close second.  Right now that sharper
+has got cards hidden up his sleeve, and ready to surprise everybody.
+Didn't he slip away early in the spring, and go down to New York?  You
+watch his smoke, I tell you, Larry.  No, Perc ain't giving up till he
+has to, and that won't be till the race is run.  Just wait!"
+
+"I declare, that's a queer thing to allow!" exclaimed Longley, who had
+picked up the glasses and with them swept the surface of the lake, as
+well as surveyed the hovering biplane that had walked on the water like
+an aquatic bird.
+
+"What now?" asked Mr. Marsh, looking a little nervous.
+
+"Why, see that boat floating out yonder, the plaything of the breeze
+that seems to be rising?" asked the other, still using the binoculars.
+
+"I see what you mean," remarked Mr. Marsh, "and it seems to have
+drifted away from the shore.  Is that some man lying down in it?
+There, I saw the object move then.  What is it, Longley?"
+
+"A little baby, hardly more," came the startling reply.  "Oh! he was
+nearly over the side, that time.  However in the wide world do you
+suppose the child ever came to be in that boat?  Here, take a look.
+Marsh.  Another tilt like that, and the child will be drowned for
+certain!"
+
+"Why, it must be Tommy Cragan, the fisherman's baby," said Larry, his
+face turning a bit gray with alarm.  "I've seen the little shaver
+playing around his daddy's boat many a time.  It must have floated off;
+and now it's away out on the lake, where the water is twenty feet deep!"
+
+"Cracky! that's tough on poor old Cragan, with his wife sick abed!"
+groaned the sympathetic Elephant, as he strained his eyes to watch.
+
+"If the child would only remain quiet there would be little danger,"
+remarked Mr. Marsh, who was still looking through the glasses, as
+though something about the picture fascinated him.
+
+"That's the trouble," remarked his companion, quickly, "the little chap
+is getting frightened, or else bolder, for he keeps leaning far over
+all the time.  Can nothing be done to save the child?  If I could swim
+I'd take a chance at it myself."
+
+"We could run as fast as anything to Cragan's, sir," declared Elephant,
+"or perhaps you could take us in, and we'd show you the way there.  He
+might have another boat, and would put out to save Tommy."
+
+"I'm afraid that would be too late, good though the intention might
+seem," the man said regretfully.
+
+"I can swim like a duck, sir.  What's to hinder me jumping in and
+trying to get out there to him in time?" demanded Larry, hastening to
+start removing his shoes as he spoke.
+
+"It's a long way out there, my boy, and you might take a cramp," said
+Longley.
+
+"But I'm willing to try it, sir.  Besides, the rest of you could be
+heading for Cragan's fish house, and seeing if he's around.  I know
+that little chap, and he's the idol of his daddy's heart.  It'll nigh
+about kill Amiel if the kid was drowned."
+
+Even while he was speaking Larry had kicked one shoe off, and was
+working to undo the stubborn lace of the other, which of course had to
+get in a snarl as usual, exciting his nervous disposition to the
+utmost, as he tugged away.
+
+"Hold on!  I'm afraid it's going to be too late!" exclaimed the other
+occupant of the touring car, still keeping his eyes glued to the
+smaller end of the marine glasses.
+
+"Oh! is he going to fall in, sir?" gasped Elephant, in a quiver of
+fear, as he shaded his eyes with both hands, and stared out across that
+glowing stretch of water.
+
+"There! he has done it!" cried the other; and all of them saw what
+seemed to be a faint splash alongside of the drifting skiff.  "No,
+strange to say the little fellow has caught hold of the gunnel of the
+boat; and while his body is in the lake, he continues to hold on
+desperately, just keeping his head above the surface!  But it can't
+last, it can't last!  He could not keep up that grip more than a minute
+at the most!  This is terrible; and all of us so helpless to save the
+child!"
+
+He took the glasses down as though really unable to watch any longer.
+But his companion did not seem to feel the same way, for he immediately
+snatched them out of Mr. Marsh's hand, and clapped them to his eyes.
+
+"No use, boy, thinking of swimming out yonder," said Mr. Marsh, seeing
+that Larry had finally broken the obstinate lace, and kicked the shoe
+into the bushes.  "Long before you could get near the boat it would all
+be over.  If anything is to be done, some one else will have to
+engineer the rescue."
+
+"And it's coming," shouted the other, just then.  "Watch the biplane,
+Marsh!  The boys have seen the danger of the child!  They are headed
+for the drifting boat, and darting down again.  Perhaps they mean to
+alight in the water alongside, and pick the little chap up!  Good!
+Another ten seconds, and they will have arrived on the spot!"
+
+Even Larry, barefooted now, and with both hands tightly clenched, such
+was his wrought-up condition, stood and watched with burning eyes as
+the aeroplane sank lower and lower in its forward swoop.  Undoubtedly
+the Bird boys had suddenly become aware of the dreadful peril
+threatening the little chap belonging to the well known Bloomsbury
+fisherman, who was every boy's friend; and meant to do their level best
+to save Tommy from the watery grave that yawned to receive him.
+
+"Oh! it's too late!" suddenly cried Longley, staggering back as if he
+had himself received a blow.
+
+"What happened?" exclaimed his companion, hoarsely.
+
+"The child let go!  See, he is struggling in the water, but must
+disappear before the aeroplane can alight, for it is still twenty feet
+above the lake.  Too bad!  Too bad!  They might have got him in another
+minute!"
+
+"Look there!  One of them has leaped into the lake!  See that splash,
+would you?" shrilled Larry, jumping up and down in his excitement.
+
+"That was Andy, I reckon!" cried Elephant, climbing up on the side of
+the car, the better to see, at this tremendously exciting stage of the
+game.  "He ain't afraid of anything; neither is Frank, for that matter.
+And he just dove right down like a hawk after a breakfast of fish.  Do
+you see him, mister?  Ain't he come up yet?  Oh! my!  I wouldn't have
+missed this for a cookey.  What's he doing, mister, please?  He's our
+chum, Andy is, and we're proud of him."
+
+"Yes, there he is alongside the boat now," said Longley, using the
+binoculars again, "I can see him swimming with one hand.  He seems to
+have injured the other--no, no, it must be he's got the child gripped
+in his right arm, for I seem to see a yellow head close to his.  There,
+the hydroplane drops in the water near by.  The boy lifts up his burden
+and places it in the boat.  Now he's climbing in himself, as if he
+means to revive the child.  Marsh, he's done it!  And if that was Andy
+Bird I take off my hat to him."
+
+Whereupon both Elephant and Larry started in to shout and cheer at the
+top of their voices; as though they might have a personal interest in
+the gallant rescue which had just come under their observation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE MEN IN THE TOURING CAR
+
+When Andy Bird, wet through to the skin, arrived at the fisherman's
+dock a little later, he found quite a crowd awaiting his coming.
+
+The small urchin, Tommy, had apparently not suffered seriously from his
+immersion in the waters of Sunrise Lake.  Perhaps he was to some extent
+accustomed to tumbling overboard; though this time the consequences
+might have been most serious only for the lucky presence of the Bird
+boys near by, intent on trying out their new hydroplane.
+
+Tommy's mother managed to thank the rescuer, after a fashion; but Andy
+was a modest lad, and made light of his recent adventure.
+
+"Don't mention it, fellows," he laughed when Larry and Elephant started
+to lavish praise on his head.  "I'm thinking of sending in an
+application to become a member of the Life Saving Corps on the Great
+Lakes, you know.  And this was just the finest chance ever to try how
+things worked.  Besides, some day Frank and myself may have to take a
+header from an aeroplane, and it's just as well to know how to drop."
+
+"Well, all I can say is, that you did it as well as any expert,"
+observed the occupant of the tonneau, who had given the name of Mr.
+Marsh.
+
+Andy looked at him, noticing for the first time that strangers were
+present.
+
+"Thank you, sir," he said, blushing a trifle, for he was as yet hardly
+accustomed to praise, and quite unspoiled.  "But there comes Frank with
+the machine.  Did you see us rise from the lake, fellows?"
+
+"Did we?" exclaimed Elephant, with his face beaming; "well, I should
+smile we did now.  It was the greatest stunt ever.  I thought at first,
+Andy, something had happened to your new biplane; but these gentlemen
+knew all about such things, and they explained to us what you meant to
+do."
+
+Andy at this stole another side glance at the occupants of the big
+touring car.  Noticing this, Mr. Marsh hastened to remark:
+
+"Well, that is putting it rather strong, my boy.  We've been interested
+in several aviation meets during the last year, and keep posted as to
+what is new along those lines.  Plenty of people know about
+hydroplanes, and such things.  And so this represents the last thing in
+your work, does it?  I must say you are a credit to your teacher,
+whoever he may be."
+
+Frank, who had landed close by, heard these words, as possibly the
+gentleman intended he should.  But he was too much interested in other
+matters to pay any particular attention to the flattery of passing
+tourists.
+
+"How did Tommy come out of the accident?" he asked.
+
+"All right, I guess," laughed Andy Bird, his cousin.  "His ma has
+carried him off into the house, to fill him up with cake, or bread and
+molasses.  He didn't swallow more than a pint of water."
+
+"Lucky Tommy!" observed Mr. Marsh.
+
+"You made the drop in fine shape, Andy," Frank went on, still keeping
+his face turned toward his chum, as though not really caring to enter
+into conversation with these unknown gentlemen, who seemed to be so
+well posted on things aeronautic.
+
+"It was a peach of a dive!" exclaimed Elephant, enthusiastically.
+
+"And since you're wringing wet I don't think you'd better go up with me
+again right now," Frank continued.  "Hike for home, and get into some
+dry duds.  I'll knock around for a spell, to try out a few more stunts
+I have in mind."
+
+Truth to tell Frank was eager to get his new hydroplane away from those
+searching eyes of Mr. Marsh.  They gave him a queer feeling, which of
+course he was quite unable to understand.
+
+During the preceding summer, when the Bird boys were using the
+monoplane they had put together so successfully, it chanced that they
+had quite a serious adventure with a couple of thieves who had robbed a
+jewelry establishment, and were trying to get out of the country, where
+the roads were being closely watched by the police.
+
+On this occasion one of the rascals chanced to be a man named Jules
+Garrone, who, over across the water had been something of an aeronaut
+and aviator.  Conceiving the brilliant scheme that if the monoplane of
+the Bird boys could only be stolen he and his companion could easily
+elude their hunters, he had given Frank and Andy lots of trouble before
+finally falling into the net.
+
+That was one reason why Frank felt rather cool toward strangers who
+manifested undue interest in his work.  He was of an inventive turn of
+mind, and believed he had several new features connected with this
+hydroplane that as yet were, so far as he knew, novel to the science of
+aviation.
+
+And those keen eyes of Mr. Marsh gave him an uneasy feeling.
+
+"Your biplane seems to be built especially for two?" remarked that
+gentleman, as he watched Frank swing the machine around, with the help
+of the willing Larry and Elephant.
+
+"Yes, sir," replied the boy, promptly.  "Andy and myself always hunt
+together.  We are called the Siamese Twins, because we won't be
+separated.  Where one Bird boy is found you can make up your mind the
+other isn't very far away.  Once on a time they got to calling me
+Smoke, and Andy, Fire; but we just wouldn't stand for that."
+
+"But possibly your machine may not fly quite so well with only one to
+balance!"
+
+Was that a broad hint that he would be only too glad of an invitation
+to occupy the seat left vacant by the departure of Andy?  Frank
+suspected such a thing; and made a quick reply.
+
+"Oh! we've got all that arranged to a dot, sir," he laughed.  "I can
+change my seat, and still reach every lever easily.  And as to
+balancing, the time has come when the aviator is going to be freed from
+all that anxiety.  Give me a start, will you, fellows?  It's easier
+rising from the water than on land, because no stumps or roots get in
+the way there.  That's it.  Good day, sir!"
+
+There was a whirr of the powerful little Kinkaid engine, the lightest
+ever installed in an aeroplane, and immediately the new biplane started
+to take on speed.  When, in the estimation of the one who handled the
+flier, it has attained sufficient momentum, the planes were elevated,
+and like a great bird it gracefully began to mount upward into space.
+
+Larry was watching the two gentlemen in the car, who had been paying
+the closest attention to every little detail.  He saw Mr. Marsh turn
+his head, and nod several times quickly to his companion.
+
+"As neatly done as I ever saw it accomplished," the gentleman muttered,
+though the sharp ears of Larry Geohegan caught the suggestive words.
+
+Then, after a few pleasant words to the two boys who had been fishing,
+the men in the touring car started off, heading toward town, and were
+speedily lost to sight in a cloud of dust.
+
+"Let's take the short-cut, and bring up at the field where Frank and
+Andy do pretty much all of their practice, turning, and cutting
+figure-eights," suggested Larry, as though he had a purpose in saying
+this.
+
+"Oh!  I guess I'm still able to toddle that far," remarked Elephant who
+was compelled to work his short legs very fast when trying to keep
+alongside the taller Larry; and yet these two, so unlike in almost
+every way, had long been known as inseparables, ready to have an
+occasional little spat, yet just as quick to pour oil on the troubled
+waters again.
+
+"There's Andy turning out," remarked Larry, after a while.  "Perhaps,
+if you could only get going a little bit faster we might overtake him
+before he reaches home.  I reckon he means to head for the shop in the
+field, because I know he always keeps a lot of old duds there."
+
+"Sure thing," assented the dwarf, cheerfully, as he started on what was
+for him very like a run.  "And it would be just like Andy to want to
+help when Frank comes along with the new biplane.  Say, ain't she a
+dandy, though?  Did you ever see such a neat contraption?  Guess them
+gents thought we had some pretty smart fellows in Bloomsbury."
+
+"That's just what I was thinking, Elephant," remarked Larry, "but here
+we are at the edge of the old field, and Andy just ahead.  See that,
+he's aiming for the shop in the middle of the patch, where the hangar
+lies that holds their old monoplane.  Perhaps you could buy that cheap
+now, Elephant.  You know you always declared you meant to take up
+flying some day."
+
+"Haven't given it up yet, either," returned the other, doggedly.
+
+"Well, I advise you to think it over good and hard.  Remember the fate
+of Darius Green.  It needs a mighty active fellow to manage one of
+those tipsy, cranky machines.  And if you ever should fall out I bet
+you there'd be an awful squash!" chuckled the tall boy.
+
+"Let up on that, can't you?" expostulated Elephant.  "I'm small, but I
+can get around as well as the next one.  And when I get to sailing
+through the air, I expect to have wings.  Then, if any accident comes
+along, it's me to flap my feathers, and drop like a thistle-down.  In
+other words, Larry, I've got a parachute all arranged that will let me
+down easy; just like the fellow at the county fair, who drops from a
+hot air balloon."
+
+"Hello! now what d'ye think of that?" claimed Larry, suddenly.
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded the small boy.  "You're the most
+mysterious fellow ever.  Oh!  I see now, by the way you stare over
+yonder.  Yes, it's the same two gentlemen who admired the daring of the
+Bird boys a little while back.  They must have found out where Andy
+lives, and have run out here from town to see what sort of a hangar
+they have."
+
+"Yes, that's right, but I don't like it, I tell you," Larry went on, as
+he led the way over the fence that surrounded the field.
+
+"What's that?" cried Elephant.  "Sure you don't suspect these two fine
+looking gents might be another pair of crooks like the ones that tried
+to steal Frank's monoplane last summer, do you?"
+
+"Oh! rats!  You wouldn't understand if I did try to explain.  There
+they go now, in a cloud of dust.  Guess they saw us pointing at the
+car.  Come along, slowpoke, and get up with Andy," and Larry linked his
+arm in that of his comrade, though he had to stoop considerably in
+order to make the connection.
+
+"Why, hello, fellows!" exclaimed Andy, who now for the first time
+became aware of the fact that they had been trailing after him.
+
+"Just dropped around to see if we could be of any use putting the new
+machine away," remarked Elephant, as if an apology were needed to
+account for their presence; but both boys had always been accounted
+special friends of Frank and Andy, and warmly greeted, though not taken
+into the secrets of the shop, where mystery reigned much of the time of
+late.
+
+"And there's Frank coming right now!" declared Andy.  "I guess he made
+up his mind he didn't care to put her through all her paces, with me
+away.  We're sure proud of this new one, fellows.  Why, she works like
+a clock, and minds her helm better than anything that ever answered to
+the call of the plane."
+
+"Say, did you happen to notice that car on the road over there?" asked
+Larry.
+
+"I saw one moving along in a cloud of dust; but didn't notice who was
+in it.  Why do you ask that?" answered the young aviator, looking at
+his friend curiously.
+
+"Oh well, it happened to be those same two men you saw, when you
+brought little Tommy ashore," remarked the other, mysteriously.
+
+"But I thought they were headed for Bloomsbury?" exclaimed Andy.
+
+"That's what they said; but you see they thought it worth while to run
+past and come away out here, just to take a peek over the fence and see
+what you Bird boys had in this section."
+
+"That's funny now," muttered Andy, who, being less keen than his
+cousin, could not let suspicion find lodgment in his brain as quickly
+either.  "But perhaps Frank may know who they are.  He keeps pretty
+well posted on everybody connected with aviation meets and inventions.
+Marsh, he said his name was; what was the other, do you know, fellows?"
+
+"I heard him call the man at the wheel Longley several times, so I
+reckon that must be his handle," said Elephant, who never liked being
+left out in the cold whenever there was an argument on the carpet, or
+in fact any talking being done.
+
+Frank came sailing directly toward them with considerable speed.  When
+it began to look as though he might mean to collide with the low
+workshop close by, he suddenly swooped upward, and passed over their
+heads, uttering a laugh as he saw how the alarmed Elephant dropped flat
+on his face and hugged the earth.
+
+Circling around, Frank cut several fancy figures with the new biplane,
+the hum of the twin propellers making merry music in the ears of the
+delighted boys.
+
+Finally, as though tiring of this sport he dropped on the grass as
+lightly as he had a little while before nestled on the smooth surface
+of Sunrise Lake.
+
+The three boys joined him, and willing hands soon stored the aeroplane
+in the snug hangar prepared for it alongside the workshop.  Then Andy
+dodged inside to change his clothes before he got a chill; for though
+summer had come, the air was far from hot right then by any means, a
+storm having cleared the atmosphere during the preceding night, and
+leaving it delightfully crisp.
+
+"I saw a car buzzing along the road while I was up, but couldn't use my
+glass to see who was in it.  Did you notice, Larry?" Frank asked as
+they stood there near the open door of the shop.
+
+"I was just going to mention the fact that those two men act like they
+had taken a great fancy to you and Andy," returned the other, readily.
+
+Frank Bird frowned.
+
+"H'm!  I just don't like to hear that," he said.  "Andy and myself have
+been working on something lately that we want to keep a dead secret
+from everybody.  If we don't tell even our friends, then there can be
+little chance of a leak.  But I'm not inviting strangers to take a ride
+with me, or visit us in our shop.  Though you can come in now, any time
+you want, Larry and Elephant."
+
+"Sho! we wouldn't know the wing feather of a plane from one that
+belonged in the tail or steering rudder," chuckled Larry.
+
+"But I'm meaning to learn, Frank," put in the small chap, strenuously.
+"It looks so easy for you fellows, knocking around up there, with
+nobody ever getting in your way, like on our roads, that I want to fly."
+
+"Well," pursued Frank, shaking his head.  "I don't encourage anybody to
+take up the business.  It's certainly the most dangerous calling going
+at present; but after the Wrights have put their latest balancing idea
+into general use, the number of dead aviators will drop fast.  In time
+it may be a fellow can hardly fall out of a well-made flying machine if
+he is the most reckless aviator going."
+
+"Hear that, Elephant," laughed Larry.  "Hope yet that some of us common
+truck may be flapping through the upper currents, and getting out of
+the wet when it rains, by sailing above the clouds.  But I see some
+fellow coming along the road on his wheel like he had a hurry call.
+Looks like Nat Holmes too, and he's coming in here."
+
+"Funny how badly balanced that fellow is," remarked Frank.  "Always in
+a hurry in everything he tackles; and then falling all over himself
+when he tries to talk.  He's waving his hat too like he had something
+interesting to say.  Let's hope, boys, it happens to be one of his good
+hours; or we're in for a lot of gibberish Hottentot patter, I'm afraid."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+SUSPICION
+
+"F-f-frank!" stammered the new arrival, as he actually fell off his
+wheel, allowing the same to drop in a heap on the turf.
+
+"That's me; what d'ye want, Nat?" asked the one addressed; as he
+assumed a reassuring air, knowing what a terrible mess the wretched
+stutterer often made of his attempt at speech, especially when he
+happened to be excited.
+
+Nat was breathing hard.  He always did things with a whirlwind method;
+and of course the exertion added to his difficulty in forming such
+words as he wanted.
+
+"D-d-did y-y-you k-k-k-," he started, with a rush; and then seemed to
+lose his grip entirely; for all he could do was to make a sharp,
+hissing sound, get red in the face under the strain and tremble all
+over.
+
+"I s-s-say, d-d-do y-y-y-," he went on, when there came another full
+stop, and as Larry said, a further escape of gas to account for that
+hissing noise from between his partly closed lips.
+
+The contortions of his face when poor Nat worked himself into this sort
+of a fever were simply agonizing.  Some boys made it a habit of
+laughing coarsely at the afflicted boy.  But Frank always felt sorry,
+and tried the best he knew how to break the spell that seemed to bind
+up Nat's vocal faculties.  For strange to say, there were other times
+when Nat could really speak calmly and evenly, as if he had never
+stammered in his life.
+
+As though utterly despairing of ever being able to get out what he so
+eagerly wished to say, the boy suddenly snatched a pencil from one
+pocket, and a pad of paper from another.  These necessities he always
+carried along with him, though hating to have to make use of such a
+silly trick at all.
+
+Rapidly dashing a line or so upon the little pad, Nat tore the sheet
+off, and thrust it into Frank's hand.
+
+Andy had come out of the shop by that time, dressed in dry garments;
+and bending over his cousin's shoulder he read these words:
+
+"Percy's new aeroplane has arrived at the station.  He's down there
+right now, seeing about having it put on a cart and pulled to his
+shack."
+
+"Just about what we expected; eh, Frank?" asked Andy, handing the scrap
+of paper to Larry, so that he and the runt could read what news Nat had
+brought in such a tremendous hurry.
+
+It was as if the stammering boy had judged, that of all the people in
+Bloomsbury who would be interested in knowing that Percy had received a
+new aeroplane, the Bird boys took front rank.  For was not Percy
+Carberry the old-time rival of Frank; and on numerous occasions had he
+not striven furiously to keep the cousins from winning the laurels that
+came their way, despite all opposition?
+
+"Yes, I understand that he was going in for aviation again," replied
+the other.  "And I don't know whether I'm glad or sorry.  If Percy and
+that crony of his, Sandy Hollingshead, only believed in the square
+deal, we might have great times in racing and exploring; but the
+trouble is, they hate to see anybody getting ahead of them, and lots of
+times as everybody understands, have tried to injure our machine."
+
+"Oh!  I don't know," said the optimistic Andy; "we always manage
+somehow, to come out of every affair right-side up, and they get the
+rough end of the deal, as they should because they won't leave us alone
+to manage our own business.  I can see some warm times coming soon,
+when they get to cruising around once more."
+
+"Well," said Frank, thoughtfully, "I never believed that Percy had
+really reformed when he said he was through playing mean tricks.  He's
+always kept quiet about that trip down to South America.  Why, he even
+accused me of giving him away just because I told of our adventures
+there, even glossing over the part he played in our little rumpus with
+the revolutionists in Columbia, at the time I found my dear father, and
+rescued him."
+
+"That's just like Percy," declared Larry.  "Don't I size him up,
+though?  He never knew what gratitude meant.  I've been told that you
+and Andy really saved his life down in that upset country."
+
+"Oh! perhaps it wasn't quite all of that, Larry," protested Frank.
+
+"All right," spoke up Andy immediately; "at least we got those fellows
+out of a mighty tough hole.  But it was just like Percy to declare that
+he was going to use some chloroform he had with him, to put the whole
+bunch of revolutionists to sleep, take their guns away, bind them hand
+and foot, and send some of the government troops out to capture 'em.
+So you see, we spoiled all that fine game by insisting on rescuing him
+and Sandy."
+
+Larry laughed uproariously.
+
+"Too bad about that chap," he remarked, when he could catch his breath
+again.  "He's that slippery you never know when you've got your finger
+on him.  And the excuses he gets up to cover his knockouts, they just
+sizzle.  I reckon Percy is bound to be a promoter when he grows up."
+
+"Say, let's all go down to the railroad yards, and watch Percy get his
+machine on the cart?" suggested Elephant, wickedly.
+
+"Count me out, fellows," remarked Frank, immediately, "I don't want him
+to think I'm curious about what he bought that time he went to New
+York.  Perhaps it's a better aeroplane than we've got here; but I don't
+believe it yet, after what she did for us in the tryout this day."
+
+"Besides," observed Larry, "the chances are ten to one such a sly
+fellow as our Percy ain't going to knock the crates around the many
+parts of his machine into flinders right there in the open.  He likes a
+little bit of mystery too, even if he hasn't got any reason to hide
+things."
+
+"That settles my neat little scheme," sighed the runt, disconsolately.
+"Don't understand why it is that everything I happen to propose, Larry
+or somebody else always sits down on it, kerchunk!  It's discouraging
+to genius, I say, and might keep a budding inventor from ever attaining
+his manifest destiny."
+
+"Hear! hear!" chuckled Andy.
+
+As for the tall boy, he came near having a fit, so doubled up with
+laughter did this important remark on the part of his small chum leave
+him.
+
+"No danger of you ever being discouraged, or left at the stake,
+Elephant," he managed to say, presently.  "You come up smiling after
+every backset.  You've sure got grit, and to spare, if they did forget
+you when handing out bone and muscle."
+
+"And I bet you if I'd only had the chance, fellows, I'd have dropped
+into the bally old lake, just like Andy did, and saved that sweet
+cherub, Tommy Cragan!" declared the "Bug," as Larry often called his
+diminutive chum, when he tired of using his other misplaced nickname.
+
+"Sure you would," said Andy.  "I was only lucky in having the chance,
+that's all.  Why, I don't see anything in that to make a fuss over.  It
+was just like a picnic to me.  Frank wanted to go the worst kind, but
+he couldn't let go the levers of our new and dandy machine, which might
+sail away up in the clouds."
+
+"Oh! how I envy both of you fellows!" sighed Elephant, placing a hand
+on his breast, though Larry told him that his heart was probably
+located on his right side, which would account for the flutter he fell
+into whenever he thought he detected an opportunity for distinguishing
+himself approaching.
+
+But everybody took these sharp sayings of Larry Geohegan in the same
+happy-go-lucky spirit in which they were uttered.  No one had more
+friends and fewer enemies than the tall boy; because he was generous to
+a fault, humorous in his remarks, and the life of the camp when out
+with any of his companions.
+
+Andy had stalked back into the shop again, though Frank had looked
+after him as though inclined to wonder what ailed his cousin to be so
+mysterious in his actions.
+
+"Forgot to take his change out of the pockets of those wet clothes?"
+suggested Larry, noticing the upraised eyebrows of Frank.
