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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf 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..7e4fe46 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50070 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50070) diff --git a/old/50070-0.txt b/old/50070-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b1c599f..0000000 --- a/old/50070-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6527 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship, by Roy Rockwood - -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/license - - -Title: Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship - or, A Marvellous Trip Across the Atlantic - -Author: Roy Rockwood - -Release Date: September 28, 2015 [EBook #50070] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Rick Morris and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - Dave Dashaway - and His Giant Airship - - - Or - - A Marvellous Trip Across the Atlantic - - - BY - ROY ROCKWOOD - - AUTHOR OF “DAVE DASHAWAY THE YOUNG AVIATOR,” “THE - SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES,” “THE GREAT - MARVEL SERIES,” ETC. - - - ILLUSTRATED - - - NEW YORK - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - PUBLISHERS - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - BOOKS FOR BOYS - - BY ROY ROCKWOOD - - THE DAVE DASHAWAY SERIES - 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. - - DAVE DASHAWAY THE YOUNG AVIATOR - DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS HYDROPLANE - DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP - DAVE DASHAWAY AROUND THE WORLD - - THE SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES - 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. - - THE SPEEDWELL BOYS ON MOTORCYCLES - THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR RACING AUTO - THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR POWER LAUNCH - THE SPEEDWELL BOYS IN A SUBMARINE - - THE GREAT MARVEL SERIES - 12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. - - THROUGH THE AIR TO THE NORTH POLE - UNDER THE OCEAN TO THE SOUTH POLE - FIVE THOUSAND MILES UNDERGROUND - THROUGH SPACE TO MARS - LOST ON THE MOON - IN A TORN-AWAY WORLD - - CUPPLES & LEON CO. PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK - - ------------------------------------------- - - Copyrighted 1913, by - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY - - -------------- - - DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP - - Printed in U. S. A. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CONTENTS - - CHAPTER PAGE - I. THE GIANT AIRSHIP 1 - II. “FOR MOTHER’S SAKE” 11 - III. A NARROW ESCAPE 21 - IV. IN BAD COMPANY 36 - V. “THE RIGHT KIND” 44 - VI. A MYSTERIOUS FLASH 53 - VII. AT THE AERODROME 62 - VIII. THE RIVAL AIRSHIP 69 - IX. IN THE LEAD 76 - X. THE HAUNTED AERODROME 84 - XI. A GRAND SUCCESS 91 - XII. ADRIFT IN THE STORM 103 - XIII. A FIRST LANDING 110 - XIV. LOST 123 - XV. “THE TERRIBLE MACGUFFINS” 129 - XVI. IN FRIENDLY HANDS 137 - XVII. A TRUSTY GUIDE 144 - XVIII. IN A BAD FIX 149 - XIX. A MYSTERIOUS FRIEND 154 - XX. THE STOWAWAY 160 - XXI. THE HAUNTED AIRSHIP 166 - XXII. FIRE AT SEA 176 - XXIII. THE FORLORN HOPE 187 - XXIV. GOAL! 192 - XXV. CONCLUSION 199 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - DAVE DASHAWAY - AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP - - - - - CHAPTER I - - THE GIANT AIRSHIP - - -“Is that your airship?” - -“Not exactly, but I am in charge of it.” - -“The _Gossamer_, isn’t it?” - -“Yes.” - -“Belongs to the Interstate Aero Company?” - -“You’re pretty well posted, I see.” - -“Ought to be. I’m close to the Interstate people, so I’d like to look -the machine over. In fact, if you’ve got an expert aviator on hand, I -think I’ll take a little flight.” - -John Grimshaw, ex-balloonist and battered-up aeronaut, regarded the -foppishly dressed young man before him quizzically. - -“Oh, you do, eh?” he observed, very dryly. “Well, it won’t be on this -occasion. As to an expert aviator, we’ve got Dave Dashaway.” - -“Yes, I’ve heard of him.” - -“Most everybody has, I reckon. He’s here on business though, and that -sign is for outsiders, yourself included.” - -Old Grimshaw pointed to a sign on the big gates of the high board -enclosure outside of which he stood on guard. It read: “No Admittance.” -The visitor had come strolling