+
+"I don't know about that," returned the other, stepping back a pace to
+where he could glance through the open door.  "He's gone straight to
+the drawer where we keep some of our stuff.  There, he's taken out the
+marine glasses that I just put away.  What under the sun do you suppose
+Andy wants with them?  He doesn't look up at the summit of Old Thunder
+Top, where we landed from our monoplane last summer, being the first
+human being ever to step there above the big cliffs.  No, Andy has gone
+to a window with the glass.  He seems to want to keep out of sight.
+Now, I wonder why?"
+
+"Three to one he just saw your sister Janet going along the further
+road; and couldn't keep from wanting to admire her at close range,"
+chuckled Larry.
+
+"But now he's elevating the glasses," Frank went on.  "He seems to be
+interested in that old mill you can see yonder above the trees.  I
+declare, I did see something moving then in one of the upper windows.
+That beats everything.  To think of Andy having such sharp eyes."
+
+"Oh! the boys used to play there last summer," ventured Elephant;
+"though since then nobody goes near the old place.  I was told it had
+become the haunt of hoboes this summer.  Anyway, the boys fight shy of
+it right along now."
+
+"Here comes Andy; now we'll know," said Nat, just as smartly as any of
+them could have spoken, for his hurry spell was over, and he had
+command of his vocal chords once more.
+
+"Wondering what took you inside to get the glasses," remarked Frank, as
+the other joined them, a frown marked on his usually placid face.  "And
+then, what made you go to a window instead of standing outside openly,
+and looking?"
+
+"I'll tell you," returned Andy, solemnly.  "I didn't want 'em to see me
+peeking."
+
+"You mean the fellows in the old deserted mill?" asked Larry.
+
+"No other," came the quick reply, "I don't know how it came to strike
+me, because you know as a rule I ain't suspicious; but something about
+the way those two men in the touring car looked so greedily at our new
+aeroplane gave me an idea it might be them."
+
+"Goodness gracious!" gasped Elephant, his eyes round with wonder and
+excitement.
+
+"And was it?" demanded Frank, hastily, frowning at the same time.
+
+"Nobody else," replied Andy, impressively.  "They must have swung
+around, passed up to the old mill on that side road, and from the upper
+windows have been watching us all the time through the fieldglasses
+they carry!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+FIGURING IT ALL OUT
+
+"It begins to look as though you were right, Andy, and that these
+strangers certainly feel an uncommon interest in what we've been doing
+up here," said Frank, seriously.
+
+"Oh!  I don't take much of the credit for hitting on that idea, Frank,"
+declared the other Bird boy, quickly.  "You kept watching that Marsh
+right from the start.  I could see a question in your eye every time
+you looked at him.  And it spurred me on to keeping closer tab over his
+ways."
+
+"Are they still up there, d'ye think?" queried Frank; while Larry,
+Elephant, and Stuttering Nat hung around, saying nothing, but listening
+for all they were worth.
+
+"No," replied Andy; "I've got an idea they began to suspect some of you
+were looking that way.  Anyhow, I saw Marsh duck his head, and think
+they came down.  No use going in to take a shy at 'em now."
+
+"I'd give a fit to know what they are up to?" mused Frank, a thoughtful
+look on his face.
+
+"Well, perhaps we can hit somewhere near the facts if we start
+guessing," remarked Andy, with a knowing nod.
+
+"Look here, you've been turning it over your mind, then?" asked his
+cousin.
+
+"Sure I have," grinned Andy, promptly.  "Never could bear to let
+anything puzzle me long.  Used to lie awake half the night trying to
+clinch a name that had just slipped a cog in my memory."
+
+"All right.  Suppose you give us the benefit of what you decided might
+be the answer to this problem.  Who are these two men, Andy?"
+
+"You know they admit being well up in aviation?" the other remarked as
+a preliminary.
+
+"So Larry and Elephant said," Frank replied.
+
+"And that not only had they attended many meets but admitted being well
+acquainted with a lot of people whose names we see in the papers every
+day--men who have done things along the line of aviation.  Get that,
+Frank?"
+
+"I have.  Now go on with your answer," nodded the other, encouragingly.
+
+"These gentlemen have been sent up here for a purpose!  Perhaps they
+are in the pay of some unscrupulous manufacturer of aeroplanes, who
+would not be above stealing the ideas of two boys, and applying them to
+his up-to-date machines, placed on the market, and for sale to the
+public!"
+
+"Gosh!" exclaimed Elephant.
+
+"That sounds all to the good to me!" remarked Larry; while Nat tried to
+express himself intelligently along similar lines; but being suddenly
+seized with one of his spasms, was obliged to take it out in numerous
+mouthings, and a working of his facial muscles, all the while making
+unintelligible sounds.
+
+Frank seemed to consider this startling proposition of his cousin, for
+there were lines about his forehead, and his eyes took on a reflective
+look.
+
+"Now, I can see already that you don't agree with me wholly," Andy
+said, quickly for he was accustomed to studying that countenance of his
+cousin, and could read between the lines.
+
+"Well, I'd hate to think that any maker of aeroplanes could descend
+that low as to want to steal ideas from any one," Frank answered.
+"They are few in number, and so far as we know, honorable men.  If they
+wanted to get something that you and I, or any other fellow, had
+happened to hit on, and which would be of value to aviators, the
+chances are they'd send somebody to open up negotiations, and offer to
+buy the improvement outright, or take it on a royalty basis."
+
+"Perhaps you're right, Frank," admitted the other; "but all the same
+there was something I didn't like about that Mr. Marsh.  I warrant you
+he's a sharp one in a dicker.  He looked it.  But see here, what've you
+got to offer in place of my poor little kicked-out suggestion?  There's
+some sort of answer to the puzzle; and five to one you've guessed it."
+
+Frank laughed as he replied:
+
+"Hold on, now, I may be just as far off as you are.  As usual we look
+at things on opposite sides, you know, Andy.  But we never disagree,
+and that's one good thing about our partnership.  Either you convince
+me, or I show you."
+
+"Sure we do, Frank; and nine times out of ten it's your game.  When I
+make a hit it's a great day for Andy Bird.  But please hurry up, and
+tell us what you think!"
+
+"Yes," said Larry, who had been moving restlessly about, being consumed
+with the fever of curiosity, "who do you say Mr. Marsh and his friend
+are, Frank?"
+
+"To begin with, just as you did, the fact that they admit knowing many
+people connected with the game, strengthens my suspicion.  I too
+believe they may be connected with some maker of aeroplanes like the
+Wrights; but instead of being sent up here to steal our ideas, they
+have come as detectives, to find out if the Bird boys have been lifting
+any patented inventions belonging to their employers!"
+
+"Whew! that takes my breath away!" gasped Andy.
+
+"It's sure a screamer, that's what!" cried Larry.
+
+"Frank, go up head!" said Elephant, solemnly.
+
+Stammering Nat wanted to say something the worst kind; but being still
+under the domination of his nervous excitement, he could only work his
+jaws and violently nod his head; but then that stood for acclamation on
+his part, and so they all understood it.
+
+"Frank, I begin to cave already," declared Andy.  "Because that would
+account for the way they stared so hard at our hydroplane, and the
+aluminum pontoons under the body.  But we bought those from the
+patentee, and have the bill of sale to show for it."
+
+"And there isn't a single stolen idea about the machine," Frank went
+on.  "I've been mighty careful about that.  I believe in an inventor
+having full credit for his work.  If ever I do happen on a valuable
+device, I would want to feel that it couldn't be stolen away from me."
+
+"Listen, boys," Larry spoke up.  "That would account for something that
+Mr. Marsh said when we were talking to them, before little Tommy took
+our attention.  As near as I can remember I'd been telling them about
+your shop, and how you fellows just haunted it all winter, working on
+lots of ideas.  He turned to his friend, and he says, says he:
+'Longley, they might be willing to let us have a little peep into that
+wonderful shop of theirs, eh?'"
+
+"Yes, that sounds interesting," remarked Frank.  "Go on, Larry.  What
+did you say to that?"
+
+"Oh!  Elephant here took the words right out of my mouth, Frank.  He up
+and says: 'I wouldn't bank too much on that, mister.  Both of us are
+chums of the Bird boys; and if they wouldn't let us come inside their
+shop all winter, I guess they ain't inviting strangers there!'"
+
+"How did they take that?" continued Frank.
+
+"Mr. Marsh just laughed, and asked the other man what he thought of
+that.  Said it was mighty interesting to run across a couple of bright
+young inventors so unexpectedly; and that Wright and Curtiss ought to
+know the Bird boys.  Also remarked, as he winked at Longley, that you
+might be induced to join the big aeroplane makers' trust that was being
+talked of; but I believed he was just joshing when he said that, Frank."
+
+"It's all in the wash, though, and mighty interesting," Frank
+continued, still thoughtful.
+
+"And you can take it from me, them gentlemen never just happened on
+Bloomsbury, like they said," Elephant declared, emphatically.
+
+"I agree with you there, Elephant," Frank echoed.  "They came here to
+do something.  It may be as Andy said, to steal our thunder, if so be
+we had anything worth lifting; and then again my idea may be the right
+one, and that they represent owners of patents who are determined to
+protect their rights in things they've spent time and money in
+perfecting.  Perhaps we may never know the truth.  And then again
+before many days, or even hours, we might run across the answer."
+
+"Well," remarked Andy, complacently, "one thing sure, we've got to take
+extra measures to protect our shop, and keep prying fingers from
+meddling.  I'll speak to my father and Colonel Josiah about it.  They
+may hire old Shea again to watch of nights."
+
+Colonel Josiah Whympers had been Andy's guardian during the time he
+believed his father to be dead.  The old man was lame, and used a
+crutch; but he was a great admirer of the Bird boys, and ready to back
+anything they advocated.  Once a great traveler he had been to every
+corner of the world, and was full of the most thrilling stories of what
+had happened to him during his forty years of roving in queer places.
+
+"Excuse me from Shea," laughed Frank.  "Don't you remember how he
+failed us last year, and was caught napping.  He's as honest as the day
+is long, but a mighty poor guard.  No, we'll have to do just what we
+did before, take up our lodgings right here in the shop, where we can
+defend our property."
+
+"That suits me OK," returned the jovial Andy.  "And so we'll consider
+it settled, Frank, that so long as these mysterious strangers are
+around Bloomsbury we'll just camp out here."
+
+"And then some," continued the other; "because, you see, they might
+guess what we had up our sleeve, and just pretend to move along."
+
+"It's a measly shame, that's what!" grumbled Larry.
+
+Elephant immediately fell upon him and shook his hand vigorously.
+
+"Me too!" he exclaimed, looking unusually sad.
+
+"What's all this row about, fellows?" demanded Frank, pretending not to
+understand.
+
+"It's ghastly to have all the good things pass us by, that's what!"
+Larry declared.
+
+"Meaning what?" Andy inquired.
+
+"Think of the bully good times you two can have here, playing at
+camping out.  You've even got a stove handy, and a whole outfit of
+aluminum cooking ware to be carried along with your aeroplane when you
+go off a long ways.  There never was a luckier pair than you two Bird
+boys, that's what," and Larry groaned again to express the envy that
+was burning in his boyish soul.
+
+"If you'd only let us bring over our blankets, and sleep here with you,
+it would lighten things up a heap, I tell you, Frank," said Elephant.
+
+"We wouldn't occupy much room," went on Larry, eagerly, thinking he saw
+signs of giving in on the other's face.  "Why, you could chuck Elephant
+under the workbench and never find him again.  And I'd sling a hammock
+in a corner.  Looky here, if you say no I'll feel like jumping in the
+lake right away."
+
+Frank and Andy exchanged glances.  They were genuinely fond of the
+strangely mated pair; and besides, there was no longer any reason why
+these old chums should be longer refused the liberty they had once
+enjoyed, of entering the workshop as they pleased.
+
+"It's a go, Larry; eh, Andy?" said the taller of the Bird boys.
+
+With that the two favored ones indulged in sundry whoops and leaps to
+express the joy that Frank's announcement had given; even Stammering
+Nat grinned, and no doubt wished he had been included in the
+invitation; though he knew there would be no room for a further
+increase in the guardians of the shop.
+
+"I'm going right home and get my blankets," said Elephant, eagerly.
+
+"And me ditto," echoed Larry.  "Hey, fellows, you know what dandy
+doughnuts my mother makes; shall I fetch a bunch along, with a loaf of
+bread?"
+
+"Fine," laughed Andy, "and be off with you."
+
+"Hold on, boys," Frank broke in just then.  "Let's see what this
+procession coming along the road means.  Two hay wagons, and each
+loaded with some crates of merchandise.  Beside each driver I notice a
+second figure, and unless I'm mistaken the first one is Percy Shelley
+Carberry."
+
+"That's right," remarked Larry.  "And it's his crony, Sandy
+Hollingshead, on the second wagon.  Say, you're gazing right now on the
+wonderful new aeroplane which your rival Percy has sent for, and in
+which he means to make you fellows look like two cents.  Hey! what's
+this I see?"
+
+"They've stopped short, that's all," observed Andy.  "An automobile has
+blocked the road, and Percy seems to be having a confab with one of the
+parties in the car.  Frank, do you see who whose men are?  The very
+gents we were talking about.  And now they've struck another scent, for
+they seem to be bent on learning all about who these boys carrying a
+crated aeroplane in parts can be.  The mystery grows!  My word! but
+there's going to be lots doing around here soon!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+AN UNKNOWN ENEMY
+
+"Huh! see there, that Mr. Marsh has got down from his machine, and gone
+ahead to talk some more with Percy," remarked Andy, as they continued
+to keep their eyes directed toward the road, not so very far distant,
+where this little drama was taking place.
+
+"They certainly seem to be interested in everything touching on
+aviation," mused Frank.  "Going to hang around Bloomsbury several days,
+are they, while their car is being over-hauled?  Did it look broken
+down to you, Larry?"
+
+"Almost new," replied the other, readily "I'd just like to say that
+that was only an excuse for hanging around a while.  They came here on
+purpose, with something in their noddles; and you mark me, Frank, they
+don't mean to skip without having a try at that same."
+
+"Well, there they go off, and the procession starts again.  Percy is
+turning around to look after the two men, as if they interested him a
+heap," Andy observed.
+
+"He's calling something to Sandy, but I can't make out what it is,"
+Larry declared; for he was noted on account of his unusually keen
+hearing.
+
+"Anyhow they seem to be laughing, and looking over this way, Frank,"
+Andy remarked.  "Just as if they thought they had a good joke on us.
+Say, d'ye suppose now, that Mr. Marsh gave Percy a little hint he had
+it in for us?  If he did, it would tickle that bunch to beat the band.
+Don't I know 'em though?  Never did take any stock in that conversation
+of Percy's.  He had to say something, after we got him out of the hands
+of the revolutionists down in old Columbia."
+
+"Well," Frank went on, "there's no need of our worrying about things
+that may never happen.  We won't cross this bridge till we get to it."
+
+"But, Frank, while that sounds fine, you know right well that it's
+always been your way to prepare for possibilities?" Andy continued,
+positively.
+
+"That's correct, and we mean to now by camping out here," Frank
+laughed, as if quite at his ease.  "Besides, we've got things fixed
+pretty safe by now, so that if what you thought turned out to be true,
+the thieves couldn't profit by anything in the line of an idea they
+hooked out of our shop.  Those ideas are being patented, and safe from
+the hands of a robber."
+
+"Just as you say then," Andy went on, "we'll try and forget about
+Mysterious Mr. Marsh--how's that strike you as a stunning title for our
+new adventure?  Be off with you, Larry and Elephant.  Nat, would ask
+you to join us, but I'm afraid there wouldn't be room for so big a
+crowd, unless you slept in my boat, which I've not had in the water
+this summer so far."
+
+Stammering Nat tried to answer, but knowing the uselessness of such a
+thing, instead he darted into the shop, took one look at the open canoe
+occupying slings at the further end, and then came hurrying out.  He
+pounced on Andy, wrung his hand violently, and managed to gasp the one
+word:
+
+"B-b-b-bully!"
+
+Then he waved his hand toward Frank, and shot after the two boys who
+were heading for the road, anxious to return with their belongings.
+
+Within half an hour they made their reappearance, each laden down with
+a bulky bundle, under which poor little Elephant seemed almost buried,
+though he trudged manfully along, and asked no favors from his taller
+companions.
+
+Evening was now near.  Andy had made several trips to his home beyond
+the border of the big field, each time returning with a load; though he
+and Frank had for a long time kept their cooking kit and their blankets
+in the shop, so that they would be handy when wanted.
+
+He had also told his father and Colonel Josiah about their intention to
+sleep in the workshop.  Neither of the gentlemen thought anything
+strange of the proposition, for the Bird boys were well able to look
+out after themselves.  They had proved this so often in the past, that
+by now Frank's father, as well as the parent of Andy, offered no
+objection to their projects, however bold they might appear at times.
+
+"I had your dad on the 'phone, Frank," Andy remarked, the last time he
+came back.  "He'd just gotten in from his round of afternoon visits;
+for there's a heap of sickness about Bloomsbury just now, I hear.  And
+of course he said that he wouldn't worry because you stayed away for a
+few nights.  I tell you, old chum, we've just got the finest governors
+ever.  It's a lucky thing to have an obliging dad!"
+
+"And be able to wind him around your finger, as I hear you do yours,
+ever since he came back from South America," laughed Frank.
+
+By the time darkness began to gather the boys were deep in the
+delightful task of cooking a genuine camp supper.  The stove was of
+generous size, so that several could work around it at the same time.
+Andy took charge, nor would he let Frank have any hand in the
+proceedings, calling upon Elephant, Larry and Nat when he needed
+assistance.
+
+Of course the ham was tender, the coffee nectar fit for the gods, the
+Boston baked beans just as appetizing as they could possibly be, and
+all other things on the menu equal to any they had ever tasted.  But
+then, hungry boys are not apt to be discriminating, save sometimes at
+home.  Anything eaten under such romantic conditions as this was sure
+to be classed as prime.
+
+Larry had been as good as his word, and brought back a generous
+donation on the part of his mother, whose doughnuts were reckoned the
+very finest in all that section; so that they topped off a hearty
+supper with several of these apiece.
+
+After the aluminum cooking outfit had been thoroughly cleaned, and
+every piece put away in its exact place, as was the custom of the Bird
+boys, who could never tell just when they might want to go off in a
+hurry, and take the camp kit along, they gathered around a table and
+indulged in some friendly games, Andy having been thoughtful enough to
+fetch these out from the house.
+
+About ten Elephant was discovered to be fast asleep, while the others
+were holding a talk fest by themselves.
+
+"Time we all turned in, fellows," Frank declared, after Larry had
+aroused his mate by tickling his ear with a straw.
+
+So for a short time there was much fussing and blanket turning.
+Finally one by one they announced themselves settled comfortably, Frank
+staying up until the last in order to put out the lamp.
+
+All of them had arranged it that in case there came a sudden alarm they
+would not be more than a dozen seconds getting into some clothes and
+their shoes, so as to rush outside.
+
+There were several patent fire-extinguishers handy, for the Bird boys
+had had one experience with a conflagration that threatened to destroy
+their workshop, and with it their precious aeroplane, and they did not
+mean to be caught unprepared for such an emergency again.
+
+Many times during that night Frank awoke, and on each occasion he would
+sit up to listen.  It was a quiet night, and the windows of the shop,
+over which heavy wire netting had been secured, were of course open, so
+that the air could pass on through.
+
+Thus, what sounds there might happen to arise without could be plainly
+heard.  But the hours passed on and there was no cause for alarm.
+Frank had arranged certain devices whereby he expected to be warned
+should any one attempt to enter the workshop.  The fine wire had been
+secretly carried to Andy's room in the house, where a bell would sound
+an alarm, and arouse the sleeper.
+
+Of course this was not wholly in use while the boys were camping there
+in the enclosed shed; but in its way it would prove another guardian.
+
+Once Frank thought he heard murmuring voices; he was so impressed that
+he even crept out of his bed and advanced to the nearest opening,
+thinking to locate the speakers, whether they proved to be Percy
+Carberry and his crony, bent on mischief, or the mysterious Mr. Marsh
+and Longley, spying around for some secret purpose of their own.
+
+It turned out to be only little Elephant, who was lying on his back,
+and breathing heavily.  Frank turned him over, and then crept back
+under his blankets.
+
+So morning found them, ravenous as wolves, and each one ready with some
+suggestion as to what they could have for breakfast.
+
+But after all, Andy had assumed the office of high cook, and his word
+was law to the rank and file.  He declared that codfish cakes would be
+a good starter, and that he had the stuff already mixed, as given him
+by the colored aunty in the Bird kitchen.
+
+Besides that, he announced that he would treat his guests to pancakes,
+or as they are always known in camp, flapjacks, which he prided himself
+on knowing how to make.  Some honey had been smuggled over to make
+these more acceptable.  Indeed, it would appear that Andy did know how
+to make light cakes, since it seemed impossible for the others to get
+enough of them, and he was kept over the fire until as red as a turkey
+cock in the face.
+
+"How about taking a turn this morning Frank?" asked Andy, as he found
+himself forced in turn to cry quits, with half of a flapjack still on
+his platter.
+
+"Don't wait to clean up, fellows," said Larry, promptly.  "Give the
+rest of us something to do while you're sailing around up among the
+clouds.  I know just where you keep every article, and my word for it
+you'll find them in place when you get back again."
+
+"That's nice of you, Larry," laughed Frank; "and I'm going to take you
+up on it.  It does seem a shame not to take advantage of so fine a
+morning as this.  Hardly a breath of wind as yet, you notice.  And yet
+by noon it may be blowing great guns.  You never can tell.  Andy, shall
+we get the new machine out of the hangar?"
+
+"Oh!  I'm game for anything you offer," asserted the other, getting up
+slowly, as became one who had just been crammed.
+
+"We tried the pontoons yesterday, and they worked as fine as silk,"
+Frank went on to say.  "Suppose we leave them off this time, as we will
+not be over the lake?"
+
+"Just as you say," returned the willing Andy.  "I tell you what, Frank,
+let's go up to the top of the mountain again.  Haven't been there this
+season, you know."
+
+"Just what I had in mind myself, and I think you knew it," Frank said,
+as he led the way outside.  "Then we might sail around over the woods
+up in that region where we discovered those two hiding jewelry thieves,
+who were making headquarters of that old shack in the forest.  If this
+biplane can climb any better than our little Bug used to do, she'll be
+a wonder, all right.  Come on, and help us get things moving, fellows."
+
+Many hands made light work, and presently the biplane was ready for the
+start.
+
+When Frank gave the word the others pushed her off; and as the two
+propellers hummed, the machine started along the ground on the three
+bicycle wheels until presently it arose in the air as gracefully as any
+bird could have done.
+
+"Now, which way first?" asked Andy, when the shouts of their comrades
+had died away in the distance, and they were half a mile from the
+trying-out field.
+
+"I guess we'll take a little twenty-mile spin first," Frank replied,
+moving a lever; "to see what she can do in a hurry pinch.  That new
+engine seems to work all right; just as the smaller one did, seldom
+failing us.  Tell me, what could be as fine as this, sailing over the
+earth?  I don't wonder that when a fellow has once started in to be an
+aviator he can't ever break away.  Peril and accidents he laughs at;
+not because he's reckless always, but just on account of the
+fascination of the sport."
+
+"We're the luckiest fellows ever, just as Larry and Elephant say," Andy
+declared as they soared upward, and then descended in daring spirals as
+Frank tried out the new airship, to see what it was capable of doing.
+
+In a dozen ways had it proven even more than they had expected, and
+both boys were wild with enthusiasm over the performance.
+
+"Let Percy come along with his new one!" cried Andy, after they had
+volplaned successfully down toward the earth, until not more than a few
+hundred feet above the tree tops of the forest; "it would tickle me to
+have a turn with him again.  He has forgotten his other beat, and is
+beginning to boast again about what great stunts he means to kick up."
+
+"Well, who knows what may be in store for us yet," Frank remarked; "and
+now, let's head up again, and strike for the summit of Old Thunder Top,
+ten miles away."
+
+"Oh!"
+
+Andy's sudden exclamation was caused by the report of a gun in among
+the scattered trees directly below them; and both young aviators
+distinctly heard the peculiar "whine" of the bullet, as it passed close
+by their ears, actually making a little hole through the cloth of both
+planes!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+SEEN FROM THE EAGLES' EYRIE
+
+They were already spinning along at a lively clip, and rising too, at
+the moment that shot sounded, and the leaden missile whizzed past so
+close to them.  Almost through sheer instinct Frank instantly shifted
+his lever, and started the biplane upward on a slant that was the
+limit, and approaching the danger line.
+
+The two Bird boys turned and stared at each other.  Wonder and
+indignation seemed struggling for the mastery in their faces.
+
+"Frank, he fired that shot at us!" exclaimed Andy.
+
+"Seemed like it," returned the other.  "At any rate, it came much too
+close to suit my ideas of comfort.  Made me think of those warm times
+we had down in Columbia, when the revolutionists were after us."
+
+"What a wicked shame!" went on the other fiercely.  "And I guess the
+silly fool thought he was doing something smart!  That's a new danger
+aviators will have to face--being shot at by every loon that carries a
+gun, just like they might be some strange bird."
+
+"Well, we're Birds, all right, but hardly strange ones," Frank
+continued, with a frown on his face.  "And we've been knocking around
+this section of the country in our jolly little monoplane so long, that
+I supposed every farmer's boy knew us and felt an interest in our work.
+That makes me believe it could hardly have been done in a spirit of
+what some people would call a joke."
+
+"Good gracious!  Frank, do you mean that the fellow really wanted to
+hit us?  Oh! that seems too terrible to believe!" cried Andy, aghast.
+
+"Stop and think," Frank continued, steadily.  "In the first place, what
+would any one be doing, hunting in the middle of summer.  Why, outside
+of a short spell given over to woodcock, there isn't a thing the law
+allows a sportsman to shoot up to Fall.  And Andy, did you ever hear of
+anybody shooting woodcock with a rifle?"
+
+"Oh!  Frank!"
+
+"Well, am I right about that?  It sounded like the report of a rifle to
+me; and it was sure a bullet that whistled past us!" Frank pursued, in
+his customary positive way.
+
+"Yes, you're right about that.  But who could be so horribly mean as to
+want to injure us?" said Andy.  "Why, even if that bullet had struck
+our biplane in one of half a dozen places, it might have made us fall.
+And Frank, that would be just criminal, you know."
+
+"I suppose you noticed that puff of smoke below us?" Frank went on.
+
+"It just happened that I was looking down, and I saw it burst out of a
+thicket," came the answer.
+
+"It was the same way with me," Frank continued.  "I had just a glimpse
+of some fellow throwing himself under the bushes but if you asked me I
+couldn't say for certain whether it was a man or a boy."
+
+"Just like he was afraid of being seen, and recognized; is that what
+you mean?" asked Andy.
+
+"It looked that way," Frank replied.
+
+"Don't you see, Frank, he gave himself away in doing that?  First, he
+knew he was doing a dirty mean act; and second, he must have been
+somebody we knew, or he wouldn't have been so afraid of being seen."
+
+"That's so, Andy.  Another thing, perhaps it may not have struck you
+that once before you and I met with an adventure while almost over the
+same spot."
+
+Andy gave vent to an exclamation that told of excitement revived.
+
+"You mean the time we sighted those two skulking jewelry thieves, the
+fellows who had robbed Leffingwell's store, and were hiding until the
+row quieted down?"
+
+"Yes, Jules Garrone, and his pal," Frank went on.
+
+"Jules was the one who had been an aviator over in France, and who
+tried to steal our Bug, meaning to fly away, and leave no trail behind
+for the hunting police.  But Frank, you can't possibly believe Jules
+was the fellow who fired that shot?  It don't stand to reason; because
+you know, he was sent to the penitentiary for ten years.  Oh! no, I
+guess we'll have to think up something else this time," and Andy shook
+his head vigorously in the negative.
+
+"Well, time may tell," Frank said, simply.
+
+"Looky here, Frank, now there's no use denying it, I know you've got
+some sort of idea about finding out who that rascal was," declared Andy.
+
+"Well, perhaps there is some sort of hazy notion hovering around in my
+brain, that I ought to learn more about him," the other smiled back.
+"This thing of being made a target by any fool who happens to own a
+rifle is something that ought to be stopped with a jerk.  Yes, I do
+expect to try and find out."
+
+"And you won't tell me what's on your mind?" asked Andy.
+
+"Not just now.  It's too uncertain to speak of, yet.  And perhaps,
+after all, it was only some boy, who thought it would be smart to give
+us a little shock; and who sent his bullet closer than he had meant to."
+
+"You sure don't mean--Percy?" exclaimed Andy.
+
+"Oh! no, I didn't have him in mind," laughed Frank.
+
+"Not that he wouldn't be guilty of such meanness if the chance
+came--you know that fellow isn't above anything!" declared Andy,
+vigorously.
+
+"Well, just at present I can imagine that Percy and his crony Sandy
+Hollingshead, are using up every minute of their precious time
+assembling the parts of their new aeroplane.  Consequently, Andy,
+neither of them would be apt to wander away up here, miles from
+Bloomsbury, and carrying a rifle."
+
+"Guess you're right," grumbled the other, as if loth to entirely give
+up the idea that had flashed into his mind.  "But it strikes me, Frank,
+after this, when we're out for a spin, we ought to give that region of
+the old charcoal burner's shack a wide berth.  It spells trouble for
+the Bird boys."
+
+"Oh!  I don't know; perhaps the trouble may later on be all in store
+for the fellow who held that gun.  But look up, Andy; we're getting
+along toward the peak at a gay old pace.  Say, what do you think of the
+biplane now?"
+
+"She's a peach, that's what!" burst out Andy, impulsively.  "I thought
+the little Bug was the whole thing, and then some; but honestly, Frank,
+she wasn't in the same class as this new machine."
+
+"And yet," Frank laughed, "remember that with her we beat Percy and his
+biplane, manufactured by one of the best firms in the market.  That
+ought to be glory enough for the Bird boys.  Now, get ready for your
+part in the landing; because, you know the plateau isn't extra big on
+Old Thunder Top."
+
+"I see our old friends, the white-headed eagles soaring around.  D'ye
+think they'll tackle us again, like they did last year?" Andy asked.
+
+"Oh!  I hope that by now they've grown used to us, and consider that
+we've got just as much right up here as they ever had.  Besides, we
+gave 'em an awful walloping you may remember.  And this time we've been
+smart enough to fetch along a couple of fine sticks to repeat the dose
+if necessary.  Careful now, Andy.  Here goes for a snug drop on the
+rock!"
+
+Almost as lightly as a thistle-down the biplane alighted on the small
+table rock that constituted the apex of grim Old Thunder Top.  High
+cliffs completely surrounding this summit had kept it from ever being
+reached, up to the time Frank and his cousin landed there, in winning
+the race for a silver cup; and planted the Stars and Stripes there for
+the first time on record.
+
+Since then the boys of Bloomsbury, not to be wholly outdone, had set to
+work, and actually carved a set of rough steps, that were hardly more
+than footholds, in the uneven rock; so that the most daring had been
+able to climb up; and with the aid of a friendly rope carried along for
+this purpose, get down again in safety.  But in the annals of
+Bloomsbury the Bird boys would be set down as the pioneers who led the
+way to the peak.
+
+Frank and his cousin were soon walking around the rocky plateau, using
+their fieldglasses to observe the many things that lay stretched out in
+every direction.  It was well worth all the trouble it cost to enjoy
+that magnificent view; for they could see for many miles in every
+direction.
+
+Andy more than once turned the glasses toward the quarter where they
+had had their peculiar little adventure that morning.  But of course he
+saw no sign of the unknown party who had fired the shot.  The dense
+forest would naturally prevent their sighting him when miles away.
+
+Half an hour they spent in this manner; and then Andy suggested that
+they might just as well be starting for home.
+
+"I notice that the wind is beginning to come up quite some," he
+remarked.  "And at such a height I rather guess it can blow for all
+that's out, when it wants.  Besides, we've got a number of little
+things we had expected to attend to at the shop."
+
+"All right," replied Frank, who was using the glasses at the time.
+"I'll be ready to join you in a minute or so."
+
+"You seem to be interested in taking in our practice field," remarked
+his cousin.  "See the boys; and are they watching us right now?"
+
+"I was wondering what was going to happen," said Frank, taking the
+glasses down.
+
+"Happen--to us, do you mean?" Andy asked, instantly taking the alarm,
+because he saw from Frank's manner that the other meant something by
+his remark.
+
+"Here, have a look, and then tell me if you recognize it."
+
+Andy immediately accepted the glasses, and clapped them to his eyes.
+He had no sooner done so than he gave vent to an exclamation.
+
+"I know now what you meant, Frank," he remarked.
+
+"Well, what do you make of it?" asked the other.
+
+"The same car, beyond a doubt; and it's stopped in the road right in
+front of the bars where we enter our field.  Yes, and there's that
+mysterious Mr. Marsh going into the field right now.  Frank, he knows
+we're away, for he must have seen us sailing around up here.  And
+that's why he's heading for our shop.  Perhaps he believes it's
+unguarded, and expects to get a chance to spy around.  Now, what do you
+think it all means?  Oh!  I wish we had started back long ago.  What if
+the boys fall to his dope, and let him see everything with those sharp
+eyes of his?  Frank, let's be going home!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+MYSTERIOUS MR. MARSH AT IT AGAIN
+
+"What's the hurry?" remarked Frank, who seemed much more composed than
+his chum.
+
+"Why, think of the impudence of that man!" burst out Andy.  "Taking
+advantage of our being away, to prowl around our shop."
+
+"Now you're guessing, you know.  He may be only intending to call on
+us.  Anyhow, it's no use to think of trying to get there in time.  We
+just couldn't do it.  And besides, Larry and Elephant are there, and we
+don't think they're fools, do we?" Frank remarked, as he again used the
+glasses.
+
+"There, didn't he go inside the shop?" demanded Andy, straining his
+eyes to see what went on far below.
+
+"That's so; but Larry promptly walked him out again.  They're talking
+right now in front of the door, and the other two fellows fill the
+doorway," Frank reported.
+
+"I just bet he'll pull the wool over their eyes, and get in again.  I
+know he's a soft talker, and can blarney to beat the band.  Oh! if we
+could only shout loud enough to make them hear.  Or if we had our
+wigwag flags along with us," and Andy actually groaned with the
+suspense.
+
+"Come, let up, old fellow," observed Frank.  "What's the use worrying
+like that?  You know we fixed things, so even if he got in again he'd
+see precious little to give him any satisfaction.  There, Larry is
+walking away from the door with him.  Give him credit for being sharp
+enough to see through a grindstone that has a hole in it, will you?"
+
+"Bully for Larry; he's all to the good!" exclaimed the other.  "But
+tell me what's doing now, Frank."
+
+"The gentleman is holding out his hand, and Larry takes it.  So I
+reckon they didn't have any hard words," Frank answered, quickly.
+
+"And is he going away?" demanded Andy.
+
+"Seems like it.  There, he stops and looks around, as if he might be
+interested in our field, and arrangements for tryouts."
+
+"I hope he don't turn back again, and force his way in; you know he
+could easy enough do that, Frank; because they're only three boys, and
+two of 'em hardly worth counting," Andy observed, anxiously.
+
+"Nothing doing," commented Frank.  "He's started again for the road,
+where the car stands.  Here, take another look at that car before it
+goes off."
+
+"All right, Frank; but I'm all balled up about why you want me to do
+that," replied Andy, suiting the action to the word.
+
+"You see which way the car heads, don't you?" asked his cousin.
+
+"Sure; toward town.  That's as plain as the nose on my face," Andy
+answered.
+
+"And from that you'd judge they'd been out for a spin, wouldn't you?"
+
+"Ask me something harder, won't you, Frank?" said Andy, scornfully.
+
+"But you forget that they expected to hand their car over to the man at
+the garage to be entirely overhauled!  That was to be their excuse for
+remaining over in Bloomsbury a couple of days!" Frank exploded.
+
+"Wow! that's so!" exclaimed the startled Andy.  "And seems now they
+didn't bother doing it.  Something else gripped 'em to Bloomsbury.
+They concluded that they had right good need of their old car while
+they hung around here.  Frank, it knocks me silly; but I honestly own
+up I just can't get the hang of this thing."
+
+"Well, I'm almost in as bad a state as you are over it," replied the
+other, as he pressed his lips firmly together in thought.  "But, Andy,
+that wasn't all I wanted you to notice, when I asked you to look at the
+way the car stood."
+
+"It wasn't, eh?  Well, please keep right along, now that you've got
+started, Frank.  I'm shivering all over with excitement right now.
+Something seems to tell me we're in for a new set of adventures that
+will make all the others look tame."
+
+"If they came along that road, Andy, it would have been the easiest
+thing in the world for Mr. Marsh and his friend to have been up in the
+neighborhood of the old deserted shack half an hour ago!"
+
+Andy stared into his cousin's face, while an ashen hue spread over his
+own usually cheery countenance.
+
+"Oh, my! then you believe--," he began when Frank interrupted him by
+saying:
+
+"I don't believe anything; but the circumstance seemed a little
+suspicious to me, that's all.  It's possible, and that's the extent of
+what flashed into my mind.  But we have no proof; and I'd hate to think
+that Mr. Marsh could be guilty of such a nasty thing as trying to
+injure us."
+
+"Shall we make a start now?" asked Andy, who seemed more or less in a
+daze.
+
+"I suppose we might as well.  Look at the eagles dipping lower and
+lower.  They've got some young ones in the nest, and if we went closer
+there'd be a circus going on pretty quick.  But we're not looking for
+trouble today," Frank remarked.
+
+"No need to," replied the other, instantly; "because it's hunting us."
+
+They were very careful to make sure that no loose stones barred the
+way; for as the plateau was very short they must sail off into the air
+almost immediately on starting the engine; and even a small turn at
+such a critical moment was apt to cause the biplane to swerve, and
+bring about a catastrophe.
+
+But the start was successfully accomplished.  Frank always paid so much
+attention to little things that he was not very apt to be caught
+napping.
+
+"Straight home?" asked Andy, once they were afloat, and heading down
+from the dizzy height.
+
+"Yes," replied his cousin.  "I'm curious to hear what our friend Mr.
+Marsh could have had to say to Larry; and how the boy carried out his
+job of keeping strangers from nosing around inside the shop."
+
+"Just as well that we left when we did," remarked Andy; "for over in
+the southwest I noticed some clouds that may bring a lot of wind along,
+and weather that no self-respecting aeroplane has any business to be
+out in."
+
+"Why, yes, I've seen the peak of Old Thunder Top buried in low hanging
+clouds many a time," Frank declared.  "And it wouldn't be the nicest
+thing in the world for us to be caught up there, with a wild storm
+raging."
+
+"Ugh! deliver me from that experience," grunted Andy, turning his head
+to look back toward the peak they had just left, and which was already
+far astern, so rapidly did the little but powerful Kinkaid engine whirl
+the biplane onward, when let out to its limit.
+
+Frank kept his eyes ahead; but he knew when his companion gazed toward
+the dense woods away off to the right, where they had been fired at by
+the unknown marksman.
+
+"Still harping on that bang, eh?" he observed.
+
+"Yes, and I won't have any peace till we find out who fired that shot,"
+answered the other, doggedly.  "Just think how nasty it is to never
+know when you're going to be potted, like an old crow!  It takes most
+of the fun out of flying, that's what."
+
+"Well, wait a little, and perhaps we may learn something," Frank went
+on; and before his companion could make any remark he suddenly switched
+the conversation by saying: "the boys are waving their hats to us, and
+I thought I got a faint yell; but the breeze is dead wrong for hearing.
+I'm tickled to death with the handsome way the machine carries herself;
+and that's a satisfaction worth while, eh?"
+
+So Andy stopped twisting around to look back, and confined his
+attention to the scene in front.  As they drew closer to the practice
+field the shouts of the trio of lads near the shop came plainly to
+their ears.
+
+Then Frank began circling, and cutting figure eights, wishing to
+discover just what the biplane could do in that line.  Perhaps he also
+was not averse to giving the admiring audience below something more to
+gape at.  But all the same, Frank took no great chances; he was too
+cautious and level-headed a boy to do that, unless the emergency called
+for it; and then his nerve was equal to any demand.
+
+When the biplane finally dropped down to the ground close by the hangar
+where it was to be housed, the three comrades were only too glad of a
+chance to clutch hold, and assist to the best of their ability.
+
+"She's just a jim-dandy for going and turning, Frank!" exclaimed Larry.
+
+"Yes," exclaimed Elephant; "I used to think that little Bug was the
+limit; but now I see I was away off.  This biplane has got her number,
+all right.  Why, there ain't anything you couldn't trust her to do,
+fellows."
+
+"W-w-with F-f-frank at the h-h-helm, you m-m-mean!" spluttered Nat.
+
+"Oh! that goes without saying, Nat," declared Elephant.
+
+"We was wondering whether you had another scrap with the two pirates up
+there?" remarked Larry, pointing toward Old Thunder Top.
+
+"No, the eagles have become used to seeing an aeroplane by now.  They
+came close to watch us, because they've got eaglets in the nest; but
+never once swooped down to strike at us with talons, wings or beaks,"
+Frank replied.
+
+"We're going to tame 'em so's to shake hands with us," grinned Andy.
+
+"I was watching you through the old telescope Andy has here," observed
+Larry; "and which he says one of his ancestors used when he was captain
+of a sailing vessel more'n eighty years ago.  She worked fine too,
+though a bit clumsy.  And Frank, what under the sun did you make that
+sudden upward slant for, when you was away off over the Powell woods?
+Whew!  I thought you'd sure go clean over backwards!"
+
+The Bird boys exchanged glances, which of course aroused the curiosity
+of the observing Larry more than ever.
+
+"Here, none of that, now, fellows," he remarked.  "There's something in
+the wind, and you've just got to tell us all about it.  Did the lever
+break or get away from your grip, Frank?  There was a reason for that
+jump, and I know it."
+
+"Sure there was," said Andy.  "If you heard a gun go bang a few hundred
+feet below, and then got the zip-zip of the bullet as it whipped past
+not five feet from your ears, perhaps you'd move the ascending lever
+some too, and take chances on getting out of that dangerous spot in a
+big hurry, eh?"
+
+Larry and the other two could not reply at once.  The explanation given
+by Andy fairly took their breath away, so that they could only stare,
+and gasp.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+STARTLING NEWS OVER THE WIRE
+
+"Frank, is he kidding us?" finally cried Larry, turning to the pilot of
+the new biplane; for Andy sometimes liked to joke his chums, as they
+well knew.
+
+"Not this time," replied Frank.
+
+"And somebody did really and truly shoot at you, then?" gasped
+Elephant, holding up his hands in horror.
+
+"Huh! what d'ye think of these holes through the planes?" demanded
+Andy, drawing attention to the stout tanned cloth that constituted the
+air-resisting cover of the framework.
+
+"Oh! my, it's so, as sure as you live!" cried Elephant, thrusting a
+finger through one of the little openings.  "And not five feet away
+from where you sat.  What a terrible shame!  Whoever could have been so
+wicked?"
+
+"We don't know," returned Andy, soberly.  "But we're going to try and
+find out.  And all I can say is, that if we do, we're going to make it
+mighty warm for him, no matter who he may be."
+
+"He ought to be tarred and feathered," gritted Larry.  "Of all the mean
+and contemptible things anybody can do, I think the worst is to shoot
+at a fellow up in a balloon or an aeroplane.  Because they can't fire
+back; and the least accident means death to the aviator!"
+
+"Bully for you, Larry!" exclaimed Andy.
+
+"My sentiments exactly," remarked Elephant, with a vim.
+
+Poor Stuttering Nat wanted to echo what Larry had said; but of course
+the excitement had seized him in its grip, so that words positively
+refused to pour from his parted lips.  So after making a great effort,
+amid much twisting of his facial muscles, he contented himself with
+patting Larry on the back, and nodding, as if to stand for everything
+the other had said.
+
+"Well, let's drop that subject for the present, fellows," Frank
+suggested.  "We saw that you had visitors while we were away, Larry?"
+
+"Why, yes.  Your friend, Mr. Marsh, dropped in to say howdyedo.  He
+breezed in some unexpectedly to us, for we happened to be all inside
+when he stepped across the sill, and said he was delighted to renew our
+acquaintance."
+
+"Yes, go on, please!" urged impatient Andy.
+
+But there was no hurrying Larry.  When he had anything to tell he
+always insisted on narrating it after his own fashion.
+
+"Of course I jumped for him right away," he went on, slowly; "and
+managed to escort him outdoors, all the while explaining how Frank here
+had plainly left word that nobody was to be allowed inside the shop
+besides us three."
+
+"How did he seem to take it?" asked Frank.
+
+"Oh! he wasn't at all flustered, as far as I could see," came the ready
+reply.  "Elephant here says he saw him frown, and bite his lips, as I
+grabbed his arm and hustled him out; but I only saw him smile, pleasant
+like; and then he said it was all right, and that he didn't blame you
+one whit for being careful--that perhaps if you knew him better you
+might invite him in."
+
+"He said all that, did he?" Frank continued.
+
+"Sho! ten times as much.  That man has the gift of gab.  He can wrap
+you right around his finger, I reckon," Larry went on.
+
+"Told you so!" exclaimed Andy, nodding his head in affirmation.
+
+"But seems he didn't wrap you around, very much," Frank laughingly
+said; "because you didn't take him back in again, did you?"
+
+"He never asked me.  P'raps I wouldn't a-done it if he had; but I don't
+know.  He's sure got a way about him that's terribly convincing," Larry
+muttered.
+
+"And he went off pleasantly, didn't he?  I saw you shake hands with
+him," continued Frank.
+
+"As smooth as oil.  Why, I can feel his grip yet, it was that strong.
+Thought my bones'd crack that time.  Wonder who Mr. Marsh is, anyway,
+Frank, do you know?"
+
+"I do not," was the prompt reply Larry received; for if Frank happened
+to have any suspicion, he did not consider it his duty to confide the
+same to everybody who expressed the least curiosity.
+
+When the biplane had been safely housed Frank dodged into the shop as
+though to convince himself that nothing had been taken.  When the
+others followed they found him moving around.  Finally he came to a
+stand near the door, and called out once more to Larry:
+
+"Was he in this far when you discovered him?"
+
+"What say, boys; it must have been about there, eh?" the one addressed
+remarked, appealing to his comrades for their opinions.
+
+"Just about," Elephant answered; while Nat nodded his head as the
+easiest way to cut a Gordian knot.
+
+"Oh! well, he couldn't see anything worth while from here," Frank went
+on.  "Now, did any of you notice whether he used his eyes to look
+around; or was he only bent on saying howdyedo to you?"
+
+"When Larry grabbed him by the arm and started to lead him out, I saw
+the gentleman take a good look all around; and that's the truth,
+Frank," Elephant remarked.
+
+Frank hardly knew what to think.  This might be a very significant
+thing; and then again, if one looked at it another way, was it not
+simply what any curious stranger, interested in the doings of the
+venturesome Bird boys, might have done?
+
+It was about ten o'clock, and growing quite hot, since the time was
+July.  Just as Andy had hinted, that bank of dark clouds hanging low
+along the horizon in the southwest might take a notion to climb up in
+the heavens at any time, and bring about a summer thunderstorm.
+
+Apparently Frank did not bother his head in connection with such a
+possibility; for a little later he wheeled his bicycle out of the shed
+as though intending to leave the others temporarily.
+
+"Be back in half an hour or so, Andy," he called over his shoulder, as
+his cousin came to the door to see what he was about to do.
+
+"Going over home for something, Frank?" called Andy; but if the other
+heard he chose or some reason to decline to commit himself.
+
+Had Andy been able to follow his course after he left the field he
+would soon have known that Frank was rather heading for town than
+intending to pedal in the direction of his own house, which was
+situated on the outskirts of Bloomsbury.
+
+And doubtless the curiosity of Andy would have mounted to near the
+fever pitch did he but know that when Frank jumped from his wheel he
+stood directly in front of the low building known as police
+headquarters.
+
+Without any hesitation the boy walked in through the open door.  He had
+often been here before; and knew the head of the force very well, also
+the officers who constituted the Chief's staff.
+
+Chief Waller was bending over his flat-top desk, and evidently reading
+some communication or other.  He looked up, and on seeing who his
+caller was, smiled amiably; for Frank Bird was a favorite of his, and
+possibly the best liked boy in Bloomsbury.
+
+"Why, glad to see you, Frank; won't you sit down?" he said, offering
+his hand to the boy.
+
+"I didn't just drop in to chat, Chief," marked Frank, after he had
+accepted the proffered hand, and been favored with a hearty grip.
+
+"No, I suppose not, because you're a boy of business generally.  Well,
+what can I do for you, Frank?" asked the other, pleasantly.
+
+"Your phone here is one of the long distance ones, isn't it, Chief?"
+
+"To be sure, since most of the use we have of it is to talk with other
+places.  Do you want to use it, Frank?" replied the officer.
+
+"No, but I'd like you to do something for me, and I'll explain
+afterwards what my reason is," Frank went on.
+
+"Sure I will, my boy.  Do almost anything to oblige you.  Now, who do
+you want me to get at the other end of the wire?" and as he said this
+the Chief took down the receiver of the desk phone.
+
+"The penitentiary isn't more than thirty miles away from here, is it?"
+asked Frank.
+
+"Whew! what ever would you be wanting to know from there?" the officer
+remarked.
+
+"Please call them up and ask whether that man you captured a year ago,
+up in the Powell woods, is still doing time there."
+
+"You mean Jules Garrone, do you?" asked Chief Waller.
+
+"That's the man."
+
+Still looking at Frank as though wondering what he could mean by such a
+strange request, the other started operations, and after some
+skirmishing managed to get in touch with some one who might possibly be
+the warder of the State penitentiary.
+
+"Yes, this is Chief Waller of Bloomsbury," Frank heard him say.  "How
+are you, sir?  I would like you to give me a little information
+connected with a man I had the pleasure of railroading over your way a
+year ago.  His name was Jules Garrone, and he was convicted of having
+broken into the jewelry establishment of Leffingwell--what's that,
+sir?"  And Frank, watching closely, could see the lips of the Chief
+pursing up, as though he might be tempted to whistle while listening to
+something the party at the other end of the wire was telling him.
+
+Then, perhaps a minute or so later, the Chief turned around to Frank,
+as he once more hung up the receiver.
+
+"Look here, Frank," he said, exhibiting signs of excitement now, "how
+did you ever come to know or suspect that?" he demanded.
+
+"You have told me nothing yet, Chief," Frank remarked, calmly.  "But I
+judge from the way you acted that you heard some surprising news from
+the warden at the penitentiary.  What about Jules, sir?"
+
+"He no longer lodges with my friend, the warden," went on Waller.  "In
+fact, to tell the whole truth, there was a jail delivery week ago,
+which has been kept secret up to now.  The warden says he was just
+sending out the news when I called him.  Jules and two other convicts
+managed to break away; and while the others have been recaptured, Jules
+is still at large!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHIEF
+
+Frank breathed a little faster than ordinary but there was little else
+to indicate that he had heard startling news.
+
+"And now, Frank, don't forget that you promised to take me in on this,"
+the head of the local force went on, persuasively.  "You remember that
+we stood by you at that other time, and rounded Jules up in great
+shape.  Seems like we might have to do it again, sort of history
+repeating itself.  How did you know about it?"
+
+"I didn't, sir, and that's the queer part it," replied the boy.
+
+"Then you suspected something of the sort--did you run across Jules on
+the road; or has he been trying to steal your aeroplane again?"
+continued Chief Waller.
+
+"Neither one nor the other, sir.  But some unknown person fired a rifle
+at our biplane today, when we were passing over those woods near the
+old shack.  The bullet came within a few feet of us, as I can show you,
+for it passed through both planes.  That looks as if the scamp meant to
+do us real harm.  And it set me to thinking and guessing, with the
+result that I made up my mind to come to you, and find out if Jules was
+still safe behind the bars."
+
+"Well, this is something I'll have to look into," bustled the stout
+Chief, as he pushed back his chair.  "Up in the Powell woods, you said;
+that makes it look as if it must be him; because he hid there before,
+you know."
+
+"If it had happened anywhere else, I guess I'd never have thought about
+Jules, sir," Frank candidly admitted.  "But you see, we were just
+talking about our other adventure when the shot came; and somehow, it
+was natural to connect the two.  But it seems foolish for him to come
+back to the old place again."
+
+"When you know slick rascals as well as I do, Frank, you'll understand
+that they often do just what everybody never dreams they'd be silly
+enough to try.  That's the tricky part of the game, you see.
+Ordinarily that woods is the last place we'd think of looking for
+Jules.  It ought to have an evil name for him, and make him shun it.
+You see, that's the way we'd just naturally dope it out."
+
+"I see now, sir.  And then again, all of the plunder taken from
+Leffingwell's establishment was never recovered, I heard.  Perhaps
+Jules has got a plant somewhere up in those woods, and came back to get
+the stuff?" Frank suggested.
+
+"A bright thought for you, my boy!" cried the Chief.  "Of course that
+sort of thing would strike me the first thing; but for you too speak of
+it proves that you have a clever mind.  Yes, undoubtedly Jules has come
+back for the loot."
+
+"And then," Frank went on, steadily; "just by accident he happened to
+hear our propellers buzzing, and looking up recognized the two boys who
+had so much to do with his being nabbed last summer.  He couldn't
+resist the temptation to have a pot shot at us, hoping to pay the Bird
+boys back for their share in his capture."
+
+"Yes, sometimes even the sharpest of them fall down," the head of the
+local police continued; "and before we're done with him Jules will
+realize that when he allowed himself to give way to temptation he did
+the most foolish thing possible, for it puts us on his track, and we'll
+get him again.  I want to thank you too, Frank, because you see, there
+will be quite a little reward paid for the recapture of so notorious a
+convict as Garrone."
+
+"Oh! you're quite welcome, sir," replied Frank.  "I was just thinking
+whether, if that was Jules, and he saw that his shot did no damage, he
+mightn't decide to pay us a visit in the night, and try some more funny
+business."