from the direction of some summer -cottages near a pretty lake close by. Grimshaw surmised that he was one -of the smart set spending an outing there. - -“Humph!” observed the young man, with a shrug of his shoulders and a -scowl. “Pretty independent, aren’t you? I think you’ll change your tune -shortly.” - -“Is that so?” - -“I fancy. I’ll bring somebody with me who will do what he chooses with -your precious old airship, and send you about your business, if he feels -like it.” - -The young man turned on his heel, mad as a hornet, as he spoke. Just -then the gate was pushed open, and a bright-faced, athletic young fellow -stepped into view. - -“What’s the trouble, Mr. Grimshaw?” he asked, pleasantly. - -“Another of those pestiferous nuisances, who want to pry into other -people’s business, and think they own the world,” grumbled the veteran -aeronaut. - -“What did he want?” - -John Grimshaw told his story. - -“Oh, you might have gratified his curiosity and let him look around a -little.” - -“See here, Dave Dashaway,” bristled up Grimshaw, “you’ve seen in the -past what taking in a stranger led to. You’re here for a special -purpose, and no Jerry Dawson, or fellows of that stripe, are going to -get a chance to trick us again.” - -“That’s so, Mr. Grimshaw, we can’t be too careful, I will admit,” agreed -the young aviator. - -He was a rather unassuming young fellow for a person of his merits and -record, was this active lad who inside of three months had made his way -from humble circumstances to the very front rank of American airmen. - -Dave Dashaway looked back over the past twelve weeks of his young career -with pride, pleasure and satisfaction. There were dark spots, of course. -The Jerry Dawson old Grimshaw had mentioned was one of them. Envious -rivals there had been, too. Danger, scheming, cunning had more than once -threatened. - -That bright, breezy afternoon, however, the accredited pilot of the -latest monoplane on exhibition, Dave Dashaway felt like a general who -had won a hard-fought battle and was resting on his laurels. - -Those who have read the first volume of the present series, entitled, -“Dave Dashaway, the Young Aviator; Or, In the Clouds for Fame and -Fortune,” will recall how humble and difficult was the start in life -made by the bright young aeronaut. The father of Dave had been a noted -balloonist. Dave was of tender age when he died. For years the boy was -made a drudge by a miserly old guardian. The finding of a prize medal -and other valuables accidentally lost from an airship, sent Dave on his -travels seeking their owner, Robert King, a noted airman, who gave Dave -a job. - -It seemed as though air sailing was born in Dave. He took to aviation -like a duck does to water. The youth did several helpful things at the -various aero meets for Mr. King that won his confidence and friendship. -Dave studied all the books he could get hold of on airships, and -Grimshaw, a crippled and retired balloonist, took him into his school. - -From the initial run made on a dummy aeroplane along the ground, to his -first aerial flight in a monoplane with Mr. King, Dave showed -intelligence, skill and ambition. Then came his first brilliant flight -in the _Baby Racer_, a show biplane. So well did the young aviator -manage the _Racer_, that its owner, the Interstate Aero Company, made a -contract with him for regular exhibitions. - -Dave did not disappoint his liberal employers in his efforts. He won -several prizes, gave a big lift to a chum, Hiram Dobbs, in the aero -field, and made old Grimshaw proud of so apt a pupil. - -In the second volume of the present series, called, “Dave Dashaway and -His Hydroplane; Or, Daring Adventures Over the Great Lakes,” is told how -Dave advanced another important step up the ladder of fame and fortune. -The company employing him started him at exhibiting their model -hydroplane. This was a new venture for Dave, but he industriously -mastered its details and made a great hit at an aero meet near Chicago. - -All along the line Dave had been forced to oppose the envy and malice of -unprincipled business rivals. By thinking straight and acting straight, -however, he had won out on every occasion, as an honest, deserving lad -always does. He and his young protege, Hiram Dobbs, by making a hundred -mile record flight one dark and stormy night, got a big order for the -Interstate Aero Company ahead of a competitor. Then