+
+"Well, now, I wouldn't put it past him a particle, Frank," remarked the
+Chief, promptly; "and if I were in your place I'd be on my guard.  He
+might try to steal your new biplane I've heard them talking about; or
+even burn down your whole outfit.  Better get a gun, and keep watch.
+He's fair game, you know, if so be you catch him prowling around after
+dark.  An escaped convict hasn't any rights in the eye of the law."
+
+"I wouldn't like to be the one to shoot him," Frank observed; "but if
+he came around as you say, I'd want to be in a position to defend my
+property, and give him a good scare."
+
+The Chief asked a lot more questions, which Frank answered as well as
+he was able.  He could see that he had stirred the police head greatly,
+and that before long all the available men on the force would be making
+for the direction of the Powell woods, bent on rounding up the lurking
+Jules, if so be it had been him, as seemed so probable now.
+
+Frank had left his chair and started for the door, when something
+chanced to strike him, so that he turned back.
+
+"I don't suppose now, Chief, you happen to know the two gentlemen who
+blew into Bloomsbury yesterday in a touring car, and are perhaps
+quartered at the hotel here.  They go by the names of Mr. Marsh and Mr.
+Longley?"
+
+"I understood that two gents did put up there; but I saw them go off
+this morning in their car, and supposed they were leaving," replied the
+other.
+
+"If you glance out of the door right now, Chief, you will see the
+parties dropping out of their machine right in front of the hotel,"
+Frank remarked, quietly.
+
+Accordingly the other moved over so that he could look out, immediately
+remarking:
+
+"Sho! that's a fact, just as you say, Frank.  Come back to dinner, I
+reckon; for old Barnwell does set a good table in the Quality Inn.
+I've seen twenty cars parked in his dooryard of a Sunday.  And these
+parties like his style, it seems."
+
+"But why should they say that their car needed overhauling, and that
+they might as well have it done in Bloomsbury?  You can see it's a
+right new one, and runs as smooth as silk," Frank remarked.
+
+"They said that, did they?  Who to, Frank?" asked the other.
+
+So Frank had to go back and relate what had occurred at the time Andy
+dropped from the hydroplane into Lake Sunrise, and saved little Tommy
+Cragan from becoming food for the fishes.
+
+Of course the policeman was not able to look at the matter from the
+same standpoint that Frank and Andy had.  All the same, he admitted
+that the actions of the two touring gentlemen did look a bit queer.
+
+"I'll take the first chance I get to look 'em over, Frank, and learn
+who they really are," he said, in conclusion.  "Of course that'll have
+to wait, since I've got this other business on my hands, which is of
+greater importance, you know."
+
+"You don't think, do you, sir, that either of them could be this Jules
+Garrone in disguise?" suggested Frank.
+
+Chief Waller caught his breath.
+
+"Whew; that is a notion, now, ain't it?" he exclaimed.  "From what I've
+learned about that rascal I wouldn't put it past him to be up to some
+clever dodge equal to that?  The bolder the game the less danger of
+discovery.  See here, Frank, you say you was close to these parties;
+and sure you ought to remember Jules--now, think a bit, and then tell
+me if you can imagine him playing such a part?"
+
+"Oh!  I have been hammering my brain for a long time over that, Chief,"
+Frank answered, with a slight smile.
+
+"And what conclusion did you reach, Frank?"
+
+"That neither of them could hardly be Jules," came the ready reply.  "I
+only mentioned the thing to see how it struck you.  In the first place,
+Jules was smaller than either of those men; and he couldn't hardly have
+grown under prison fare, you know.  Then he had black hair, and neither
+of these have.  Besides, Longley wears a mustache, and no convict could
+grow one in a week.  While such eyes as Marsh has I could never, never
+forget, once I felt them fastened on me."
+
+"Well, I'll have one of my men keep an eye on the gents as long as they
+stay at the Quality Inn.  Going now, Frank?  Shake hands again, will
+you; and remember, anything we can do for you, just ask.  This is great
+news you've brought here today, and it may mean a heap for me."
+
+When Frank went outside and mounted his wheel he never once glanced
+across the square to where the car of Mr. Marsh stood.  True, neither
+of the parties happened to be visible just then; but how was he to know
+but what they might be looking out from behind the filmy lace curtains
+with which Mine Host Barnwell decorated his front parlor windows?
+
+He rode straight home, and reaching his den where he kept all his
+belongings in the line of sport, took down from the wall a
+double-barrel shotgun, with which he had had many a day's pleasure in
+the past.
+
+From a drawer he also gathered up half a dozen shells, carrying Number
+Ten shot; which Frank calculated would tickle rather than severely
+injure, if used with discretion, at a certain distance.
+
+After spending a short time at home, and not seeing his father, the
+good doctor, who was off in his car paying his morning calls, Frank
+again mounted his wheel, and headed toward the home of his cousin.
+
+He had much to ponder over as he proceeded, making no pretense at
+speed; for he was carrying the gun in one hand.  It was not a very
+pleasant thought, that at any minute almost he might run across that
+revengeful Jules, bent on paying back the debt he chose to believe he
+owed the young aviator.  Frank was almost tempted to stop, alight, and
+place a couple of shells in the gun, so as to be ready for any
+emergency that might arise.
+
+"Shucks! what's getting you, Frank Bird?" he exclaimed, as he laughed
+at the idea of being held up in that fashion on the public highway.
+"Just make up your mind nothing's going to happen to you; and that if
+Jules did come back to the Powell woods he's started away by now, full
+tilt.  I'm ashamed of you, that's what.  If it was Andy now, he's so
+full of imagination he sees lots of things that never exist; but you
+know better.  Why, whatever can that smoke mean?  And as sure as
+anything, it seems to be rising straight over the field where our shop
+lies!"
+
+He immediately increased his speed, and went flying along the crooked
+road, bent on reaching a point where he could see the open, and
+ascertain if his worst fears were going to be realized.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+A NEW ALARM
+
+The next two minutes seemed an eternity to Frank, spinning rapidly
+along on his trusty wheel as he was.  He wanted to know the worst, and
+yet dreaded to pass beyond the trees where the field would be in full
+sight; because it would be distressing if he discovered the shop and
+hangars blazing, and everything gone.
+
+Still, Frank was not the one to shirk bad tidings.  And consequently he
+increased his speed all that was possible.
+
+"Bully!"
+
+Such was the exclamation that involuntarily burst from his dry lips
+when, having burst from behind the barrier, he had a clear view of the
+field.  For the shed was there as intact as ever, and also the two
+hangars sheltering the aeroplanes.  Some distance back, far enough
+removed to avoid any danger to the gasoline in the storage houses, Andy
+was tending a bonfire; while the other boys seemed to be carrying
+shavings and trash thither in bags and baskets.
+
+Old Colonel Josiah Whympers was bobbing and bustling around on his
+crutch, and seemingly bossing the "whole shooting-match," as Frank
+laughingly said to himself.
+
+Of course he saw now what Andy had been doing.  For some time the other
+had threatened to clear the shop of all the accumulated rubbish of the
+winter; and the notion must have seized him just after Frank left for
+town.
+
+"Hello! back again, are you, Frank?" laughed his cousin, as the rider
+dropped off his wheel close to the bonfire.  "Cleaning house, you see.
+Threatened to do this a long time back; and as we have to sleep in the
+shop now, thought I might as well get at it.  But what's that you've
+brought along, Frank?  My goodness, your gun!  Now, what sort of game
+do you expect to get with that thing?"
+
+"Don't know," returned Frank, grimly.  "Might be Jules Garrone for all
+I can say!"
+
+At that Andy dropped the long stick with which he had been pushing the
+trash into the heart of the blaze, and stared at the other as though
+stunned.
+
+"Didn't I know you had something on your mind though?" he muttered.
+"See here, Frank, ain't I in on this thing too?  What d'ye know about
+Jules Garrone?  Ain't he fixed tight in the stone jug?  I'm not from
+Missouri, but all the same I want to know!"
+
+"So say we all of us," remarked Larry, who had come up while they were
+indulging in these few remarks, and was able to give a good guess as to
+the nature of what had been said.
+
+"Please confide in us, Frank; we'll keep mum, sure we will!" pleaded
+Elephant.
+
+Stuttering Nat only wagged his head, and moved his jaws; but this
+pantomime stood for volumes with those who knew his infirmity.
+
+"It turns out that our old friend Jules gave them leg bail a week ago,
+along with a couple of other convicts.  But though they recaptured the
+two fellows, crafty Jules is still at large!" Frank said, quietly.
+
+At that Andy came near having a fit.
+
+"My goodness gracious! hear that, would you, fellows?" he exclaimed.
+"Now we know who fired that nasty shot at us this morning.  And he
+meant to hit us, too.  Oh! the coward, to stand down there, and just
+let us have it, when we couldn't give him back as good as he sent!
+Frank, is that going to end our flying?"
+
+Andy looked pained at the very idea, and Frank could hardly keep from
+laughing at the miserable face his chum exhibited.
+
+"Oh!  I don't know," he replied.  "There's no reason it should, that I
+can see.  We can avoid that section, or else keep high up when passing,
+so he never would have the least chance at hitting us, going a mile a
+minute.  Besides, perhaps he'll find himself in hot water presently,
+when Chief Waller gets a line on him."
+
+"Does the Chief know he's loose?" asked Larry.
+
+"He does now, but he never suspected it until I dropped in on him,"
+replied the other, calmly.
+
+"But see here, how did you know?" demanded Elephant.
+
+"The Chief told me," laughed Frank.
+
+"Oh! say, is this fair, Frank?" complained Andy.  "You're just getting
+the whole lot of us balled up.  You told the Chief; and the Chief told
+you!  Please lift the curtain, won't you, and let us see the game."
+
+So Frank, taking pity on them, condescended to explain.  Colonel Josiah
+had also joined the group, and was an eager listener to the recital.
+
+The old traveler had himself been through a vast number of adventures
+in his time, for he had delighted in exploring odd corners of the world
+seldom heard of by ordinary people.  Hence, he delighted in listening
+to "his boys" when they were narrating some stirring event that had
+come to their experience.
+
+All sorts of exclamations arose when they heard what the warden of the
+State penitentiary had to say about Jules.  Andy even looked about him
+suspiciously, as if he might entertain a feeling approaching timidity,
+lest the desperate escaped convict suddenly appear, and threaten them
+in some way.
+
+"Now I know why you went after your gun, Frank!" he remarked.  "Not
+that I blame you a particle, remember.  Don't I remember the dark face
+of that Jules, and how he stared at me, and ground his white teeth,
+when they took him away.  All this time I've allowed myself to sleep
+sweetly, under the belief that, since he was bound to stay behind stone
+walls at least eight years, I needn't be afraid.  But sometimes even
+walls can be scaled.  Is it loaded, Frank--your gun, I mean?"
+
+To oblige him Frank laughingly opened the breech, and inserted a couple
+of shells.
+
+"Shucks! only Number Tens?" ejaculated Andy.  "If it had been me now,
+I'd have brought a handful of buckshot ones.  Much good these would do
+now if Jules was running away, and had covered a hundred yards."
+
+"Then I'd be willing to let him run," said Frank.  "What I want them
+for most of all is to meet Jules, if he persists in advancing too
+close."
+
+They were still discussing the matter an hour later; or at least some
+of them kept it up, while Larry started the fire inside the shop, and
+began the necessary operation looking to a dinner to which the old
+Colonel had been invited on condition that he relate a few more of his
+strange experiences in China, Thibet and Northern India.
+
+"Look who's coming!" called out Elephant and of course this made them
+all turn their heads; even Larry running to the door, gun in hand, as
+though he had heard the remark, and thought it might refer to the
+dreaded Jules himself.
+
+A car was coming from the direction of the town, and in a cloud of
+dust.  Naturally the first thought that came to Frank was that it might
+be Mr. Marsh and his companion, Longley.  But as the breeze lifted the
+curtain of dust, he immediately discovered that this was not so.
+
+Half a dozen men were crowded in the car and one of these half arose in
+passing, to wave a hand vigorously toward the group of boys in the
+field.
+
+"That's Chief Waller!" remarked Andy, with more or less eagerness in
+his voice.
+
+"And those others are some of his men," Frank went on.  "They don't
+mean to lose any time about looking Jules up, do they?"
+
+"Hey! are you sure about that?" asked Elephant; "because none of 'em
+had a uniform on; and what good are the police in plain clothes?"
+
+"Oh! there are times when they can do more without their uniforms than
+in them," Frank remarked.  "And this ought to be one of them.  Suppose
+now that keen-eyed Jules happened to be on the lookout, and saw a car
+loaded down with bluecoats come along, wouldn't he hide, all right?
+Well, that goes without saying, fellows.  As it is he might never
+suspect a thing.  I've often seen as many fellows jammed in a car, and
+so have every one of you."
+
+"One good thing is, Waller ought to know that section pretty well,"
+remarked the old traveler.  "He's been brought up here, and scoured the
+country as if he had a fine tooth comb, many a time.  He will know how
+to close in on Jules, if the fellow is hiding there, which I doubt."
+
+"Why do you say that, sir?" asked Frank, who had a genuine respect for
+the opinions of the veteran, based as they were on long experience and
+observation in all parts of the world.
+
+"It is only a surmise on my part, Frank," replied the Colonel.  "We all
+admit that Jules is a very clever and long-headed rascal.  Very well.
+Don't you suppose that he may regret having given way to sudden
+temptation, and fired at you boys this morning?  He will, on
+reflection, fear that you may guess who did it; for of course Jules
+does not know that his escape has been kept a secret all this week, in
+the hope that he might be recaptured, and nothing need be told.  Follow
+me, boys?"
+
+"Oh! yes, sir," Frank declared.  "And in that case the Chief will have
+all his trouble for his pains, since Jules will have made tracks long
+before this.  He may be out of the county by night."
+
+"That is true; providing that he does not allow a fierce desire for
+revenge to stay his feet," replied the old man, soberly.
+
+Usually the veteran was not the one to imagine trouble where there was
+none in sight; and knowing this Frank looked at him somewhat uneasily.
+
+But before anything more could be said they were surprised to see
+Stammering Nat coming toward them on a run, for he had been watching
+the last of the bonfire to make sure it did no harm; and of course, as
+he was brimful of excitement, he had lost all power of control over his
+voice.
+
+He tried the best he knew how, to regain the mastery of his vocal
+chords; even resorting to an old expedient of whistling, that perhaps
+had served him on some previous occasion.  Finding everything of no
+avail, he clutched Andy by the sleeve, and started dragging him around
+the corner of the shed.
+
+"Hey! what ails you, Nat?" shrilled the struggling Andy, wondering
+whether the other could have lost his mind because of his great
+affliction.
+
+Another moment and the rest heard Andy give tongue in a way that
+announced his complete surrender to the same mysterious source of
+excitement that had mastered Nat.  Of course this needed an
+explanation; and accordingly Frank and Elephant dashed off, with
+Colonel Josiah stumping along close behind; and even Larry, leaving his
+cooking dinner, to come after them, still clinging to Frank's gun.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+SANDY DROPS SOMETHING
+
+"Whoop! now, what d'ye think of that?" shouted Elephant, as soon as he
+turned the corner of the shed.
+
+"Percy shies his hat in the ring!  Another man-bird come to keep the
+pot boiling!  Now, will you be good, Frank?  Look at it eat up
+distance, will you?  Say, that's going some, I tell you!" Larry
+exclaimed.
+
+"Percy deserves credit for staying up about all night to assemble the
+parts of his new biplane, and that's a fact!" Frank candidly admitted;
+as with kindling eyes he watched the progress of the new wonder that
+marked the latest achievement in the line of aviation, as advanced by a
+well-known brand of builders.
+
+His whole heart and soul were wrapped up in the strange calling that
+seemed to be his birthright; so that he could even admire the clever
+work of a bitter rival, and applaud his successful evolutions.
+
+Over the treetops the biplane had arisen.  Frank instantly remembered
+how they had seen Percy starting aloft on his initial flight with his
+old machine, the one later on seized by the natives of Colombia, and
+which might still be doing duty down in that South American republic,
+for aught they knew.
+
+Apparently the young pilot of the new aircraft was filled with
+exultation over his successful start.  He sent the biplane swiftly
+around in eccentric circles, as though testing its ability in various
+lines.  Now he shot upward as if intending to mount like an eagle in
+gigantic circles until among the fleecy clouds that floated overhead.
+Then he would volplane downward at dazzling speed, to resume a
+horizontal flight when close to the earth.
+
+The boys watched as though fascinated.  When a particularly daring act
+turned out to be a success Frank was the first to clap his hands
+vigorously.
+
+Possibly those in the aeroplane might not hear the applause; but
+whether or no, it proved what the boys of Bloomsbury had always known,
+and this was that Frank Bird did not have a mean or jealous fibre in
+his whole body.  He could thoroughly enjoy seeing a rival perform
+brilliant "stunts;" and the only effect was to spur him on to excelling.
+
+"Percy is just as daring as ever!  That is his one weakness, I'm
+afraid!" he remarked, as they saw the other make a sudden swoop that
+must have been particularly trying in the planes of his machine.
+
+"I bet you he's going to break his neck some day," grumbled Andy, who
+could not bring himself to feel just the same way toward Percy as his
+cousin did; according to the way boys look at these things, Andy was
+the more "human" of the two; having faults that were lacking in Frank.
+
+"That's certain a better biplane than the one they had last year,"
+Larry remarked, after he had been thrilled with the daring exhibition
+Percy was putting up in his exultation at being once more afloat in the
+air, after a long absence.
+
+"A great deal better," Frank admitted.  "I knew what the faults were
+with that old plane, and so far I fail to discover the same failings
+with this one.  If Percy would only use a little more sense, and not be
+so willing to take unnecessary risks, he could have a grand time this
+summer."
+
+"Gee! look at him going it now, would you?" gasped Elephant.  "He must
+have a bully good motor aboard to eat up space like that.  Talk to me
+about your mile a minute, he's beating that all hollow!"
+
+"No doubt of it," laughed Frank; "for everything happens to be
+favorable just now;" but Andy frowned and remarked:
+
+"Oh!  I just guess that ain't anything so remarkable.  Percy hasn't got
+the push on our biplane.  I'd take my affidavy that we went faster than
+that at one time when Frank let her out.  You wait and see; some fine
+day we'll show you a sight that'll make your eyes stick out."
+
+Andy was not a boaster as a rule; but whenever Percy Carberry started
+to show what a mighty conqueror of the air he had become, something
+seemed to rise up within the second Bird boy that made him give vent to
+such expressions.
+
+"He knows we're watching him, that's why he does it!" said wise
+Elephant.
+
+"Sure," Larry admitted; "but that don't take away anything from his
+circus stunts, does it?  Now he's going to swing around and circle your
+field, Frank.  Wish he'd take a notion to drop down here, and let's
+look his new article over."
+
+Andy laughed scornfully.
+
+"I see him doing that same, Larry, when water runs up hill!" he
+observed sarcastically.  "Did you ever know Percy to be open and frank?
+Ain't he always hiding what he knows, and trying to spring surprises on
+people?  You don't catch him letting Frank look over his biplane, not
+if he knows it.  Why, he's afraid Frank might get on to some little
+device that he expects will play a big part in the game, if ever he
+races us again.  Huh! come off your perch, Larry, and take another
+guess."
+
+"Well, there he goes around the field," the other went on.  "Listen to
+the hum of the propellers, would you?  Don't they make sweet music,
+though?  I'm afraid I'll be like poor little Elephant here, and get the
+aeroplane fever myself, if this thing keeps on.  Then there'll be a
+whole flock of us bobbing around."
+
+He laughed heartily at the idea, as though he could imagine himself
+whizzing through the air "like a comet," as he remarked.
+
+"Look at Sandy swinging his hat!" called out Elephant.  "He's yelling
+something too, but I can't make it out, because of the racket the
+machine makes."
+
+"Well, it wouldn't be hard to guess," declared Andy; "because you know
+how Sandy Hollingshead likes to boast.  The joke of it is, he never
+does anything but hang on to his crony, and keep up the shouting.  He's
+such a coward naturally that I don't understand how he finds the nerve
+to go up in that cranky craft with Percy."
+
+"There! he's making faces at us; or doing something with his hands,"
+Elephant continued, as he watched the biplane swinging past, some
+hundreds of feet in the air.
+
+"I suppose that's meant for a defi," laughed Frank.  "You know Sandy's
+ways, fellows?  He always was something of a monkey on the team when he
+played ball.  Don't answer back, any of you.  A cat may look at a king;
+and we have a perfect right to stand here in our own dooryard, and gape
+at the show.  But, Andy, pay attention to the way his machine works.
+I've caught on to a little idea already that I believe we could use
+with benefit ourselves."
+
+That was practical Frank every time, always keeping an eye out for the
+usefulness of things, and ready to improve his opportunities as
+occasion arose.
+
+Three times did Percy circle the big practice field, as though
+determined to impress upon the lookers-on the marvelous advantages his
+new biplane had over the old.
+
+Doubtless time had not effaced the bitterness of his former defeats at
+the hands of his rival; and he was now fairly burning for a chance to
+wipe the memory out.
+
+"Now, what d'ye suppose he's hanging around here all this while for?"
+grumbled Andy, who was nervous just so long as the other aeroplane kept
+winging its flight over the encircling fence that marked the confines
+of the aviation field.
+
+"Oh!  Percy wants you to know he ain't stingy," sang out Larry.  "Look
+your fill, from a distance, but you can't come any nearer."
+
+"Don't bother your head about him, Andy," remarked Frank.  "It's giving
+him heaps of pleasure, and doesn't hurt us a whit.  In fact, I don't
+care how long he keeps it up; for by degrees I'll be able to understand
+some things I'd like to know about that make of biplane.  You can see
+it differs from ours in lots of ways.  Some things may be a bit better,
+and others not so good."
+
+"But, Frank, you don't think it could beat us out, do you?" Andy
+quickly demanded.
+
+Frank shook his head.
+
+"I hope not," he said, quietly; "but you can't always tell.  That's a
+great machine Percy has there now, and it would be silly to deny it.  A
+good deal depends on how it's going to be run."
+
+"That's the ticket, Frank!" exclaimed Larry.  "And I'm dead sure that
+no matter which biplane you handled in a race you'd come out ahead."
+
+"Sure he would," added Elephant, emphatically.  "Because he keeps his
+head about him, and knows just what to do in a tight pinch; while Perc
+gets rattled, and loses his judgment."
+
+"That's good of you to say such things, boys; but I don't think I
+deserve them," Frank laughed.
+
+"You sure do!" declared Andy, who ought to know better than any one
+else the good qualities of his chum, since he had seen him under fire
+many a time.
+
+"L-l-look at 'em!" burst out Nat just then, surprising himself by his
+ability to actually speak clearly.
+
+The biplane had again headed across the field at a height of about
+three hundred feet; only this time, instead of cutting corners it was
+coming on directly, and gave promise of passing over the shed.
+
+"Hey! what's that Sandy's got in his fist?" cried Larry.
+
+"He's going to drop something, as sure as you live!" echoed Elephant.
+
+"Mem-mebbe it's a b-b-bomb!" burst out Nat, his mind filled with
+accounts he had been reading of what was being done over in Africa by
+the Italians in their war against the Turks and Arabs.
+
+At that Elephant seemed seized with a panic.  He was not a valiant boy,
+generally speaking, and something about the ridiculous suggestion
+concerning a bomb seemed to fill him with sudden terror.
+
+Uttering a howl he started to run one way, and then changing his mind
+darted in another direction; only to come back and finally crawl under
+a pile of boards that chanced to be lying near.
+
+"Hey! what you thinkin' of doing, Sandy?" shouted Larry, shaking his
+fist up at the approaching aeroplane.  "Don't you dare drop that on us,
+or I'll take it out of your measly hide, I sure will!  Look out, Frank,
+he's let and here it comes a-sailin' down at us.  Whoop!"
+
+From under the woodpile issued an echoing squawk, as Elephant hugged
+the ground, and waited for the expected explosion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE CHALLENGE
+
+Frank laughed heartily, so that Andy turned toward him in surprise.  Of
+course it was silly to think of such a thing as a bomb, in connection
+with the object Sandy had dropped.  Then again, Frank had seen that it
+was bound to fall at some little distance away from the shed.  He also
+caught the unmistakable flutter of paper, and could give a pretty
+accurate guess as to what it all meant.
+
+"It's dropped, Frank, and didn't go off!" exclaimed Larry, having
+himself been more or less influenced by the panic into which timid
+Elephant had fallen.
+
+Frank started forward as if bent upon approaching the object that lay
+upon the ground; while the biplane was now heading straight away, as if
+it might be the intention of the pilot to seek new pastures.
+
+"Be careful, Frank!" called out Larry.
+
+"Yes, go mighty slow, please!" added Elephant, thrusting his head out
+from cover, much as a cautious old tortoise might do, to see if the
+coast were clear.
+
+They saw Frank reach the object, and immediately pick it up.  He seemed
+to be examining it with more or less interest.
+
+"Why, I declare if I don't believe it's only a block of wood after
+all," remarked Larry, in disgust.
+
+"Sure it is; anybody could see that!" declared Elephant, who had
+managed to slide out from under the woodpile most adroitly, and was
+rubbing his cheeks to induce a return of his customary color.
+
+"Frank's reading something, fellows!" cried Andy.  "I know what it must
+be; and just like that sassy Perc Carberry to send it in that way.  He
+wants to do everything just like he was on the stage, you know."
+
+"A challenge!" burst out Larry.
+
+"Sure thing!" piped up Elephant, grinning now, and ready to make it
+appear that he had guessed this from the very first, and that his
+actions had been in the light of a huge joke.
+
+Frank had turned around now, and was approaching them, still engrossed
+with what he had found on the paper Sandy had dropped, with a heavy
+block of wood to carry it direct to the earth.
+
+"What is it, Frank?" asked his cousin.
+
+"Yes, tell us before we burst, please!" Elephant pleaded.
+
+"Me too!" said Larry, feeling that he ought to be heard.
+
+"D-d-do it, F-f-frank!"
+
+"All right, fellows," replied the other, nodding and smiling, as if
+something had pleased him.  "Suppose we sit down on that long bench in
+front of the shed."
+
+He had no sooner dropped upon the wooden settee than there were a
+couple of eager boys hanging over either shoulder.
+
+"It's a challenge, all right?" said Andy, his eyes sparkling.
+
+"Yes, that's where you hit the nail on the head," replied the other.
+"And like everything that Percy manages, it is gotten up in a way to
+sting.  We might decline an ordinary, everyday challenge; but he
+manages to fix it so that you've just got to accept, or be set down as
+afraid."
+
+"Huh! no danger of our not taking him up on anything that's half way
+fair," said Andy, promptly.  "And now suppose you read it out to us,
+Frank."
+
+"Here goes then.  He's got it headed 'A Challenge!'  And then right
+below he gets down to business in this way: 'Frank Bird and Andy Bird,
+Aviators!'"
+
+"Wow!" cried Larry, "that sounds all the good; but he's giving you that
+taffy only because he wants to claim the same title himself; ain't it
+so, Frank?"
+
+"You'll see presently.  Here's the way he goes on, fellows: 'Greeting:
+I hereby challenge you to a trial of skill and speed with our
+respective biplanes, same to take place within three days from date, at
+an hour to be selected mutually.  Said test to include first, a thirty
+mile straightaway race, and circle the liberty pole on the Commons at
+Hazenhurst; next altitude, to be decided by the barograph carried on
+each biplane; then three times around the peak of Old Thunder Top; and
+finally the feat of volplaning from the greatest height, to land on
+Bloomsbury high school campus.  Other rules for this race to be
+arranged between us at a meeting to be held later on.  If you decline
+to accept this challenge I propose to go over the aforesaid schedule
+alone, and claim a victory.'  And then underneath it all he signs
+himself: 'Percy Carberry, Aviator.'"
+
+The boys looked at each other.
+
+"Sounds like a real good test, Frank!" suggested Larry, cautiously.
+
+"Just what I was going to say," Elephant put in, watching Frank's face,
+and seeing what he considered favorable signs there.
+
+"And I move for one that the challenge be immediately accepted, so that
+further arrangements may be made!" Andy observed, grimly.
+
+"Well," remarked Frank, slowly; "we'll consider it.  As a rule, you
+know, fellows, I'm not much in favor of racing, when there's so much
+danger involved, but just as I said a bit ago, Percy knows how to fix
+things so as to stick pins in you.  He's written his challenge in a way
+that makes us accept, or be branded for cowards."
+
+"Oh, he needn't have worried about that!" cried Andy, angrily.  "If he
+knows anything about the Bird boys he ought to make sure they never
+take water.  Didn't we see whatever he did before, and go him one
+better?  And down in the land of revolution he knows who carried off
+the honors, as well as saved him from those men who had him in their
+power.  Frank, we've just got to do it!"
+
+"I suppose so, Andy," returned his cousin; "but if you think that
+another win on our part is going to close Percy up like a clam you're
+away off.  He makes me think of a medicine ball--every time you hit it
+and send it flying, it comes back again as chipper as ever.  He just
+won't stay down, that's all."
+
+"I don't agree with you there," said Andy.  "If we can only rub it into
+him hard enough, Percy will never have the nerve to hold up his head
+again in Bloomsbury."
+
+"But we can't expect to do that, you know," Frank went on.  "He seems
+to have a splendid machine there, that will make us hustle all we know
+how to pass ahead.  And even you give the fellow credit for knowing his
+business.  He's a bird boy all right, even if his name happens to be
+Carberry.  No overconfidence, Andy.  That's lost any number of races
+that ought to have been won, hands down."
+
+"Oh!  I understand that, Frank," the other said; "but I believe in you,
+and that Perc ain't in the same class.  Count on him to make a mistake
+when the crisis comes.  And if he thinks he's going to be passed there
+ain't any low down trick he wouldn't be guilty of.  I leave it to
+Larry, Nat and Elephant if that isn't right."
+
+"I've known him to do lots of mean things," spoke up Elephant,
+promptly; "and if I had to enter a race with him I tell you right now
+I'd keep out of his reach, all right."
+
+"The best way is to get the lead in the start, and never let him come
+within striking distance.  Then you could snap your fingers at his
+games," declared Larry.
+
+"Say, there is something in that, Frank," Andy admitted.
+
+"I believe it," returned the other young aviator.  "The only trouble I
+can see is that Percy usually starts off with a furious rush, and takes
+the lead.  He believes it gives him an advantage, and perhaps it does.
+Every fellow has his pet theories in a race, and no two of them may be
+alike."
+
+"I guess the main idea with him is that he can get in some of his dirty
+work if he sees the other is passing him," Andy sneered.
+
+Frank shook his head at him; but on the whole did not know that he
+could blame Andy for feeling so bitterly toward the other.  Their
+experiences with Percy in the past had been far from pleasant; and many
+times had he attempted some unscrupulous game that had stirred Andy's
+fighting blood to the boiling point.
+
+As for Sandy Hollingshead, Andy's opinion of him as a sneak was known
+to every boy in Bloomsbury; nor did the party most interested seem to
+care to knock off the chip aggressive Andy had long carried on his
+shoulder.
+
+The aeroplane had vanished beyond the high fringe of trees.  Possibly
+Percy had headed for town to show off his new purchase to the gaping
+Bloomsbury crowds, certain to come rushing from houses and stores as
+soon as the word was passed around that a flying machine was hovering
+overhead.
+
+As the afternoon passed, the boys debated pro and con concerning the
+challenge.  Frank had agreed to accept, much to the delight of the
+others, and his answer was carefully prepared, so as to cover every
+point in question.
+
+He and Andy realized that after all, their prediction as to a storm had
+failed, for the clouds seemed to have passed away, leaving the day
+hotter than ever.
+
+"Whew! ain't I glad though I can camp on a night like this," said
+Elephant, as started in to assist Larry get dinner ready.
+
+"Just what I was thinking," added the chief cook, looking up from his
+task with a grin of pleasure.  "I've got the peskiest hot room ever, on
+a still summer night like this is goin' to be; right under the roof,
+cold as a barn in winter; roasting in July and August.  Say, I've often
+said they'd find me fried like a doughnut some fine morning; or froze
+stiff.  This thing just suits me to a whiz."
+
+"Heard Frank ask the Colonel to eat with us tonight; so I s'pose we're
+going to have an extra good spread," Elephant went on, scraping the
+potatoes industriously.
+
+"That's what," chuckled the other.  "You just leave it with your uncle,
+and the chances are you won't be disappointed much.  I like good things
+myself.  Used to say I was going to study to be a great chef when I
+grew up.  May yet, who knows?  What's Frank and Andy doing with that
+wire right now?"
+
+"Why, you see the Colonel made 'em promise to connect him with the
+shed; so in case any row happened to be pulled off here he'd know it.
+Hard for him to understand he's out of the game with that crippled leg.
+He's been doing things all his life.  I think he's the most wonderful
+old codger I ever knew."
+
+"And that's where you're just about right, Larry.  We must make him
+tell us some of his travel yarns tonight while we sit around," Elephant
+declared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+SOMETHING DOING
+
+"I don't suppose any of you fellows have seen signs of the Chief and
+his men returning with any prisoners?" Frank asked, a little later, as
+he entered the shed to see how the arrangements for the evening spread
+were progressing.
+
+"Nary a sign," replied Larry, who was bending over the stove, very red
+in the face, and yet grinning with pleasure; for he dearly loved to
+handle the pots and pans on an occasion like this, and was really a
+clever cook.
+
+"Same here!" spoke up Elephant, who was fanning himself near by, and
+sniffing at the odors that arose from the fire, as though he wished the
+time would come when he might partake of the feast Larry had prepared.
+
+"Then it looks as if the raid hasn't panned out a success so far,"
+remarked Frank.  "I'm sorry, too, because I believe I'd sleep sounder
+if I only knew our friend Jules was caged once more."
+
+"Then you really think he'd be mean enough to try and burn the shed
+down, and destroy your aeroplanes?" asked Larry.
+
+"Oh! from all I've heard about Jules, he'd never balk at a little thing
+like that," Frank continued.  "The scoundrel who could shoot at two
+boys sailing hundreds of feet in the air, and take chances of sending
+them down to a terrible death, wouldn't hold back at anything, in my
+opinion."
+
+"The Colonel says he'd just like to get in touch with him," remarked
+Elephant, with a chuckle.  "I can just see the old chap dancing around
+with his war paint on, swinging that crutch of his to beat the band.
+Wow! wouldn't he just make mincemeat out of Jules though, if ever they
+met up?"
+
+"Don't you forget it, Colonel Josiah still burns with the same spirit
+that carried him through a bunch of tight places.  He's promised to
+tell us all about his ride with Gomez in Cuba during the war with
+Spain.  And mark me, it'll be worth listening to.  He never yarns, and
+has the proofs to show for every story he tells.  That's the best part
+of it, because you know all the time you're listening to real hard
+facts, and not fiction."
+
+"There he comes now, stumping along.  Bet you he's sniffed some of
+these delicious smells away up at the house.  Larry, if you don't get a
+move on, and announce dinner pretty soon, I declare if I don't start a
+raid on the grub.  Can't stand for much more of this," and Elephant
+hugged himself as though it were only by a determined effort that he
+refrained from beginning work then and there.
+
+"Hold on five minutes more, old chap," soothed the cook.  "Everything's
+ready, and as soon as Frank gives the word we'll sit down."
+
+To enjoy the meal all the more they had taken the table outdoors, and
+places for half a dozen had been made ready.  The sun had set, but
+there would be light for an hour at least, plenty to last them during
+the meal.
+
+The old traveler they seated at the head of the table, and Frank was
+made to take the other end.  Then Larry and his assistants set to work
+dishing up.  As the lovely aluminum set only carried enough for four,
+Andy had been compelled to call upon his reserves for additional
+plates, cups and such things.
+
+And that dinner was surely worth remembering.  Larry had certainly
+"done himself proud," as the delighted Colonel declared, after he had
+eaten until he could no longer do justice to the spread.
+
+After the things had been cleared away they started the veteran to
+dipping into certain of his recollections; and once he was set going,
+he might be likened to a clock, for being wound up, adventure after
+adventure fell from his lips in a way to keep the listeners charmed.
+
+Not that the Colonel was a boaster at all; he never assumed that he had
+done anything at all wonderful; but just related facts in his simple
+though dramatic way, and those who heard could draw their own
+inferences.
+
+The boys would never forget that evening, or the feast that Larry put
+before them.  It would ever be marked by a white stone in their
+memories; and doubtless in after years, when fully launched upon the
+more serious avenues of life, more than one of them would look back
+with a smile as the picture arose in their minds' eye, with that
+white-haired old man sitting near by, and thrilling them with his
+recollections of the past.
+
+It was long after ten when he bade them good-night, and betook himself
+off to the house, his last words being:
+
+"Don't forget that your Uncle Josiah is coming like a runaway engine if
+so be that bell sounds the alarm!  And to tell you the truth, boys, I'm
+half wishing it might be so!"
+
+After he had gone they began to make their preparations looking to the
+passing of another night.  Each one believed he could make some
+improvement on the former experience.  This was especially the case
+with Elephant, who had been very uncomfortable in that swinging canoe;
+though it looked cozy enough.
+
+Frank seemed to be busying himself after a strange fashion.
+
+Elephant had cast a curious look that way several times as he labored
+to improve his own conditions.  Finally his natural desire to know
+compelled him to turn to Larry, and put the question:
+
+"What's Frank doing over at the end of the shed?  Sure he don't mean to
+change his bunk for a place like that?"
+
+"Oh, rats! don't you understand?  Frank's making a trap!" Larry replied.
+
+"Rats--a trap!" repeated the runt, mystified by the coming together of
+these two significant words.  "But what does he have to go to all that
+trouble for?  I'd think one of them ordinary regular wire traps would
+fill the bill as well."
+
+Larry looked at him queerly, as if making up his mind whether the other
+meant it, or was simply joshing him.
+
+"This is a man-trap!" he said, severely.
+
+"Oh! my!" Elephant gasped; and then fell to watching Frank more
+intently than ever, as he continued to work on.
+
+"And," continued Larry, "if you wake up in the night, and hear the most
+awful racket in the wide world, make sure we've caught something, do
+you understand, Elephant?"
+
+"Meaning Jules?" queried the other, in an awed tone.
+
+"Meaning Jules," repeated Larry, mocking the other by even assuming his
+manner.
+
+"But do you really think he'll drop in on us, Larry?" the small boy
+asked.
+
+"Wouldn't surprise me one little bit," returned his tormentor, calmly.
+"You heard what the Colonel was saying about those Spanish brigands who
+captured him--well, this Jules is just the same sort of customer,
+revengeful, desperate and ready to take almost any sort of chances, if
+he sees an opening.  And Frank is that accommodating, he means to have
+a most inviting opening ready, so Jules can't resist the temptation to
+stick his nose in.  Then slam! bang! and it's all over with Jules but
+the shouting, believe me."
+
+Naturally all this sort of talk had its effect upon the timid Elephant.
+He could not keep his thoughts away from the trap Frank was making in
+the rear of the shed, and the possibility of that dark-faced escaped
+convict being caught in the act of entering the place, on mischief bent.
+
+"I'll just dream about him coming, see if I don't!" he warned Larry, as
+he prepared to crawl into the swinging canoe, where his blankets had
+been placed.
+
+"All right," answered the other; "only don't you go to whooping things
+up here too lively.  Remember there are others, and that they want to
+snooze right along till morning.  I'm glad Frank didn't draft you for a
+sentry, though."
+
+"Oh! it was nice of him," answered the small boy, readily.  "But then
+you see, Frank knows I just can't keep awake to save me.  And what good
+is a sleepy guard, I'd like to know.  Hope I've got it fixed now so I
+won't feel the ribs of this blessed Oldtown canoe poking me in my slats
+tonight.  They kept me uneasy last night to beat the band.  Aw!  I'm
+awful sleepy, Larry; and I guess I'll turn in."
+
+"Good.  Only go careful, or you'll roll out the other side.  That boat
+swings with a hair trigger.  The least touch starts her to going.
+There you are.  It's rockabye baby for you, Elephant.  Mother's little
+darling boy, go to sleep now like a good kid!"
+
+Elephant mumbled some sort of answer but in another minute he was off,
+fast locked in the arms of the dream god.  Larry lost little time in
+following his example, for he expected to be called at a certain hour
+by Frank, who would have the first watch himself.
+
+Darkness fell upon the interior of the workshop.  If there was any
+sound to be heard, such as the heavy breathing of some sleeper, the
+sigh and moan of the night breeze without deadened this.
+
+Frank had assumed a comfortable position.  He could sit there and allow
+his mind to grapple with numerous things that interested him; at the
+same time feel that he was keeping a strict watch.  Time passed on.
+The air happened to be coming from the direction of the town, so that
+when the clock in the church tower struck the hour he could easily hear
+the sounds.
+
+In this way he knew how his watch went on, and when it would be time to
+change places with Larry.  To the average lad there is something
+approaching a fascination in this near approach to life in the open.
+The mere fact that peril threatened, so as to compel a night watch, was
+enough to keep Frank from feeling drowsy.  But then he always had a
+peculiar faculty for controlling his weaknesses.  Most other boys would
+have had to fight desperately to remain awake.
+
+He had just counted the strokes as the town clock droned off the
+midnight hour, and was wondering whether he had not better let Larry
+sleep until one had arrived, when without the slightest warning there
+arose the most dreadful racket any one could well imagine.
+
+It sounded as though the whole roof might be falling in, what with the
+clatter of tinpans, the upsetting of chairs and the half muffled shouts
+that punctuated the entire clamor.  And Frank leaped to his feet,
+believing on the spur of the moment that his trap had been sprung!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE AWAKENING
+
+"What is it, Frank?" shouted Larry, as he scrambled to his feet, and
+began clawing around in the dark for the one he called upon.
+
+"We've got him!" sang out Andy, gleefully.  "Frank, it worked fine and
+dandy.  My! what a noise he kicks up!"
+
+"Where's Elephant?" asked Frank, suspiciously.
+
+"Sleeping through it all.  An earthquake wouldn't wake him up, once he
+gets to going," snorted Larry.
+
+"Keep quiet; I'm going to light a lamp!" Frank went on, as he reached
+out to a spot where he knew he had left a box of matches handy for just
+such an emergency.
+
+"Ouch! somebody kicked me then!" Larry shouted.  "Frank, there's more'n
+one of 'em, and they're inside here, feeling around for us.  Go slow,
+Frank!  Have your gun ready when you light up.  Pepper 'em good, now!
+Who's afraid?"
+
+"Wait! don't shoot, Frank!  It's only me!" shrilled a voice as the
+speaker managed to get his head out from the muffling folds of the
+blanket.
+
+Then came the scratch of the match in Frank's hand.  He held it up
+first in order to see what was going on; and then with a burst of
+laughter began to apply the flickering flame to the wick of the ready
+lamp.
+
+And as the light filled the interior of the shed the boys saw a sight
+that sent them off into spasms of uproarious merriment.  Yes, it was
+Elephant all right, just as he had so wildly declared when he heard all
+that threatening talk about guns and "peppering" and such dire things.
+
+He had evidently fallen out of the canoe as he tossed about during some
+dream that excited his mind.  In tumbling to the floor his heels had
+upset the entire outfit of tin kettles and pans that Andy had fetched
+from the house.  Such a clattering as they had made upon being dashed
+to the floor.  And as if that were not enough Elephant had managed to
+turn a chair over with the lot, adding to the confusion liberally.
+
+Larry helped him up, for as he was swathed from head to foot in his
+flaming red horse blanket the other was quite unable to manage alone.
+Poor Elephant rubbed his eyes and stared around him as if looking for
+the blue dragons that had filled his dreams.
+
+"What d'ye mean by scaring us all half to death, Elephant?" demanded
+Andy, when he could in some measure command his voice.
+
+"My goodness gracious! you don't think I did that a-purpose, do you?"
+exclaimed the small boy, rubbing his elbows as though they tingled
+after coming in such rough contact with the floor.  "What d'ye take me
+for?  And Larry, didn't I tell you that rarebit would make me dream?
+You just made me eat it; and now see what happened!  Oh! but I thought
+the whole house had blown up, and I was heading for the stars.  It was
+a fierce experience.  Talk about your rarebits, never more for me!"
+
+"Listen! somebody's coming, sure!" exclaimed Larry.
+
+"Oh! what if it's Jules, after all?  Where's the gun, Frank?  Get it
+ready, won't you?  There, he's pounding at the door.  Where's my club?
+Somebody took my club!" and Elephant scrambled around, looking for the
+lost weapon which he had placed within reach before retiring.
+
+Bang! bang! bang!
+
+"Here, open up, and let me get at the rascals!  Frank, Andy, have they
+murdered you all?  Why don't somebody answer?  Why don't you open this
+door before I smash it in with my crutch?" came a roar from without.
+
+"It's Colonel Josiah!" cried Andy.  "Hold on, Colonel; we're all right
+here.  Nobody hurt!  All a mistake!  Frank, open the door, will you?
+Nothing doing, Colonel, you see!"
+
+The aged veteran stalked inside, using his crutch once more to assist
+his locomotion.  In his other hand he gripped a tremendous horse
+pistol, the very size of which must have sent a shiver through any
+nocturnal prowler.
+
+"It was Elephant who raised the rumpus, Colonel!" explained Andy.  "He
+had a dream and fell out of his hammock, knocking over all the tin pans
+and a chair.  We were all scared, thinking it might be Jules come to
+town."
+
+The grim old traveler turned upon Elephant, trying to hide the twinkle
+in his eyes by pretending to assume a heavy frown.
+
+"I won't do it again, I assure you, sir!" faltered Elephant, trying to
+hide behind Frank.  "It was an accident, indeed it was.  And I bruised
+both my elbows just fierce.  After this I'm going to tie that swinging
+canoe down, so it won't kick me out again."
+
+"H'm! you'd better," was all the old man said as he turned away; but
+Frank was of the opinion he wished to hurry off, so that he could
+chuckle over the ridiculous picture presented by the interior of that
+shop, without being seen by the boys, and his dignity impaired.
+
+"Now, get busy, Elephant, and tidy up the mess you made," said Larry,
+as he once more crawled under his blankets.
+
+"And remember," said Andy, severely, despite the grin on his face, "we
+don't stand for any more of this foolishness."
+
+"Let me help you tie the canoe, so that it can't swing," Frank
+observed, taking pity on the victim of the mishap; for Elephant was
+still rubbing his elbows, and making faces as though they hurt him.
+
+So after a little, peace once more fell upon the camp.  The swinging
+canoe had been so firmly secured that it could not "kick" as Elephant
+declared it had done before.  Then the light was put out again, and
+darkness reigned.
+
+Frank again sat there, engrossed in thought.  And naturally his mind
+went out in the direction of the recent event.  If a false alarm could
+cause such confusion and excitement it was probable that in case there
+came a genuine one things would take on a still more brilliant color.
+
+He could hear Elephant turning from side to side.  Perhaps his arms
+pained him; and thinking thus Frank was sorry he had not insisted on
+swabbing them with some witch hazel which they kept handy in the shop,
+in case of bruises while working.  But he did not think it good policy
+to disturb the entire bunch again in order to relieve the slight pain
+of Elephant who must sooner or later grow used to hard knocks, if he
+ever expected to face the world.
+
+Finally the boy in the canoe became quiet.  Sleep had evidently
+mastered him, for ere long Frank caught his heavy breathing at such
+times as the wind stopped sighing around the eaves of the shed.
+
+It must be growing near one when he expected to hand over his duty as
+sentry to Larry.  All he waited for was to catch the stroke of the
+hour.  He had the lay of things well in his mind, and could even have
+moved about the shop in utter darkness without tumbling over anything;
+for he and Andy had spent uncounted hours under that roof during the
+last year.
+
+Ah! there was the anticipated stroke, sounding quite clearly.
+
+"Frank!" came in a low tone, almost a whisper.
+
+"Hello!" answered the sentry, "that Larry?"
+
+"On deck.  Must have been my call the wasn't it?  Thought I heard one
+strike," as Larry began to raise up alongside Frank, shedding his
+blankets as he did so.
+
+"Have you been awake all the while?" whispered Frank, surprised.
+
+"Guess pretty much," chuckled Larry.  "That thing just broke me all up.
+I've been laughing to myself under the blanket ever since."
+
+"Oh! is that so?" Frank replied.  "Well, do you know I wondered what
+those queer noises were.  Thought possibly you had an ache from eating
+too much."
+
+"How's everything on deck, Frank?"
+
+"Fine and dandy.  Nothing to cause alarm yet," came the answer.
+
+"All right, then.  You just crawl in, and get a snooze started.  I'll
+take care of the camp up to three, when Andy comes on duty.  How d'ye
+keep awake, Frank?" asked the new guard.
+
+"Keep thinking of the late unpleasantness, as you have been doing.  It
+did the trick before, and may again.  Good night!  I'm off."
+
+Frank found no little difficulty himself in getting asleep.
+Unaccustomed to his strange bed, and with all the recent excitement
+added, it was not strange that even Frank had to take himself severely
+to task before he could lose his senses in slumber.
+
+He too dreamed, for had he not also partaken of the same tasty cheese
+and toast, of which poor Elephant complained as the main cause for his
+troubles?  Several times Frank woke up and was puzzled to understand
+just where he could be.  Then things would come back to again; and with
+a chuckle he would turn over, to once more lose himself in sleep.
+
+The third time this happened he lay there listening.  It seemed to him
+that he had heard a slight rustling noise; and moreover, it had come
+from the far end of the shed!
+
+Could it be Larry; and if so what business had the sentry to be
+wandering about that section of the forbidden ground?  Another fancy
+struck Frank, to the effect that it might be either Andy or Stuttering
+Nat, walking in their sleep.  If that proved to be the case, then the
+awakening was likely to surprise somebody, unless he was very much
+mistaken.
+
+He put out his hand and felt Andy in his accustomed  place.  Then
+rising quietly he crawled over far enough to come in contact with Nat's
+arm, thrust out from his blanket.  This left only Elephant, whom he
+found slumbering soundly in his canoe, and the sentry, who was also
+fast asleep!
+
+Frank felt a thrill pass over him at this.  Then the sound could not
+have been made by any one of his comrades.  Who then was prowling
+around that danger zone?  Even as he asked himself this important
+question he heard a sudden sharp "click!" that could only be made by
+the trigger of his dead-fall trap; then came a heavy, sodden, crunching
+sound, that told better than words what had happened.  Frank jumped to
+his feet, shouting:
+
+"Wake up! wake up! we've caught something, fellows.  Wake up everybody!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE CHIEF MEETS AN OLD FRIEND
+
+There was a tremendous amount of excitement in the workshop when Frank
+aroused his four chums by this cry.  All around him he could hear them
+calling out.
+
+"Another fake alarm, I bet!" grumbled Larry.
+
+"It's that miserable Elephant again," said Andy in disgust.  "He ought
+to be taken down to the lake and ducked, that's what!"
+
+"Me ducked?  I'd like to see you do it!" shrilled a voice close beside
+Andy, and which he recognized as belonging to the runt.
+
+"Hey!  Frank, what is it?" demanded Larry.
+
+"Light up! we want to see something!" called Andy, now beginning to
+experience a strange sensation in the region of his heart, as the
+possibility of its being the genuine article of alarm struck home.
+
+Frank was already doing this very same thing; he struck his match even
+while Andy was calling so loudly for a light.  When the lamp was
+brought into use the boys stared around at each other.
+
+"Where's Stuttering Nat?" questioned Larry, suspiciously.
+
+"H-h-here!" came a quavering voice, as the other pushed himself
+forward, so that none of them would believe he might be at fault, as he
+was not particularly desirous of a bath just then.
+
+"Then we're all on deck; ain't that so, Frank?" asked Andy.
+
+"Count noses, and you'll find it that way," returned the other Bird
+boy, as he calmly picked up his gun.
+
+"Take the lamp, Andy, and fall in just behind me," he said.
+
+"O-oh!  Frank believes he's caught him!" gasped Elephant, in a
+quivering voice.
+
+"Stop talking, and come on, everybody," Frank insisted.
+
+Each boy had armed himself as best the occasion allowed.  One carried a
+hammer, another a baseball bat, while Elephant had found his club, and
+Larry picked up a seven foot piece of piping, which he thrust ahead of
+him after the nature of a spear.
+
+So they advanced in the direction of the end of the shed where Frank
+had arranged his trap.  Every one of them felt his heart beating like a
+triphammer as the sound of writhing, accompanied by groans, came to
+their ears.
+
+There seemed no reason to longer doubt but what the trap would be found
+sprung, and game of some species within.
+
+"Hold up that lamp, Andy!" said Frank, sternly.  "Here, don't let your
+hand tremble so.  We must have light, you know.  Steady now!"
+
+"Oh!  I see him!" gasped Elephant, whose eyes were almost sticking out
+of his head with the excitement.
+
+"I guess it's Jules, all right," Andy managed to say; as he too took in
+a long breath, while he thrust the lamp out further so that all could
+see better.
+
+Something lay in the hole, something that took on the outlines of a man
+flat on his face, and with a heavy log almost squeezing the last bit of
+breath from his body.  A broken old gun, that looked like one of the
+muskets used in the Civil War, lay close beside him, and had evidently
+been dropped when the trap was sprung without warning, after the victim
+had started to crawl into the shed by way of this inviting opening.
+
+"Yes, it's our old friend, Jules, come to pay us another night visit,"
+observed Frank, coolly as he handed the shotgun to Larry, and bending
+down proceeded to draw both arms of the senseless man behind him,
+fastening them securely with a stout cord which he drew from his
+pocket, having prepared for this same event in advance.
+
+"Is he killed?" asked Elephant, in an awe-struck voice.
+
+"Sure he isn't," replied Larry, who had seen the man moving, as though
+his senses might be coming back.
+
+Five minutes later he opened his eyes, and stared hard at the array of
+boyish faces before him.  Evidently Jules may have suspected that the
+Bird boys would be sleeping in their precious shop; but he had hardly
+imagined that he would run up against a whole school there.
+
+Frank had meanwhile tied his ankles as well, and helped drag him
+further into the shop.  When the man started to using language that was
+offensive, he warned him plainly that if he kept that up any longer
+they would find some means of gagging him.  The threat served to keep
+him quiet, though from the black looks on his face it was evident that
+the fellow was extremely bitter against them all.
+
+It was now three o'clock.  Since all of them were too much excited to
+even try to sleep any more, they concluded to remain on guard in a
+bunch.  Larry received no end of joshing on account of having slept on
+his post; Frank even told him that it was considered so serious a
+matter that men had been stood up against a wall, and shot for allowing
+the enemy to creep into camp.
+
+"All right," said Larry, who hung onto the gun all the while.  "Let's
+see you do it right now.  I'm the only one that's got a shooting iron,
+and I refuse to give it up, or use it on myself.  Call it off, Frank,
+and we'll begin all over," and so, as Larry was a pretty decent sort of
+a fellow, as they go, and besides, just as he said, held possession of
+the only weapon, for that musket had been broken by the fall of the
+log, they concluded not to shoot him on the spot, but give him another
+chance to make good.
+
+It was a long wait till morning; but finally the stars vanished before
+the gray light of early dawn.  Larry, as soon as he could see decently,
+started to get breakfast; for he declared that if he was a mighty poor
+sentry he did have a few good points, one of which was his ability to
+sling tasty messes together.
+
+Jules was as "mum as a church mouse," as Elephant called it.  But by
+degrees he took more or less interest in what the boys were doing.
+
+"Look out for him," said Larry aside to Frank.  "I think he means to
+try and escape if he gets half a chance.  That's why he smiles now and
+then."
+
+"You're away off, Larry," replied Frank.  "For I notice that every time
+that pleasant look creeps over his face it is when a smell of coffee
+drifts this way.  Jules hasn't tasted anything like that for more than
+a year.  And while he's got to go back to where the law has sent him,
+we're going to give him a decent breakfast first."
+
+When a little later they heard the stamp of the Colonel's crutch the
+boys looked up expectantly, knowing they would have the laugh on the
+old veteran traveler, who had flown to the rescue when the alarm was
+all a farce, and slept through the real thing.
+
+"What's all this?  Bless me, if they haven't caught the rascal after
+all!  Why didn't you ring me up?  That alarm bell must have played me
+false, Andy, and I believe you juggled with it!  The old cry of 'wolf'
+again; and I'm the victim."
+
+Expressing his disgust in this way the Colonel stumped in, and
+proceeded to let the prisoner know what he thought of a man who would
+try to revenge himself upon a couple of bright lads; especially after
+bringing all his troubles down upon his own shoulders.
+
+It afterwards developed that Jules had stolen the musket, and also the
+suit of clothes he was wearing, from a farmhouse that he raided shortly
+after his escape from the prison.  Although he never confessed to the
+fact, Frank never had any reason to doubt but that it had been Jules
+who fired that shot at them while they were speeding over the Powell
+woods in their biplane.
+
+Jules was given his fill of good breakfast, and this possibly put him
+in a better humor.  He was not wholly an unscrupulous villain, and the
+fact of these boys treating him so decently seemed to make an
+impression on the fellow, for he watched Frank closely.
+
+The boys were talking the matter over, as to how they might best get
+their prisoner transported to the lockup in town, when sharp-eyed Nat
+began to make a great noise, and pointed down the road.
+
+"It must be the Chief and his officers heading back home!" cried Andy,
+jumping up from his seat.
+
+"Here, make a dash toward the fence, and get their attention!  Don't
+tell them why we want them to come in here, but just let down the
+bars," said Frank; and at his words Andy went flying away across the
+pasture.
+
+By swinging his arms and shouting, he managed to attract the attention
+of those in the passing car, which was halted.  Then Frank saw Andy
+speaking hastily, at the same time letting down the bars; after which
+the car swung in, with the Bird boy perched on the step.
+
+Chief Waller did not look particularly happy as he sat there alongside
+the man who served as chauffeur.  He had lost a night's sleep, and
+covered many miles in a useless search of the great Powell woods; and
+for so stout a man this was exhausting business.
+
+"Hello!  Frank!  How are you, Colonel?  Sorry to say we haven't picked
+up our man yet; and the chances are we won't do it, either.  He must
+have taken the alarm, and slipped off before we got there."
+
+Then the police head must have detected Elephant grinning broadly; and
+this no doubt excited his suspicions; for he whirled on Frank, having
+laboriously descended from his car, and burst out with:
+
+"Looky here, Frank, what you got up your sleeve, anyhow?  There's
+something doing that I ought to know about, I reckon."
+
+"Oh! we thought it might pay us to set a trap, Chief," returned Frank,
+keeping as straight a face as possible.  "Sometimes you have to go to
+the mountain; and then again it comes to you.  We made up our minds to
+try it, anyhow."
+
+"And it worked?" demanded Chief Waller, his face lighting up with
+eagerness.
+
+"Did it, fellows?" asked Frank, turning to the rest of his mates.
+
+"If the Chief had been anywhere around at three this morning he'd have
+thought something was working all right," gurgled Andy, his face all
+aglow.
+
+"Larry, help our guest out here, won't you?" said Frank; and only too
+willing the one addressed stepped inside the shop, to reappear a moment
+later and not alone.  Chief Waller took but one look and then threw up
+his hands, exclaiming:
+
+"Jules Garrone, and nabbed by a parcel of boys.  Men, the joke is on
+us!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+GALLANT ANDY
+
+"Good morning, Chief!" said the prisoner, with a cool grin.
+
+The Head of the Bloomsbury police force looked so utterly amazed that
+Larry and some of his mates could not help laughing.
+
+"Didn't expect to find Jules waiting up for you on the way back, did
+you, Chief?" asked Andy, with perhaps a touch of sarcasm in his voice;
+for to tell the truth the boy did not have a very high opinion of the
+stout man's abilities in the way of thief catching, though liking him
+well enough as a genial townsman.
+
+"Well, I confess that I never expected such great good luck," admitted
+the other.  "And now, boys, tell me just how it happened."
+
+"Oh! he dropped in on us, Chief," Andy went on.
+
+"And liked the accommodation afforded by the Birdsnest so well that he
+concluded to stop over," Larry remarked.  "Frank here, expected
+something of the kind, and got ready to receive visitors."
+
+"You mean he set a trap?" asked the official, looking admiringly at the
+party in question.
+
+"Well," Larry drawled, "I guess you could call it that, and not get far
+off the road.  It had a trigger all right, and when Jules touched this
+off a nice heavy plank that was like a log dropped, and pinned him down
+on his chest.  We found him gasping for breath, and his gun with a
+broken lock."
+
+"Gun!  Then he was armed, and creeping into your shop!" exclaimed the
+other, with a frown toward the grinning and apparently indifferent
+prisoner.  "That looks bad, now.  What would he want to carry a gun
+for, if not to injure you boys?  And where d'ye suppose he got it at?"
+
+"Oh!" Frank remarked, "he says he entered a farmhouse, and hooked a
+suit of old clothes, so he could throw away the striped ones.  And at
+the same time he helped himself to that old musket, thinking he might
+have to hunt game while he hid in the woods."
+
+"Look here, Frank, wasn't you telling me about some villain who fired a
+shot up at you boys when you were flying over the Powell woods?" asked
+the Chief.
+
+"That's so, and we believe it was Jules, all right," Andy took the
+liberty of saying; for when excited he could not be kept still.
+
+"But he wisely declines to commit himself, so there is no proof," Frank
+went on.  "And at any rate, what's the use bothering about that little
+thing?  There was no real harm done, except a little scare.  And I
+think Jules will have about all the trouble he wants to handle without
+adding any to it."
+
+He looked at the prisoner, perhaps with a touch of feeling.  At any
+rate, to the surprise of them all, Jules actually smiled, and made a
+declaration that proved he had been using his eyes and ears since
+coming among the campers.
+
+"I just want to say right here, Chief, that I was a fool to bother
+about these boys.  I got what I deserved.  I should have left them
+alone.  And mark me, that if ever I have the luck to escape again never
+will I turn one hand to injure them.  Now take me to your old lockup.
+I want to sleep."
+
+So they took him to the car, and that was the very last the Bird boys
+ever saw of Jules Garrone, once a well-known French aviator, until he
+fell into evil ways.  No doubt he was returned to the penitentiary,
+where he would have to serve an additional length of time because of
+his flight.
+
+Of course the talk for an hour or more was all about the recent
+adventure.  But in due course of time Andy began to get uneasy.
+
+"We're losing a fine chance for a spin, Frank!" he grumbled, glancing
+up at the sky, across which here and there clouds were slowly moving,
+but with no indication of coming trouble.
+
+"Well, do you know," smiled the other, immediately, "I was just
+thinking that same thing myself.  Suppose we do hitch up, and take a
+drive in our aerial go-cart, Andy.  There are a heap of little things
+I'd like to experiment on before that race comes off with Percy."
+
+"All right.  And the sooner we start the better," Andy flashed back.
+"What d'ye say to going all over the course this morning?  It would
+only be the right thing; and when rowing clubs train for a race they
+always study the course foot by foot, so as to learn the currents, the
+hidden rocks, and the chances for head winds.  Will you take me up on
+that, Frank?"
+
+"If you mean that we head across to Hazenhurst, and interview that
+liberty pole Percy lays so much stress on, I'm willing.  Then again, I
+want to try for height while we're about it.  We don't know just what
+this biplane can do, or how it'll act when a mile or so up."
+
+"Huh!  I didn't see anything the matter when we landed on top of the
+peak," remarked Andy.  "Sure she was all to the good then.  Frank,
+honest Injun now, I'm more in love with this outfit than I ever was
+with our first one.  I can see possibilities about a biplane that a
+monoplane never can own."
+
+"Wait," said Frank, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating.  After
+we've had this a week we can begin to talk.  Just now it's up to us to
+study her every little whim, and try to improve on things."
+
+The other boys were taking turns in going home and "making the
+acquaintance of their folks," as Larry quaintly put it.  But there
+would be a couple of them at the shop all the time.  Of course there
+was now no danger from Jules, since he had fallen upon evil ways; but
+as Larry said mysteriously, "you never could tell," and everybody knew
+whom he had in mind, although no name was mentioned.
+
+The Bird boys had that running start down to a fine point.  Frank had
+made an especial study of it, so as to rise in the air with as little
+ground work as possible.  And this was what served him well on many
+occasions--for instance when on the plateau of Old Thunder Top, where
+the level space was limited.
+
+So they rose quickly and successfully.  Andy gave a yell of
+satisfaction, to indicate that his confidence in the new aeroplane was
+being strengthened every minute that he saw her strong points being
+developed.
+
+They rose to a considerable height before starting away in the
+direction of Hazenhurst.  It looked just like a homing pigeon seeking
+an altitude, from which it could find its bearings, before starting in
+a bee line for its loft far away.
+
+Andy was using the glasses, while Frank drove the machine, and studied
+every little part, touching a straining wire guy here, and tightening a
+valve there, as he noted minute chances to improve conditions.
+
+It was this complete mastery of the subject that gave him such control
+over his aeroplane; so that when he chose he could develop unexpected
+resources of speed, or ability to successfully carry out difficult
+feats.
+
+"I can see the town easy enough from here," announced Andy, presently.
+
+"Am I headed right?" asked the pilot.
+
+"Just send her a trifle more to the northwest.  There, now we aim
+straight for Hazenhurst," Andy called out; for the motor was crackling,
+and besides, there was more or less noise arising from the stiffened
+planes, so that it became necessary to raise the voice in order to be
+easily heard.
+
+So, for some little time they went humming merrily along, just "eating
+up the miles," as Andy remarked delightedly.
+
+It was a great sensation for these two lads; but having been at this
+now for so long a time they fairly overcome the thrill that is apt to
+seize upon a novice.
+
+Frank had dropped down to a lower level.  Since they were now passing
+over territory that they had never before looked down upon from such a
+height, it was just as well that they keep to that distance from the
+earth which would probably be their course during the race that Percy
+had forced upon them.
+
+And all the time they drew nearer the town that was to be their goal.
+Both boys had been there once or twice.  But this was years back when
+they used to wheel all around the surrounding country during vacations.
+They had now gone a long ways ahead of pedaling a bicycle.  After once
+soaring through the air in a biplane no one could ever be content to go
+back to the old ways.
+
+"I can see the commons," announced Andy, who was using the glass.
+"Yes, and there's the liberty pole too, right in the middle.  See that
+big green stretch, Frank?  Will you drop lower, and circle it while
+we're over here?"
+
+"Why not?  Might as well go the whole thing when about it," returned
+the other, as he continued to test first one thing and then another.
+
+"On the way back let's put her to her level best speed, and see just
+how long it takes us to cover the thirty miles," Andy suggested.
+
+"All right," was the ready reply; "but before we do that I'd like to
+drop down to the ground for a bit.  I can see several slack guys that
+will be all the better for being tightened a little.  Like every other
+new machine, this needs constant attention to bring things up to their
+best."
+
+"Oh! well, what's to hinder our lighting on the green, and giving the
+good people of Hazenhurst a chance to see a genuine aeroplane.  I don't
+believe one ever came up here before," Andy remarked.
+
+In a short time they were skimming along over the tops of the trees,
+and even dipping lower when openings appeared.
+
+"Going all right, Frank?" asked Andy, anxiously, as they drew within a
+mile of the town; for if they expected to be watched by hundreds of
+curious eyes he wanted everything to work smoothly.
+
+"Just running like clock-work," the other announced.
+
+"I haven't heard you say a single word against this biplane," remarked
+Andy.
+
+"Why should I?" laughed Frank.  "I may not be so outspoken as you about
+my likes and dislikes, but I feel as deeply.  And, Andy, I want to say
+right here that this machine is a whole lot ahead of anything I've ever
+seen, or handled.  She moves like a witch, and answers her rudder like
+a thing of life.  Why, I almost feel that I'm a part of the whole
+business, and that I have only to think a thing when it is executed."
+
+That was high praise from so conservative a fellow as Frank, as his
+cousin well knew; and it filled Andy with rare delight.
+
+"Oh! look down there, Frank!" he suddenly cried, pointing beneath them,
+to where there was an open field.
+
+Looking quickly Frank saw a sight that filled him with dismay.  A young
+girl was crossing the open stretch, and as her back was toward them, of
+course she had not as yet discovered the presence of the biplane.
+
+Racing back of the girl, and evidently meaning to overtake her, was a
+savage-looking dog; and it required no effort on Frank's part to
+understand that the intention of the brute was decidedly hostile.
+
+Frank was a lad of prompt action.  He instantly sent the aeroplane
+downward, aiming for the running dog; and at the same time starting to
+shout at the top of his voice, in which last Andy joined with him.
+
+The animal, attracted by the clamor, looked up, and seeing that monster
+bird as he believed swooping down at him, turned tail with frightened
+yelps and ran away.
+
+There was nothing for it now but to alight, since they had already
+darted close to the earth; and accordingly Frank proceeded to
+accomplish this feat as gently as possible.
+
+It happened that the biplane came to a stop close to the girl, who was
+standing there staring, as though hardly understanding what it all
+meant.  Andy hopped out the first thing even though he happened to be
+holding the monkey wrench in his hand at the time, having snatched it
+up in his excitement when he first discovered the threatening peril of
+the girl.
+
+He had just reached her side, and was starting to speak when a warning
+shout from Frank, still in his seat aboard the aeroplane, caused Andy
+to look around.
+
+"The dog!  Take care, he's going to attack you!" was what Frank shouted.
+
+Apparently the ugly beast had already recovered from his fright, when
+it discovered that human beings were aboard the strange airship.  He
+had halted a little distance away, and then, as Andy actually headed
+toward him, started to meet the newcomer.
+
+There could be no mistaking the evil intentions of the beast, he was of
+the savage bulldog strain, and from the cut of his mouth it could be
+seen that just now he meant business.  And as Andy could not retreat,
+with that pretty girl standing there unprotected, he just had to raise
+his monkey wrench and wait for hostilities to begin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+AT THE FOOT OF THE LIBERTY POLE
+
+"Look out!" shouted Frank, who was trying to find some sort of weapon
+himself, armed with which he could hasten to the aid of his chum.
+
+But Andy kept his senses well about him.  Perhaps had he been alone,
+and there opened a favorable chance whereby he could put a convenient
+fence between himself and those grim square jaws of the ugly dog, he
+would have been only too glad to do so.  But that was utterly out of
+the question now.  The girl must be defended, come what might.
+
+He fortunately remained fairly cool, which was a good point in his
+favor.  Just then, singular to say, Andy seemed to remember what he had
+read about what Old Putnam said to his Colonials at the battle of
+Bunker Hill: "Wait till you can see the whites in their eyes, boys!"
+He held himself back until he was positive that he could land a blow on
+that massive head of the prize bulldog.
+
+Whack!
+
+The wonder was that Andy did not crush the beast's skull in with the
+monkey wrench.  He surely would, had he struck with all his strength;
+but being afraid that if he missed connections he might lose his
+balance, and be seized by the brute, he only "tapped for a single," as
+he afterwards remarked.
+
+It staggered the beast at any rate, and drove him back a foot, stopping
+his onward rush.
+
+"Good! give him another like that, Andy!  I'm coming right along!"
+whooped Frank who had managed to lay hold on some sort of tool which he
+carried for emergencies, and was jumping forward as fast as he could
+move.
+
+The dog tried a second time to seize the daring boy in those cruel
+white fangs.  He presented a terrible sight just then; for there was
+blood showing on his white hair, where the edge of the monkey wrench
+had struck.
+
+"You will, will you?" gasped the boy, who had thrown himself into a
+position of readiness once more, with his novel weapon upraised.
+
+This time the dog tried to duck the descending blow.  Had his ruse been
+successful undoubtedly Andy would have found his ankle fast in the grip
+of those terrible teeth before he could recover.  But again he had
+figured on such a move; and as he swung the tool downward he jumped
+forward a pace himself.  It was "meeting the ball before the break
+came," as they would have it in baseball language.
+
+Crunch!
+
+That was surely a good sound crack.  The force had been visibly
+increased too, so that the brute was knocked completely over into a
+kicking heap.
+
+"Try it again, if you want to!" shouted the now aroused Andy.  "Plenty
+more like that left!  Hi! hold on there; what're you sneaking away for?
+Not had your fill yet, have you, pup?  I guess you've got a streak of
+yellow in you!  No prize dog about you.  Well, good-bye then.  Next
+time I call I'll try and do better by you!"
+
+The dog seemed half dazed by that last blow.  Struggling to its feet it
+began to run away, though hardly able to keep a direct course.
+
+Frank arrived on the scene just too late to be of any assistance; but
+then as it turned out, his cousin had not really needed help.
+
+"Well done, Andy, old fellow!" he exclaimed, proudly, as he seized the
+hand of his cousin, and shook it heartily.  "I'm glad to own you as a
+member of the Bird family.  And you're dead game on dogs, that's sure."
+
+"Oh! it was splendid!" exclaimed the girl and both boys now saw that
+she was a very pretty little miss, with sparkling blue eyes, and golden
+locks.  "I shall never, never forget how brave you were.  That terrible
+dog would have bitten me, I just know.  I was so silly to cross this
+field to save time."
+
+She insisted on shaking hands with each of the lads, though naturally
+it was Andy who took the greater share of her attention.
+
+Just then a loud hoarse voice broke in upon them.  Looking up they were
+surprised to see a big, rough looking man, evidently the farmer
+himself, coming toward them.  He carried a gun in his hands, and had
+all the appearance of anger in his manner.
+
+"Jest stand whar ye be, ye scamps!" he bellowed as he made threatening
+gestures with the gun.  "Don't ye try to run away, er I'll gie ye
+somethin' ye'll never furgit.  Maul my prize dawg, will ye, and on my
+own private groun's?  I got the law back o' me, and ye'll pay damages
+er go to jail.  Hear that, consarn ye?"
+
+Of course neither of the boys thought of running.  Why should they when
+their precious aeroplane lay there close at hand?  Evidently the
+excited farmer had not yet noticed this; or if so may have taken it for
+some new species of motorcycle.  His entire attention seemed to be
+wrapped up in keeping the boys from fleeing.  He was figuring on taking
+advantage of his rights, and exacting heavy toll for the assault on his
+"dawg."
+
+He came on until within ten feet of the boys.  Andy still held that
+useful monkey wrench in his left hand, having transferred it at the
+time the girl insisted on his taking her little white hand in his.
+
+The enraged and suspicious farmer must have just noticed this, for he
+suddenly started to bellowing again.
+
+"Put up your hands, both o' ye!" he exclaimed, waving the gun
+threateningly.  "Ye be desprite scoundrels, I take it, an' I don't mean
+to gi'e ye any chance to treat me like ye done my dawg.  Fifty dollars
+wouldn't buy that critter; an' like's not he won't never be any use
+arter this.  I'm goin' to march ye both to the town lockup, right away.
+Don't ye move a hand, consarn ye!"
+
+"Mr. Sweesey, how dare you?  These boys are my friends!" and as she
+uttered these words; in an indignant voice, the girl stamped her little
+foot on the ground.
+
+"Hey! what! oh! is thet you, Miss Alice?  Sho! now, I never knowed ye,
+Miss," the old man stammered, looking toward the girl for the first
+time.
+
+"I was coming to your house with an important paper my father asked me
+to hand you, when he heard me say I meant to take a long walk.  I
+crossed this field to make a shortcut, as I've often done before.  That
+terrible dog of yours was loose, although you have been warned against
+allowing it.  And he would have attacked me, only that these brave boys
+came to my assistance.  I shall tell my father about it, you can
+depend, sir."
+
+All the bravado had vanished from the farmer by now.  He seemed to
+fairly cringe before the girl.  Afterwards the boys learned that there
+was good reason for this, since her father was Mayor Stephens, the
+richest man in Hazenhurst, and the farmer a tenant who was forever
+behind in his rents, and heavily in the debt of the owner of the place.
+
+"I didn't mean to run 'em in, Miss Alice," he hastened to explain.  "I
+was just a-tryin' to skeer 'em, ye know.  I've had heaps o' trouble
+with boys from town, and in course I thought they was up to more o'
+their tricks.  Tige broke loose this mornin'.  But p'raps he got just
+what he orter hed from this brave boy.  I'm orful glad he didn't bite
+ye, Miss.  And I hopes ye won't complain to yer governor."
+
+"I'll think it over, Mr. Sweesey," replied the girl, somewhat softened
+by his abject demeanor.  "Here is the paper father wanted me to take to
+you.  I think I'd better be going back to town after this.  And I
+promise you I'll never again cross this field."
+
+She turned her back on him, and looked toward the biplane.
+
+"How wonderful that you should have come to my help in that way," she
+said.
+
+"Well, the fact is, Miss Alice," remarked Andy, quick to catch the name
+used by the old farmer, "we were on our way to Hazenhurst, meaning to
+drop down on the commons and give your people over here a chance to see
+what a biplane looked like, while my cousin Frank Bird was making a few
+little changes in this new machine; when we happened to see the dog
+chasing after you.  Then we dropped down in a big hurry; but
+fortunately no damage was done."
+
+"Oh! are you the famous Bird boys I've heard so much about?" she
+exclaimed; at which Andy turned red in the face, and laughing
+awkwardly, replied:
+
+"I'm Andy Bird, all right, and this is my cousin Frank, the head and
+brains of the combine; but as to our being famous, that's all a
+mistake.  We have taken up aviation as a business, and mean to follow
+it.  My father was a well-known aviator; so you see it runs in the
+blood.  You live in Hazenhurst, I suppose, Miss Alice?"
+
+And it was at this point the pretty girl informed them who she was.
+
+"Oh!  I hope you will stay long enough by the liberty pole for me to
+get back!" she observed, eagerly.
+
+Andy nodded his head.
+
+"Oh!  I can promise you that we're not going to be in any very great
+hurry to start back home.  Why, we might even have to wait a whole
+hour.  There are lots of little things to be done, you see;" and as he
+said this Andy gave his cousin a sly kick on the shin with his toe,
+which was apparently understood by Frank, since he did not venture to
+say a word in opposition to what had been spoken; though truth to tell,
+he believed ten minutes would have sufficed him to make what little
+changes he had in mind.
+
+"Then I'll start right away," Alice declared.  "And as I chance to be a
+good walker I will show up inside of fifteen minutes at the most."
+
+She shook hands with them again, and started toward the road.  The old
+farmer, with bulging eyes, watched the two lads get their biplane
+ready; and obeying Frank's request even gave a shove at the proper
+instant.  Then he stood there, craning his scrawny neck as he watched
+the great bird-like object soar upwards, hardly able to believe that he
+had actually assisted in the launching of one of the modern miracles
+that had conquered the forces of the upper air currents.
+
+Andy was watching, and as they sailed over the road where Miss Alice
+was trudging back to town he shouted a greeting, and waved his
+handkerchief, to be delighted by a return salute.
+
+"If I'd just dared, Frank," said Andy, regretfully, "I'd have offered
+to take her to town along with us; but I was afraid you'd say no."
+
+"Which I certainly would," replied his cousin, immediately.  "It may be
+all right for us to risk our lives in the way we do, but I don't
+believe we have any business to take chances with that of another,
+except under certain conditions.  If we had to take up some one to gave
+them from peril that would be all right.  Now, here we are at the
+commons, Andy."
+
+"Wow! look at the people rushing out of the houses," cried Andy, "would
+you?  I guess this is the biggest thing that's happened at Hazenhurst
+for a whole year of Sundays.  Hope they give us plenty of elbow-room to
+land.  If they push in too far, somebody is going to get hurt."
+
+Frank called out in time, and the crowd swayed back, so that presently
+the wonderful biplane dropped as lightly as a feather on the beautiful
+green commons, and close to the foot of the liberty pole.
+
+"Please keep back before you do any damage!" Frank exclaimed.
+
+Fortunately there were some sensible fellows present, who realized the
+need of care; and when these athletic young chaps had formed a ring
+around the aeroplane Frank breathed more freely again.
+
+He went about making his little changes leisurely, while Andy did most
+of the talking, and answering the multitude of questions that were
+fired at them.
+
+When the good people of Hazenhurst learned that these two modest young
+chaps were the Bird boys, of whom they had heard and read so much, they
+were loud in expressions of pleasure at welcoming them to the town.
+And when later on Andy told them of the contemplated race, they
+declared that everybody in Hazenhurst would surely be on hand to see
+the two contestants turn around the liberty pole.
+
+Of course Miss Alice arrived, even ahead of schedule time; which would
+indicate that she had indeed hurried.  And presently the boys were
+introduced to her father, and had to receive his hearty thanks after he
+learned how greatly the Stephens family were indebted to them.
+
+But Frank noticed with secret pleasure that the girl entered no
+complaint against the old farmer.  From which he understood she had
+come to the wise conclusion that a lot of good had sprung out of the
+chance meeting, that might never have happened only for Tige's breaking
+loose that morning.
+
+And later on, when the biplane arose gracefully from Hazenhurst green,
+a mighty roar of cheers attested to the fact that the Bird boys had
+succeeded in making a very favorable impression, not only on Miss Alice
+and her father, but the rank and file of the townspeople as well.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+THE MYSTERY STILL UNSOLVED
+
+"You fellows have been gone a long time!" observed Elephant,
+reproachfully, as the Bird boys came down in the open just before the
+workshop.
+
+"And I've had dinner ready nearly half an hour," complained Larry, as
+though in his mind their delay consisted of an unpardonable sin.
+
+"Sorry," smiled Frank, "but we found we had to land at the liberty pole
+in Hazenhurst, to do some little altering; and it was mighty hard work
+getting away again."
+
+Larry's sharp eyes caught the quick, quizzing look which the speaker
+shot toward his cousin.
+
+"Hey! be honest now, fellows," he said.  "There was a reason back of
+that holdup, I just know.  Look at Andy turning red, would you?
+Elephant, don't he look guilty now?  Tell us all about it, Frank.  Who
+is she; what's the name of the little witch?  We're from Missouri, and
+we want to know."
+
+"Oh! let up on that sort of soft stuff, won't you?" complained Andy.
+"Things have come to a pretty pass when a fellow can't just biff a
+measly old bulldog on the jaw, without having a romance made out of the
+thing."
+
+"A bulldog?" echoed Larry, grinning immediately.  "Listen to that,
+Elephant and Nat!  He's been having a fight with a terror of a dog.
+And believe me, Andy didn't hunt for trouble.  Tell us all about it,
+Frank.  Whose bulldog was it, and why did Andy tackle him?  Was he
+going to bite the pretty one?"
+
+Of course Frank had to tell the story, as soon as he could recover from
+the fit of laughing into which Larry's persistence had thrown him.
+Andy wandered away, as though his modesty forbade his remaining where
+he could hear his praises sung.  Perhaps he also disliked the idea of
+having those humorous eyes of Larry keep tabs on his telltale
+countenance while Frank was speaking of Alice, and of course remarking
+how very pretty the daughter of Hazenhurst's mayor happened to be.
+
+"But you say you left there at eleven," remarked Elephant, when the
+story had been completed.  "Then it took you all this time to get back
+here, did it?"
+
+"Shucks, no," replied Andy, who had now rejoined them, since the danger
+of quizzing seemed past.  "We tried for height, and managed to get up
+to a point that we only beat once with our old monoplane.  And this
+craft can do much better, Frank says."
+
+"We made as high a point as we dared," Frank said.  "It really got too
+cold, and we were shivering as if we'd been dropped into winter.  Next
+time we go after an altitude record for amateurs we'll make sure to
+have warmer clothes along, eh, Andy?"
+
+"We sure will," remarked that worthy, shivering at the recollection;
+and yet it was a hot July day; almost sweltering, in fact, where they
+now stood.
+
+Larry stepped over to the biplane, and bending down, glanced at the
+little instrument intended for recording the extreme height reached
+during a flight.  It could be set over again simply enough when the key
+was used to unlock the frame; this particular arrangement having been
+adopted in order that during a contest there could be no possible
+tampering with the barographs, the several keys to which would remain
+in the possession of the judges.
+
+"Hey! that's going some," Larry immediately called out.  "Ten thousand
+seven hundred feet is sure high, according to my notions.  I don't
+wonder you found it slightly chilly.  I've never been half that far up
+in all my life; and I've seen some big mountains, too.  What's the
+record, Frank?"
+
+"To tell the truth," the other replied, "I don't exactly know.  The
+last I saw recorded it was about fifteen thousand feet; but hardly a
+week passes without some new man forging to the front, and putting up
+another win."
+
+"Anything doing here while we were gone?" asked Andy, carelessly.
+
+"Lots," replied Larry, with a knowing grin.
+
+"Suppose you open up then, and tell us about it.  Been having visitors?"
+
+"How smart some people can be, eh, Elephant?  Hits it the very first
+guess," and Larry winked at his chum as he said this, purposely keeping
+Andy on the anxious seat.
+
+"Perhaps you've been butting up against some sort of bulldog, too?"
+suggested the other, quickly.
+
+"No such good luck, because the girls have kept away from here,"
+replied Larry.
+
+"Then it was Percy?" Andy persisted.
+
+Larry only shook his head in the negative; while Elephant took occasion
+to remark:
+
+"We saw him cutting all sorts of figures in the air with his new
+biplane.  And say, don't you forget it, Percy is some pilot.  He sure
+did skim around to beat the band.  You ain't going to have any
+walkover, Frank."
+
+"I understand that, Elephant," replied the other, soberly.  "And I'm
+the last one underrate a rival.  Percy is just as good as I am in this
+business.  His weakness lies in his spirit of recklessness; and giving
+way to temper when things seem to be going against him.  He may beat
+me; but he'll have to do his level best."
+
+"But looky here," Andy broke in.  "That ain't telling us who was here,
+Larry."
+
+"Guess again," answered the other, who liked to tease.
+
+"I just can't think of anybody; unless it might happen to be that
+meddling, mysterious Mr. Marsh again," and then, seeing the raised
+eyebrows of Larry admit that he had hit the nail on the head, Andy went
+on: "What d'ye think of that, Frank; the bump of curiosity is pretty
+big with that gentleman.  Now, what excuse did he have this time for
+invading our camp; and did he try to push into the shop like the last
+time he dropped around?"
+
+"I saw him looking all about a lot, and he seemed right interested in a
+heap of little things," Larry remarked.
+
+"Yes," put in Elephant, who did not like to hear his chum do all the
+talking.  "Lots of times he'd turn to the other chap, and nod his head
+or wink his eye, just like he wanted to say: 'There! what did I tell
+you, Longley; wasn't I right?'"
+
+"Oh! he did, eh?" grumbled Andy, shaking his own head in an angry
+fashion; "well, all I can say is, that Mr. Marsh'd better keep his nose
+away from places where it ain't wanted.  He's just after something
+slick, Frank.  He means to steal some of your clever ideas, that's
+what."
+
+But Frank was not so easily convinced.  He believed in hearing all he
+could before making up his mind.
+
+"Look here, Larry," he said, earnestly, "he must have given some sort
+of an excuse for coming out here again, didn't he?"
+
+"More than a few, Frank," was the other's prompt reply.
+
+"As what?" continued the young aviator.
+
+"Oh! he kept on saying he was so much interested in you fellers that he
+just couldn't continue his vacation tour without seeing more of you.
+In town they're talking already about the race that's going to take
+place between you and the other biplane; make up your mind Percy was
+the one to scatter the news, and spread his boasts about how he's going
+to make you look like thirty cents.  And Mr. Marsh, he just wanted to
+know if it was so, and all about the same; because he says he means to
+hang around Bloomsbury till that event is pulled off."
+
+"Hear that, Frank, will you?" burst out Andy.  "Told you he was a spy
+of some kind.  Perhaps Mr. Marsh expects to spring a neat little
+surprise just before we start in that bully old race.  Mebbe he's got a
+few cards up his sleeve.  Mebbe he wants to stop us from starting, and
+claim we're using a device that is patented by the firm that employs
+him.  Anyhow, he's bound to give us trouble."
+
+Apparently Frank was not in the same anxious and worried frame of mind
+as his cousin.  He paid no attention to what Andy was saying, but went
+on questioning the one who had been in camp, and talked with the
+gentleman in question.
+
+"What other reason did he give for coming out here?" he asked.
+
+"Oh! let's see," Larry, replied, slowly, as though thinking.
+"Elephant, he mentioned the fact that he had heard something of our
+little circus last night, didn't he; and wanted to hear the truth about
+the arrest of Jules?"
+
+"Yes, and even told us that Mr. Longley was connected with a big New
+York newspaper, an editor or something, and wanted to wire the truth
+down to his office," Elephant added.
+
+"I wonder if that was a yarn, now?" remarked doubting Andy.
+
+"Oh! well, he did take a lot of notes down in shorthand, while the lot
+of us kept on telling all about the coming of Jules," Larry went on.
+
+"I hope you didn't stretch things too much," Frank remarked, knowing
+that this was really a failing of Larry's, especially when relating the
+exploits of any of his chums, rather than his own adventures.
+
+"Now, that's mean of you, Frank, to suspect me of yarning," protested
+the other.  "I just hewed as straight to the line as I could.  Elephant
+here, and Nat, tried to widen things every little while; but I wouldn't
+have it.  When you read the story you'll see how Truthful Larry talked."
+
+Frank smiled at the idea of poor Stuttering Nat being drawn into the
+mess; when the chances were he could not have said even one word with
+two such ready and willing talkers close by.
+
+"How am I ever going to read about it?" he inquired.
+
+"Why, you see, Mr. Longley promised to have some papers with the
+interview in, mailed to me as soon as it appeared, which would be
+tomorrow morning.  Said it was a dandy piece of news, didn't he,
+fellows?  And thanked me ever so many times for my extremely modest way
+of telling it."
+
+Elephant had a wide grin on his face about this time, and Frank could
+draw his own conclusions as to just what the gentleman really did say.
+
+"Well, I must say that Mr. Marsh puzzles me right along," he remarked.
+"And all I hope is, that when we come to learn the truth about him it
+isn't some unpleasant surprise he means to fling us."
+
+"He acted mighty nice, anyhow," remarked Elephant.
+
+"And that's a fact, ain't it, Nat?" remarked Larry, turning to the
+stutterer.
+
+Possibly Nat had been preparing for his little speech, and shaped his
+lips so as to give utterance to the few words promptly; for he
+astonished them all by calmly remarking, with not a trace of hesitation:
+
+"It sure is; there, how's that?"
+
+"Bully!  Keep it up, and you'll be all hunky!" ejaculated Larry.
+
+"But see here, how about that grub?" demanded Andy, suddenly
+remembering that it was now one o'clock, and that they had eaten an
+early breakfast.
+
+"Wow! the chances are it's all burned up!" cried Elephant, making a
+bee-line for the door of the shop; in which rush he was followed by all
+the others.
+
+But Larry was too good a cook to leave his dinner exposed to any such
+danger.  Before he went outdoors he had moved everything back on the
+stove; so that when the five hungry lads finally sat down they found
+every article just right.
+
+While they ate, many questions flew back and forth.  Larry wanted to
+know more particulars about that little affair with the dog, and just
+how Andy knocked the savage beast headlong with that handy monkey
+wrench; also what Miss Alice looked like; whether she had black eyes,
+or blue; and so many other things in connection with the dainty little
+miss that Andy begged Frank to seal his lips, because their comrade was
+only doing this for a lark.
+
+Frank on his part was not wholly satisfied with what he had heard
+concerning the new attempt of the mysterious tourist to pry into his
+affairs.  He every little while would spring some new question, which
+Larry answered to the best of his ability.  Evidently Frank was trying
+to discover the real motives actuating Mr. Marsh when he so suddenly
+decided to remain around Bloomsbury a few days, and made such a lame
+excuse for so doing.
+
+The balance of the afternoon was passed as usual.  Frank and Andy went
+up again along about four o'clock, everything being favorable for an
+ascent.  It was the desire of the young pilot to ascertain just what
+effect the several little changes he had made would have upon his
+mastery of the biplane.
+
+Evidently they gave him more or less solid satisfaction; since, when
+the time came for a final landing, with the westering sun throwing
+almost horizontal beams upon the aviation field before dropping beyond
+the trees, Frank had a smile on his face, and Andy looked more pleased
+than ever.
+
+So another night came around, on which at least they need not fear a
+repetition of the escaped convict's visit.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+THE RIVAL AVIATORS
+
+"It's what I call a blooming shame, that's what!" declared Andy.
+"Here's the day of the big race come along, and it's within an hour of
+the time set for the start from Bloomsbury high school campus; and the
+measly old weatherman has to dole us out a 'probable rain' sign.  Going
+to upset all our calculations sure; and disappoint all those fine
+people over in Hazenhurst."
+
+"That's where the shoe pinches, Frank," spoke up Larry.  "He's just
+thinking about one pretty little girl who will be waiting to wave her
+handkerchief when the hero of the bulldog scrap comes whizzing around
+that old liberty pole."
+
+"Am I?" demanded Andy, indignantly.  "Just you take a look yonder at
+the western horizon, and tell me what you see there?"
+
+"A low down bank of clouds, that's a fact, Andy," replied the other,
+candidly.  "But only for this race business you wouldn't take any
+particular notice of that same.  You remember it looked just as bad the
+other day, and petered out without ever giving us a drop of rain."
+
+"Yes, that's so, Larry," observed Frank.  "I've been watching those
+clouds for some little while now.  They don't seem to be climbing up,
+as far as I could see."
+
+"But I sure saw a little something right then, that may have been
+lightning," put in Elephant.
+
+"I reckon you did," Frank admitted, "for I saw it, too.  One thing
+sure, there's going to be no trial for elevation today.  Nothing could
+tempt me to bore up thousands of feet, with a dark storm threatening
+below.  Even if we escaped the wind, we might be kept up there until
+night came on."
+
+"Excuse me, if you please," remarked Andy, with a shudder.  "It's bad
+enough up there on a bright, sunshiny day, let alone night, with a
+storm howling below.  The judges won't allow of such a thing.  We'll
+put off altitude until a better day."
+
+"Percy will be mad, though," said Elephant.  "He just hates to give in;
+and if they let him have his way he'd defy you to make the trial, no
+matter what the weather."
+
+"Well, that's why I made sure there were sensible men on the jury
+that's going to decide this race," Frank remarked, confidently.  "I
+happened to remember what a hot-head Percy is.  While I'm ready to meet
+him in any reasonable test, to prove which of our aeroplanes is the
+better, I don't want to act like a crazy aviator.  There's danger
+enough, goodness knows, at the best, without taking chances that no
+sensible person would consider."
+
+"Is everything all ready, Frank?" asked the other Bird boy.
+
+"I believe so.  Wait till I lock the shop, and then we'll take a little
+spin before heading for the campus, just to warm the engine up."
+
+"There's nothing lying around, is there?" asked Andy, anxiously; "in
+case a fellow took a notion to break in here while the circus is on in
+town, and everybody interested in our biplanes?"
+
+"I've made sure of that," smiled his cousin; adding significantly: "I
+suppose you're thinking of Mr. Marsh right now?"
+
+"That's who I am," came the prompt reply.  "Don't you see how he would
+have loads of time to get in and rummage around, while all of us were
+off--even Colonel Josiah is bound to be at the high school building
+this p. m.  Perhaps Mr. Marsh had that game in mind when he asked so
+many questions about the race."
+
+"Oh! you suspicious chap," laughed Frank.  "But rest easy, Andy, Mr.
+Marsh could look a long while through here without discovering any sign
+of my experiments; or at any rate, what success I had met with in the
+same.  If he goes to all the trouble to get into the shop he'll have
+his work for nothing."
+
+"And I'm going to make it a point to keep an eye out for that same
+gent," declared Larry, positively; "and if he vanishes from the campus
+just you make up your mind your Uncle Larry will be camping on his
+trail.  I'd just like to see him breaking into a private building, no
+matter if it is only the workshop of two boys.  Let him try it, if he
+wants to see what nice quarters Chief Waller has in the Bloomsbury
+lockup.  You hear me?"
+
+"After you give us the shove-off, boys, get on your wheels and hike for
+the campus.  We expect you to be there to start us in the race.
+Something depends on a clever get-away, you know," Frank observed, as
+he locked the door, and put the key in his pocket.
+
+A short time later the biplane rose swiftly, like a hawk that had been
+startled, and began to mount upward in gigantic circles, the faithful
+little Kinkaid engine throbbing with the regularity of heart beats.
+
+As directed, no sooner had Larry, Elephant and Nat seen the Bird boys
+well off, than they mounted their waiting wheels, brought over for this
+especial purpose, and started for town.
+
+Anybody could see without trouble that Bloomsbury was in the throes of
+a tremendous excitement that afternoon.  People abandoned their houses
+in crowds, and flocked toward the campus of the high school, which
+seemed to be the hub of a vast wheel, the squads of citizens taking the
+part of spokes, all headed toward the common center.
+
+And nearly everybody seemed to be turning around, to observe the
+biplane which was plainly visible, as Frank and Andy warmed the engine
+up for speedy use.  All sorts of remarks reached the three boys, as
+they slackened their pace, once inside the limits of the town.  The
+vast majority of the crowds seemed to be in favor of the Bird boys;
+though of course there were some who sympathized with the opposition;
+not because they cared so very much for Percy and Sandy, as of a desire
+to be on the other side of the fence.  Some boys are built that way.
+They call it "taking the weaker part" but in reality it is a spirit of
+contrariness that pushes them on.
+
+And when they reached the vicinity of the campus Larry and his comrades
+were astonished to see the multitude that had gathered to witness the
+novel event.  All sorts of vehicles were parked in the nearby side
+streets, from big touring cars, and little electrics, to farm wagons;
+and even a hayrick, on which a dozen country people had ridden some ten
+miles, with a desire to witness the miracle of the twentieth century,
+the flying boys of Bloomsbury.
+
+"Oh! my! where do they all come from?" gasped Elephant, as he looked
+around at the sea of faces.
+
+"Thank goodness," remarked Larry, "Chief Waller is on deck with all his
+force, to keep the crowds back.  Only for that how would the aeroplanes
+ever get started?"
+
+"L-l-look y-y-yonder!" said Stuttering Nat, pointing, as he stood
+beside his wheel.  "T-t-there he is, f-f-fellows!"
+
+"You mean the mysterious Mr. Marsh?" echoed Larry.  "So I see, and his
+friend the great editor is with him too.  If I get a chance to have a
+few words with that Mr. Longley I'm going to ask him just why it is we
+haven't received a copy of his paper containing the account of Jules'
+capture.  He didn't keep his promise to me, and I don't like that way
+of doing things."
+
+"There's Percy with his biplane over yonder, holding a levee," remarked
+Elephant.
+
+"He looks as happy as a clam," said Larry.  "You know his way, fellows?
+Ten to one he's dead sure he's got this race clinched already.  See him
+shake hands with Bessie Clinton!  I can just guess how he's saying what
+he means to do to Frank and Andy.  Huh!" finishing his sentence with a
+snort of disgust.
+
+"The feller that crows last crows loudest," observed Elephant.
+
+"Well, you ain't got that just correct, Elephant," remarked Larry,
+letting his frown disappear in a grin; "but it means the same thing
+anyhow.  Let's find a place to stack our wheels, and get around.  The
+Chief will let us go inside the lines, for he knows we belong to
+Frank's crowd, and are needed in the push-off."
+
+Just as Larry had said the big police head met them with a warm smile
+of welcome.  His sympathies were positively with the Bird boys, though
+he would do his duty impartially as he saw it.  But Larry and his
+friends had brought him a piece of rare good luck in the capture of the
+escaped convict, and for this alone the Chief had a warm feeling in his
+big heart for them all.
+
+Presently a cry went up.
+
+"They're coming!  The Bird boys are headed this way, fellows!  Get back
+everybody, and give 'em plenty of room to land!  Move back!  Make way
+there!"
+
+The police assisted in driving the dense crowds still farther away from
+the open campus, where the aeroplane would be likely to drop under
+Frank's clever manipulation of the levers.
+
+It happened that the big campus of the high school was entirely
+destitute of trees, being in reality a wide field, on which many of the
+town sports took place from time to time.  In this way it offered a
+very good starting point for an affair of this sort.
+
+Every sound was hushed as the biplane circled the field, like a bird
+seeking a favorable spot on which to alight.  Then Frank headed
+straight for the vacant place, left on purpose for the second aeroplane.
+
+When he landed and, after running a short distance on the green, came
+to a full stop, a storm of cheers broke out.  Evidently the Bird boys
+had a host of warm adherents among the attendant crowds.
+
+Frank did not allow himself to pay the least attention to the shouting
+lookers-on.  They would never see him bowing and scraping before the
+race had even been started, like Percy had done.  Time enough for all
+that later on.
+
+"Look at him, would you?" said Larry, indignantly, as he joined the
+young aviators.  "Percy thinks all that shouting was for him.  See him
+waving his hand and laughing!  Why, he's being crowned with the wreath
+of victor already, in imagination!  Bah! he makes me tired, that's
+what!"
+
+"Don't pay any attention to him, Larry," smiled Frank.  "I think he
+does that on purpose to make some of us mad.  Percy generally has a
+reason in everything he does.  He's a sly one.  It seems to give him a
+heap of pleasure, and I'm sure it doesn't hurt us one little bit.  Let
+him have his fun."
+
+"Well, perhaps he's smart enough to know this is the only chance he'll
+get to listen to the cheers," remarked Andy, grimly; "for when the game
+is over Percy is only going to be found among the 'also rans'!"
+
+"That's it," crowed Larry, gleefully.
+
+But Frank said nothing.  If he believed that he would have an easy
+thing of it, and leave his rival far in the lurch, he gave no
+expression to such views.
+
+"Here come the judges," remarked Elephant; "and they're going to
+explain just what the conditions of the race will be.  Yes, Percy has
+quit laughing.  He looks sober enough right now.  Listen to what Judge
+Perrine says, fellows."
+
+The judge had gained a spot between the rival biplanes, where he could
+be easily heard.  Then he started to explain just what the committee
+having the race in charge had decided the rules should be.
+
+In the first place, he remarked, it would be utterly suicidal for the
+young aviators to think of trying for height on such a threatening day.
+That would be left until the second afternoon, to be settled then, if
+both parties were agreed.
+
+After that he went on to state how points were to be given for expert
+management of the aeroplane, as seen from the start and return; also
+for speed.  The time of reaching the liberty pole at Hazenhurst was to
+be taken there by a member of the committee sent over for that purpose.
+After leaving that town the rival biplanes were to circle the peak of
+Old Thunder Top three times, and last of all make a landing on the
+campus.
+
+"Any questions, either of you, before the word is given to start?"
+asked the gentleman in charge of arrangements, after he had finished
+reading his rules.
+
+Neither of the contestants evidently had anything to ask.  They knew
+what they had to do only too well; and both were like restive horses,
+awaiting the tap of the bell, or the crack of the pistol, to be off on
+the jump.
+
+That vast crowd surged and swayed, everybody wishing to see the start,
+which would prove a novel sight to many of the country people at least.
+Once the aeroplanes had soared aloft, their flight could be watched
+without trouble.
+
+Frank and Andy had mounted to their places; and an air of expectancy
+hung over the broad campus.  After they had left the earth it would be
+a straightaway course for both contestants in the direction of
+Hazenhurst.
+
+"Are you ready?" asked the starter, in loud voice.
+
+Both replied in the affirmative.
+
+"Then go!" and with the words the judge fired a pistol into the air.
+
+Instantly the whirr of the motors was heard, and with a rush along the
+ground the contesting biplanes started upon the long race!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE RACE WITH THE STORM
+
+It seemed to most of the thousands of lookers-on as though both
+biplanes left the green at the same instant.  And as they speedily
+soared upward it was impossible for any one among those left behind to
+positively decide whether either one of the rivals had the slightest
+lead.
+
+Of course a hurricane of shouts had broken loose the very second there
+came a forward movement.  It was as though the repressed enthusiasm of
+the vast throng had refused longer to remain bottled up, and just had
+to find a vent.
+
+Still that volume of sound would prove but a shadow to the wild
+outburst by which the ultimate victor might expect to be greeted when
+he came in later on.
+
+Frank saw that his rival was right there alongside when they had sped
+swiftly over what might be five miles; and it took very few minutes to
+accomplish this part of the race, too.
+
+"He's holding us, Frank!" shouted Andy, nervously.
+
+"I know it; don't let that worry you!" was the composed reply he
+received.
+
+"But why don't you let go, and eat up ahead?" demanded the other again,
+presently, when he had kept watching the progress of the second
+biplane, and calculating the distance between them.
+
+Truth to tell Andy was so suspicious of Percy that he felt a constant
+dread lest the other might play some dastardly trick, meaning to thus
+gain an advantage.  Of course no one could guess what the nature of
+this game might be; but he had the reputation of being a "slick one,"
+and among boys that signifies a fellow who never hesitates to apply
+mean tactics rather than accept a square "beat."
+
+In that case the sooner they put on a spurt, and left their rival
+behind, the better Andy would like it.
+
+"I'm waiting to study his way of doing things first," Frank answered,
+as steadily as though they were seated in the shop, discussing
+arrangements.  "Just hold your horses a bit, and we'll start something.
+I'm nearly ready to begin showing what our new engine can do."
+
+So the impatient Andy had to keep his eagerness in check, although his
+very heart seemed to be eating itself with suspense.
+
+Then he caught a quick breath.  Frank moved his hand clutching the
+speed lever.  They had immediately commenced to increase their forward
+motion to a perceptible extent.
+
+Anxiously did Andy glue his eyes on the other aeroplane, and for a
+brief time he seemed to almost hold his breath as he watched to see
+whether they would leave it behind, with Percy desperately endeavoring
+to copy their spurt.
+
+Looking thus he had seen Percy instantly imitate the action of the
+other, proving that he too had been keeping a little extra speed in
+reserve.  And as the minutes passed Andy failed to discover the
+slightest difference in the relative positions of the two airships.
+
+"Frank, it didn't go!" he cried, with beads of perspiration on his
+forehead; due, not to the heat of the afternoon, for they were making
+lots of circulation in the stagnant air by their rapid progress; but
+because of intense emotion.
+
+"That's so, Andy," replied the pilot; "but perhaps a second time it may
+be more successful!"
+
+"Oh! have you any more held back, then?" asked Andy, in a trembling
+voice, from which he could not however keep out the tone of joy.
+
+"A little.  Wait till we are two-thirds of the way there, and then
+watch out!"
+
+They talked no more.  It was difficult, to say the least, when going at
+such a frightful pace through the air.  Andy divided his time watching
+first the near-by aeroplane, which Percy was so skillfully guiding
+toward the haven ahead; and then turning his attention towards the
+western sky.
+
+That low bank of clouds had commenced to move upward now.  Yes, and
+when Andy looked, he could see the sudden wicked gleam of the zigzag
+lightning as it shot athwart the black masses.
+
+No doubt he experienced a certain amount of anxiety concerning the
+coming of that summer storm.  It would be only natural that he should;
+for if the aeroplanes were ever caught in the sweep of the furious
+tornado they would be as straws, to be toppled over and over to the
+ground far below.
+
+But the fever of the race had full possession of Andy by now; and even
+given a chance to descend it is doubtful whether he would have availed
+himself of it.
+
+Perhaps the storm would hold off long enough to allow them to complete
+the conditions of the event.  And, anyway, so long as Percy chose to
+take the chances, it must not be for them to give up, and let him crow
+over them by finishing alone.
+
+Was Frank affected in the same way as his cousin?  Perhaps, to some
+extent; but he would have welcomed a proposition from Percy looking to
+the calling off of the contest to another and better day.  If no such
+bail came Frank might deem it his duty to keep on.
+
+Now they were approaching Hazenhurst; that is, they could easily see
+the many houses of the town; and the commons near the center.
+
+"Another big crowd waiting there to see us turn the liberty pole,"
+ventured Andy, who had been using the glasses a brief time before,
+perhaps in the vague hope of being able to discover a certain
+fluttering handkerchief among the waving hundreds, that had a familiar
+face behind it.
+
+"I guess it's about time we took the lead, if we can," observed Frank.
+
+He had no sooner spoken these words than Andy felt the sudden change of
+pace; for it seemed to him that the biplane actually jumped forward.
+When he heard loud shouts of rage and chagrin from the direction of the
+other aeroplane he did not need to be told that Percy had no further
+speed to let loose; and that he recognized the fact of sure defeat
+staring him in the face, unless fortune proved kind, and brought about
+some accident to Frank's machine.
+
+If what Percy must be wishing in his heart just then could only be
+realized, no doubt the leading biplane would crumple up, and drop to
+the ground like a crippled bird.
+
+But no such event came to pass.  Frank continued to slowly but steadily
+gain on his competitor.  He knew that undoubtedly Percy was trying, by
+every means possible, to increase the power of his engine, already
+taxed to the utmost limit.
+
+"How is it now?" asked Frank, as they began to gradually descend, so as
+to get within the proper distance from the earth at the time they made
+the sweep around the liberty pole.
+
+"Still gaining a foot at a time!" shouted the exultant Andy; who
+thought things could hardly have been better for him, if they were
+allowed to pass around that stake with their rival trailing in the
+rear--for surely _she_ would see him there in the limelight, and he was
+eager to pick Miss Alice out of those many hundreds gathered to cheer
+the plucky air navigators on their way.
+
+Now they could hear the hoarse shouts that arose.  All Hazenhurst had
+apparently gathered for this grand spectacle of man conquering the air.
+It was an inspiring sight; and while the younger element cheered madly,
+the older people gazed in sheer awe at seeing what, most of them had up
+to now, doubted could ever come to pass.
+
+Frank was keenly awake to everything.  He did not mean to make any
+mistake at this critical moment.  It was the part of wisdom to circle
+around the liberty pole at quite a little distance.  Likely enough
+Percy would be more reckless, and cut in closer, hoping in that way to
+make up a little of his lost ground.  Very well, let him, if so be he
+chose to take chances.
+
+The Bird boys had the better machine, there could now be no doubt of
+that in Frank's mind.  And as they had been able to gain while on the
+forward leg, the same conditions could be made to prevail when on the
+homeward stretch.
+
+One thing alone troubled Frank.  He realized that it was folly in them
+to think of carrying out the part of the conditions that called for
+three circles around the peak of Old Thunder Top before heading for the
+high school campus on the last stage of the race.
+
+And after they were well on the way toward home, he meant to hail Percy
+to propose that they combine to cut that risky part of the performance
+out.  A joint agreement would settle it; and doubtless the judges would
+hail that decision as the part of prudence.  Human lives were worth
+more than empty honors; and while the gathered thousands might be
+cheated out of a thrilling sight as they stood and looked toward
+far-off Thunder Top, still few would complain.
+
+Would Percy agree?
+
+That was where Frank felt doubtful.  He knew the nature of the other
+only too well.  Perhaps Percy would flaunt it in his face that he was a
+coward!  Possibly he would declare that as for him, he meant to circle
+the mountain top those three times no matter if the storm did catch
+him; and having done his duty, would snatch the victory from his
+weak-hearted rival.
+
+Now the liberty pole loomed up half a mile ahead.  But the next clap of
+thunder was certainly louder than any preceding one had been.  Still,
+the storm would be behind them in heading for home, and hence they
+might keep ahead of it, if only they did not dally in the neighborhood
+of Old Thunder Top.
+
+Frank had settled down to the proper distance from the ground.  Having
+been here before he knew whether any obstacle would present itself in
+making that swoop around the tall mast.  Not for a single instant must
+he allow his eyes to leave the object of his flight.  Andy could
+observe what was transpiring below but to the young pilot of the
+biplane his only recollection would be a hazy one of a multitude of
+upturned faces, a wilderness of fluttering handkerchiefs and flags
+together with hats thrown into the air; and the whole accompanied by
+stentorian cheers from thousands of throats.
+
+With scarcely any perceptible slackening of his fearful speed the
+leading aviator swept in a graceful curve around the big liberty pole;
+and having made the complete circuit, once more headed off toward
+distant Bloomsbury, with the gathering storm grumbling and growling in
+the rear.
+
+Andy was happy for the moment; and he thought he had good reason to be.
+In the first place, they had met Percy going in, while they were coming
+out; though Frank had wisely given his reckless rival plenty of
+swinging room, not wishing to have a head-on collision.  Then again,
+Andy had positively caught sight of that pretty rosy countenance that
+he had seen pale with fear the other day, at the time he stood between
+Miss Alice and that savage bulldog.
+
+Yes, she was there, just where she had promised to be, with the mayor
+alongside; and how her dainty little handkerchief did wave to and fro,
+when the daring Bird boys were making their circuit of the liberty pole!
+
+Gradually the shouts of the enthusiastic Hazenhurst people grew fainter
+in the distance; for when going at the rate of a mile a minute it does
+not take long to lose even such a vast volume of sound.
+
+Frank determined to put the little plan he had in mind into practice.
+Better speak to Percy while the opportunity was still open.  So he
+slowed down just a trifle.
+
+"Frank, they're gaining!" shrilled Andy, in new alarm.
+
+"I want them to," answered the other.  "I cut off some of our speed on
+purpose to let him come up where I can shout out to him."
+
+The second biplane was now close alongside.  Andy could see the faces
+of those aboard, and noted the fact that they were flushed with the new
+hope that Frank had shot his bolt, and that his engine was now going
+back on him.
+
+Waiting until the other was on about even terms Frank called out as
+loudly as he could.
+
+"Hello!  Percy!"
+
+"Well, what d'ye want?" came back the surly answer.
+
+"Don't you think it's next door to foolish for us to head up to the
+peak with that storm coming swooping after us?  Suppose we make
+straight for the campus, and call that a race?  Another day we can fix
+it to make the try over again."
+
+Frank was very doubtful even while shouting this proposition; and just
+as he feared, Percy chose to look upon it as a sign of weakening.
+
+"You can do what you please," he called back, with a shrill laugh, "I
+know that I'm going around the top my three times.  If you're afraid,
+back down, and make for the town.  We'll see who's got the most nerve
+right now.  Get that?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+A TERRIBLE MOMENT ON OLD THUNDER TOP.
+
+That settled it!
+
+Andy had been holding in his breath while this short conversation was
+being held between the rival pilots of the aircraft, with voices raised
+to shouts.
+
+"Are you going to give it up, Frank?" he questioned anxiously, as the
+other once more let his new Kinkaid engine out to its utmost, so that
+they began to forge to the front again.
+
+Frank hardly knew what to do.  Prudence dictated that he decline to
+risk his life and that of his cousin in such a foolhardy attempt to
+fulfill the conditions of the race.  And yet he did hate most
+unmercifully to show the white feather.  What lad with red blood in his
+veins does not?  And then there was Andy, who, seeing his state of
+wavering uncertainty, began to plead with him to try the thing.
+
+"Frank, don't let 'em crow over us!" he went on, the fever still in his
+blood.  "We can do it, all right, you know.  It'd only take a few
+minutes to wheel around that bald old peak three times; and then a long
+dip will carry us clear to the campus.  Frank, head for Old Thunder
+Top!  Show him he ain't the only Bloomsbury aviator that's got nerve!"
+
+And so Frank decided.  Possibly he might regret his choice when it was
+too late; but having taken the jump, he began to gradually rise, so as
+to get on a level with the high peak.
+
+"He's right after us, Frank!" commented Andy, seeking by that means to
+keep the determination of his cousin from growing slack.
+
+"So is the storm!" thought Frank, as he realized that already some of
+the advance couriers of the cloud bank had raced up, and were even then
+around them.
+
+Sitting there, with his teeth pressed firmly together, Frank realized
+that by deciding on accepting the challenge Percy had so scornfully
+thrown to him, he had indeed taken big chances.
+
+Would they ever live to finish that race; or must the wind, when it
+finally bore down upon them, send both aeroplanes, together with their
+occupants, to a terrible fate far below?
+
+It was now too late to change his course.  And besides, Frank was not
+even at this moment fully ready to throw up the sponge.  Perhaps the
+storm would kindly hold off a little longer, as sometimes happened, and
+give them a fair chance to go around the peak of the bald mountain
+thrice before heading for home.
+
+"Hang the old clouds!" cried Andy.  "The folks won't be able to follow
+us around each time.  And if Percy chooses to turn tail, and cut for
+home, declaring that he did the bend three times who's going to prove
+it a lie, tell me?"
+
+"Oh, some of them have fine glasses, and you may be sure they're on us
+about every second.  They'd get his number, all right; just let him try
+some of that funny business, that's all," Frank replied.
+
+Andy said no more.  Truth to tell, the conditions surrounding them were
+by now beginning to look fearfully desperate, with those billowing
+clouds at times shutting out all view of the earth so far below.
+
+Frank had only eyes for the rocky top of the mountain, though he knew
+that he must presently also keep constant watch for the rival
+aeroplane; for Percy might elect to pass around the other way, there
+being no stipulated course about it; and in that event there was always
+the chance of a collision.
+
+When racing such a reckless fellow, one had to make his eyes do double
+duty, as Frank Bird had learned long ago.
+
+He could see the pair of white-headed eagles soaring around the top of
+the mountain, as though glorying in the battle of Nature's forces that
+was so soon to be opened.  Frank inwardly wished they were as capable
+of finding shelter as those sagacious birds.
+
+"Watch out for the other biplane, Andy!" he called, in the ear of his
+chum, as he started on his first circuit around Old Thunder Top.
+
+His last words were fairly drowned in a peal of thunder, that seemed to
+announce the near approach of the gale.  Even then there was possibly
+time for them to have made Bloomsbury, had they been content with just
+one spin around the bald knob of the great rocky height.  But the
+conditions of the race said three; and Percy meant to hold them to the
+letter of the contract.
+
+Frank well knew that far away in the home town anxious hearts were
+beating, as loving eyes kept glued to the fieldglasses--he could easily
+understand that not a few among the applauding spectators would ten
+thousand times rather the race were lost than that these terrible
+chances were taken.  Yet he had started, and there could be no help for
+it now, however much he would have liked to give the thing up.
+
+Doubtless others were admiring the pluck shown; but then these had no
+personal interest in the lives of the young adventurers.
+
+They had now finished the first circuit and were starting on the
+second.  Under normal conditions it would have been next to nothing to
+Frank to guide his biplane around the head of Old Thunder Top twice
+more.  But with such dreadful surroundings it required all the nerve of
+which he could boast not to turn and shoot downward after making that
+initial circuit.
+
+The clouds were beginning to scurry around them now, showing that the
+wind was arriving.  Frank knew this when he once more started around
+the peak, for he met it head on.
+
+This meant another peril.  He had to keep his wits fully about him,
+lest a sudden flaw tilt the biplane over.  And it was at that moment of
+uncertainty that the young aviator had reason to rejoice because of
+that new device under the aeroplane whereby an automatic balance was
+maintained between the planes.
+
+Birdmen who have attempted to show their ability to manage an aeroplane
+close to a big city like New York claim that their greatest danger
+arises from the numerous gusts of wind that come out of the deep
+canyons formed by the skyscraper buildings.
+
+"There they go!" screeched Andy, suddenly.
+
+Frank received something of a start, for the other aeroplane shot past
+not more than thirty feet away from the tip of his port plane.  It had
+been a narrow escape from a calamity that might have cost all their
+lives; for Percy, for some unaccountable reason, had chosen to pass
+around the summit of Old Thunder Top in just the opposite way from that
+they had taken.
+
+How foolhardy to keep this up!  It was next door to madness, Frank
+concluded.  He was determined to have nothing more to do with it, but
+give over the idea of fulfilling the conditions of the race.
+
+Was it too late to think of making the home town?  Would the hovering
+gale swoop down on them when half way, and in the twinkling of an eye
+wind up their mortal careers?
+
+Frank had learned his lesson.  He was grimly determined that if good
+fortune allowed him to get out of this scrape alive he would never
+again allow himself to be tempted into a thing that he positively knew
+to be rash beyond all description.
+
+But it might be too late now.  The storm would soon come riding along
+with a rush and a roar.  Sorry, indeed, the frail aeroplane caught in
+its merciless grip.  A handful of straw would not be scattered more
+quickly by the onrushing blast than the pitiful frame that went to make
+up the imitation bird.
+
+Even the eagles had mounted higher out of reach of the storm; or else
+sought some snug retreat among the rocks, where they could bid it
+defiance; at any rate had utterly lost all sight of the king birds.
+
+But where was Bloomsbury?  How would he know which way to turn, when
+desirous of fleeing before the threatening storm?  The clouds had
+gathered in such force that it was now utterly impossible to see the
+earth far below.  And how pitiful to think of those two little
+aeroplanes isolated so far away from any shelter.
+
+At such a time it behooved one to do his thinking quickly.  Andy was
+really of no use just then, for he had become really frightened by the
+darkness gathering around them; realizing at last what folly it had
+been in accepting that dare on the part of reckless Percy.  So Frank
+knew that he must depend entirely upon himself, if he yet hoped to
+escape the consequence of their rashness.
+
+Another thought flashed across the active mind of Frank Bird just then.
+Would it be possible for them to alight on the summit of Old Thunder
+Top?  And even granted that such a difficult feat might be safely
+engineered, could they find any way of staying there while the storm
+raged?
+
+He made up his mind on the spur of the moment.  It was simply madness
+to think of shooting downward now.  The storm hung low, and most of its
+violence would be apt to pass by beneath the height marking that lofty
+crown.  Yes, the safest thing for them in the long run would be to land
+on the rock, as they had done several times before, and then seek to
+save their lives, no matter what became of the biplane.
+
+Money would purchase another aeroplane; but money could never restore a
+lost life.  So Frank reduced the speed at which he was rushing around
+the top of the rocky mountain.
+
+If the wind would only hold back another minute he believed he would be
+able to make it.  But Andy must know, for he would have to hold himself
+ready to jump at the proper second, so as to stop the fluttering air
+craft before it went beyond the further edge.
+
+At least one thing was in his favor as he turned back to make the
+second circuit, as Andy believed; the air currents were from the west,
+and they faced them now; hence the biplane was in the proper shape to
+effect a landing; birds almost invariably drop to earth facing the
+breeze, and not with it.
+
+"I'm going to land on top, Andy!" he shouted, knowing that the other
+would be panic-stricken by the fact that he had shut off nearly all the
+power.
+
+"Oh! why?" cried his cousin.
+
+"It's our only chance; we could never get to the ground!  Be ready to
+jump like you did before!  Watch out, now, Andy!"
+
+"I'm ready, Frank!"
+
+Andy tried to control his voice when he shouted this; but it was
+quavering sadly, what with his fright, and belief that the very end of
+all things had probably come for them.  The lightning was flashing
+savagely, and the boom of the thunder down below sounded like the
+discharge of tons of dynamite.
+
+It was just in between these sounds, when a silence of a few seconds
+happened to brood over the wild scene, that Frank heard loud cries.
+They came from the top of the rock close by, just where they were
+heading for at that very moment.
+
+"They've struck the rock, and been smashed!" shrieked Andy, whose face
+was undoubtedly the color of a piece of yellow parchment, if the
+horrible state of his feelings was any index.
+
+Frank had already guessed as much himself; but just then it became
+necessary that he give his whole and undivided attention to their own
+chances for making a landing; or else, if a flaw of wind came just at
+the wrong time their aeroplane might also meet with the same fate that
+had overtaken that of Percy.
+
+"Now! jump, Andy!" he called, as the bicycle wheels struck the surface
+of the rocky plateau.
+
+Even the rising wind assisted in halting their progress, and both boys
+were able to drop out of their seats.  Most fellows would have
+immediately thrown themselves down on the rock, thinking only of saving
+their lives; for there was real danger of their being swept off the
+exposed plateau, should the wind become very violent, as was to be
+expected at such an altitude.
+
+Even at such a frightful time Frank's ready wits did not desert him.
+He instantly seized a stout rope, and commenced fastening the engine of
+the biplane to an upturned point of rock, which seemed just made for an
+anchorage.  Andy caught the spirit that animated his cousin, and did
+what he could to secure the biplane; not that either of them had much
+hope of its being spared to them.
+
+They had hardly managed to do all that lay in their power when with a
+roar the storm broke.  The next few minutes would decide whether they
+were to retain their grip on life, or be hurled down to the cruel rocks
+below.
+
+Frank clutched his cousin by the arm, and began dragging him across the
+top of the plateau, both of them bending low so as to escape the worst
+of the wind's fury.  And from the confident manner in which he drew
+Andy, the latter began to pluck up fresh hope; for it seemed possible
+that Frank knew of some sort of refuge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+THE BIRD BOYS' TRIUMPH
+
+"Crawl in here!"
+
+As he said this Frank Bird pushed his nearly exhausted cousin into a
+narrow crevice of the rock.  It was a retreat which he had noticed on
+their first visit to the crown of Old Thunder Top.  At that time Frank
+had made up his mind that if ever he were marooned on that lonely
+mountain crest, he would seek temporary shelter there.
+
+Little had he dreamed of what the future held for himself and Andy; and
+that one day he would have good cause to remember with thanksgiving
+that same split in the massive rock.
+
+A surprise awaited them, and of an agreeable nature.  Andy had not
+crawled five feet inside the shelter than he gave utterance to a loud
+cry.
+
+"Percy, is this you?" Frank heard him say, with positive relief in his
+voice.
+
+"Yes, all that's left of me," came a reply.  "We got banged awful hard
+on the rock, when my machine played that nasty trick on me.  It was all
+I could do to crawl here; and Sandy had to help pull me.  I reckon my
+leg's broke."
+
+"Is Sandy there, too?" demanded Frank.
+
+"Yes, and banged up some too; but mighty glad he didn't go kerflummick
+down to them rocks when Percy foozled," grumbled another voice.
+
+"Aw! let up on that, won't you?" the other snarled.  "I tell you it was
+all the fault of the blamed cranky engine; it went bad on me just at
+that time the flaw struck us on the side.  Keep a still tongue between
+your teeth, Sandy Hollingshead."
+
+That was Percy all over.  Even in this grave crisis he would not admit
+having made an error of judgment; but was determined to lay all the
+blame upon the faulty construction of the aeroplane.
+
+But Frank was mighty glad that both boys had escaped the terrible fate
+to which they had seemed doomed at the time their machine smashed down
+on the plateau.
+
+"We're all lucky, fellows," he said cheerily; "and since we've got to
+bunk together for some time, let's make the best of a bad bargain.
+Here, Andy, take this bit of candle, after I've lighted it, and hold
+over while I look to see if I can do anything to help Percy.  We ought
+to be able to tell whether his leg is broken or not, and perhaps
+relieve his suffering some."
+
+This they did, and after a close examination both declared that beyond
+a severe wrench and some bruises there was nothing the matter.  Any
+ordinary lad would have felt grateful for this intelligence.  Percy
+only growled the more, declaring that if his leg was not broken it felt
+worse than such a condition would bring.
+
+"What can we do, Frank?" asked Andy, apprehensively, as he listened to
+the roar of the storm without.  "Must we stay up here all night?"
+
+"I'm afraid that will be the result of our foolishness," remarked the
+other, gravely.  "And we ought to be thankful that our punishment isn't
+any worse."
+
+The summer storm began to die out after an hour; but by then the
+afternoon had drawn near an end; so that it was folly to even think of
+making any effort looking toward their escape from the rocky crest of
+Old Thunder Top.
+
+Frank crawled out of the friendly crevice, and after a short time
+returned, to bring good news.
+
+"So far as I can see the biplane isn't badly damaged," he said to Andy.
+
+"Hey! you ain't going to desert us up here, I hope?" cried Percy, in
+sudden alarm; which remark proved how much he was depending on Frank
+after all to get them out of the bad scrape.
+
+"Not at all," came the reply.  "Nobody can go down till morning.  But
+if the machine can be coaxed to work decently then, I can carry the
+whole bunch, one at a time, to the ground."
+
+This prospect of being brought home by a victorious rival was
+apparently not very pleasant to Percy's proud soul.  He grumbled for a
+bit, and then said:
+
+"Huh! guess you'll have to drop me in our front yard then, 'cause I
+won't be able to crawl home.  I don't want to be seen in this shape,
+Frank Bird, remember that!"
+
+"Sure, take you wherever you say, Percy.  But we'll cross that bridge
+when we come to it.  Perhaps we may have to get down by means of a rope
+after all," the good-natured young aviator replied.
+
+As night came on the clouds rolled away from the summit of the
+mountain, and Frank could see the light of the town far below.  He knew
+only too well that many anxious hearts would be suffering because of
+the dreadful uncertainty that hung over the fate of the quartette of
+venturesome aeroplane boys.
+
+"I'm going to find some way to let them know we're all safe," he said,
+finally.
+
+"But how?" demanded Andy.  "If it was daylight we could stand out in a
+row, and they'd see us through the glasses.  Or we could use the wigwag
+code, which some of the Boy Scouts would translate.  But in the dark--"
+
+"That's just what occurred to me," said Frank, quickly.  "Listen, Andy.
+Strange to say, our little searchlight on the biplane escaped being
+broken when we landed so roughly.  I mean to use that to signal with."
+
+At that his cousin gave vent to an exclamation of delight.
+
+"Great!  It sure takes you to think up these things, Frank!" he cried.
+
+Accordingly Frank secured the acetyline lamp and having lighted the
+same, stood out where his actions could surely be seen by some of the
+anxious watchers in Bloomsbury.  Then he started to wave the light
+slowly but methodically, so as to induce some sort of reply.
+
+After about ten minutes he called out to Andy and the others:
+
+"One of the Scouts is starting to answer with a lantern.  And now to
+try and make him understand that the whole four of us are up here safe,
+and will stay until morning."
+
+Even the groaning Percy managed to crawl to the mouth of the crevice to
+watch operations.  Frank persisted until he knew that his message had
+been understood, for the answer had come "O. K."
+
+"Now we can take things more comfortably, because we know they won't be
+worrying about us," he said.
+
+But that was a night never to be forgotten.  Nobody obtained much
+sleep, for what with the novelty of their situation, the hard rock
+underneath, and the almost constant complaints of Percy, who was really
+in great pain, they watched the stars in their wonderful procession
+toward the west until finally dawn began to appear.
+
+As soon as it was fairly light Frank got busy.  He examined his biplane
+in the most thorough manner; for it would never do to have a slip, once
+he quitted the safety of the plateau.  Rather than take chances he
+would have waited until help had arrived at the bottom of the cliff,
+with a rope which could be hauled up by means of a cord; or carried up
+the chipped footholds by an agile lad like Larry.
+
+But he found that his machine could be readily put in apple-pie
+condition.  The sun was up before things were ready.  Percy declined to
+be the first to accompany him, for some reason or other, so Andy went.
+
+The trip to Bloomsbury was made without a single hitch; and great was
+the rejoicing when they landed on the commons.  But remembering his
+promise Frank did not linger.  He succeeded in transporting Sandy the
+next trip; and that worthy made haste to lose himself in the crowd
+without even thanking his rescuer.
+
+Last of all Percy was carried to his home.  Frank could not land in the
+Carberry yard on account of the trees; but he did close by; and as the
+injured boy's mother, as well as a score of others, were eagerly
+waiting, there would be little difficulty in getting Percy indoors.
+
+"I suppose I ought to thank you, Frank, for this," said the injured boy
+with a half surly look on his face, which, however, may have been
+caused by his pain.
+
+"Don't mention it, Percy," smiled Frank.  "I'm sure you would have done
+the same for me.  Hope you get out soon again; and sorry you lost your
+biplane.  Better luck next time," and with that he turned away.
+
+Having broken away from the crowds on the commons, the two Bird boys,
+accompanied by their friends, Larry, Elephant and Stuttering Nat, once
+again sought the privacy of their dear old workshop.  Here they were
+sprawled, taking it as easy as possible, and resting their aching
+muscles, as they went over the stirring events of the accident again
+and again, when into the shop strode Mr. Marsh and his friend, Mr.
+Longley.
+
+The former gentleman at once approached Frank, who, understanding that
+the seal of mystery that had so long cloaked his actions was about to
+be removed, stood up.
+
+"Shake hands, Frank, won't you?" said the other, with a look of warm
+admiration on his face that quite captured the young aviator.  "Longley
+here has copies of the papers he promised your cousin, containing an
+account of your little episode with the escaped convict.  But Frank,
+I've got another mission here.  And I hope you'll be of a mind to
+accept the offer I want to make you on behalf of the well known firm
+making the very brand of aeroplane you pin your faith to.  Will you
+listen?"
+
+"Certainly, sir," Frank answered, accepting the hand that was
+outstretched; "as to accepting any offer, that is another matter
+entirely.  But please go on."
+
+Andy, Larry and the other two listened eagerly; for they believed that
+the Bird boys were about to be given as great a compliment as any
+aviator could hope for.
+
+"I represent the company that makes the best aeroplane in the country.
+I am empowered to be constantly on the watch for just such daring yet
+cautious aviators as you two have proven yourselves.  That was why I
+came here to Bloomsbury, because we knew something of what you had been
+doing.  And I want to say right here that personally I firmly believe
+those glowing reports have been in no way exaggerated; for you both
+have the making of admirable aviators in you, after you have been in
+the company of the chief of them all for a few weeks.  And I hope you
+won't decide too hastily, and turn an offer down without due
+consideration.  Are you open to an engagement for a year to come with
+my company, and prove to the public what they claim for their make of
+machine?"
+
+Frank shook his head, though with a pleased smile; for who would not
+have felt a thrill of pride at such a remarkable evidence of confidence
+in his abilities.  This gentleman knew every famous flier of the day;
+and that he should rate the Bird boys as among those who were "called"
+was a compliment worth having.
+
+"I'm afraid we'll have to disappoint you, Mr. Marsh," he said.  "In the
+first place our fathers would not want us to become public birdmen; and
+in the second we expect to attend school for several years yet before
+branching out.  No, please forget it.  I believe in the merits of the
+aeroplane I've been using.  The new features are wonderful; and as long
+as I continue to fly I expect to stick by that make.  But neither of us
+are professionals.  And that will have to end it."
+
+Which it of course did.  Mr. Marsh, much against his will, was
+compelled to leave Bloomsbury without having signed the Bird boys for
+his enterprising company; but at least he had the satisfaction of
+knowing that no rival concern could succeed any better than he had.
+
+Just as Frank had said, Percy's injuries were not serious enough to
+keep him shut up more than a few days.  Many times did Frank and Andy
+have to narrate the entire story of that hazardous feat connected with
+the race.  They never made themselves out heroes; but most people,
+knowing their modesty, could read between the lines, and understood
+that Percy Carberry and Sandy owed much to the Bird boys.
+
+Of course such a backset could not long deter Percy from flying.  His
+rich and indulgent mother would supply the cash for another biplane in
+due season.  But it was to be hoped that his experiences might teach
+him more caution.
+
+Frank himself was resolved never again to be tempted into risking his
+life unnecessarily simply because a reckless rival threatened to dub
+him a coward.
+
+As the Bird boys were thoroughly imbued with the aviator spirit it
+might easily be set down as positive that as time went on they would
+continue to study the science of flying, and take advantage of every
+opportunity that presented itself for indulging in their favorite sport.
+
+And we shall certainly hope to meet them again in the near future, when
+possibly other of their stirring adventures call for a new volume
+concerning the Bird boys.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AIRPLANE BOYS AMONG THE CLOUDS***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 22031.txt or 22031.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/2/0/3/22031
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://www.gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:
+http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
diff --git a/22031.zip b/22031.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1158ddd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/22031.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6973e2e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #22031 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22031)