Jerry Dawson, his -father and a smuggler stole the hydro-monoplane, _Drifter_, and located -across the Canadian border. Dave and his friends began a wonderful chase -in another machine. They had some stirring adventures, ending in the -discovery of the _Drifter_. - -That incident shut out the Dawsons from later aero meets, but, as they -had not been prosecuted, they became hangers-on at circus and county -fair exhibitions. Dave heard of them once in awhile, but they seemed -unlikely to injure him any farther. - -Dave and Hiram were finely rewarded by the Interstate people for their -success. The company wanted Dave to make a two-year contract to exhibit -their machines. Dave, however, was obliged to decline the offer. - -There was a strong reason for this—a reason that was enough to set on -fire the enthusiasm of any live, up-to-date boy. - -As related in the preceding volume, Dave had discovered an old friend of -his dead father, one Cyrus Dale. This gentleman was wealthy, had no -family, and had been a fellow balloonist of Mr. Dashaway, years before. -A boy who had stolen some papers from Dave had succeeded in palming -himself off on Mr. Dale as Dave Dashaway. - -Mr. King had unmasked the imposter. The latter, with some friends, had -then kidnapped Mr. Dale. The veteran aviator, Robert King, had rescued -Mr. Dale from their clutches. The gratitude of the latter for this act, -together with his warm interest in Dave, had led to the three coming -together in a most friendly way. It was this ideal situation which had -resulted in the carrying out of a long-cherished plan of Mr. King. - -This was nothing less than a scheme for crossing the Atlantic in a giant -airship. It had been the pet idea of the skilled aviator for years—the -hope and dream of every ambitious airman in the world. - -Of all men in the field, Mr. King had the ability to direct such a -project. Mr. Dale was not only willing but ready to supply the capital. -As to Dave and Hiram, they talked constantly of the enterprise daytimes -and dreamed of it nights. - -The plan of the veteran aviator, however, was one that involved time, -skill and expense. His plans for building the great airship were very -elaborate. A month had now gone by, and only the skeleton of the mammoth -air traveler had so far been constructed. - -A temporary aerodrome had been constructed on the edge of a large city -about twenty-five miles from Lake Linden, where we find the young -aviator at the opening of the present story. There Mr. King, Mr. Dale -and some skilled workmen were energetically pushing forward their work. -If their plans did not go awry, before the end of August the giant -airship would start out on the strangest, grandest trip ever attempted -in the field of aeronautics. - -In the meantime the Interstate Aero Company had prevailed on Dave to -give them a month’s special service. This comprised the exhibition of -their latest hydro-monoplane, the _Gossamer_, at Lake Linden. The -district was one visited every summer by men of wealth from New York, -Boston and other large cities. The Interstate people had secured what -had once been a small private park. Here Dave, Hiram and Mr. Grimshaw -had been located for over a week. - -The object of their exhibitions was to influence a sale of the -Interstate machines among the rich men visiting Lake Linden. Many of -them were aero enthusiasts. Besides that, the proprietors of the resort -paid the company quite a large fee for making occasional flights as an -attraction to popularize the lake. - -Dave glanced after the man who had just had the verbal tussle with Mr. -Grimshaw. He did not like his trivial looks any more than the old -balloonist had. They had many curious visitors at the enclosure, -however, and Dave forgot the strange brag of the latest one, as he -looked down the road in the direction of the town of Linden. - -“It’s strange Hiram doesn’t get back with the carryall,” remarked the -young aviator. - -“Yes, I heard the train come in half an hour ago,” replied Grimshaw. -“Expecting quite a crowd, aren’t you, Dashaway?” - -“Why, yes, according to the message the Interstate people sent me,” said -Dave. “It seems there is a special party of foreign airmen our New York -salesman has interested. Some of them have come over to take a try at -the meets in the Southern circuit, and want to buy machines.” - -“They’ll find ours the best,” asserted Grimshaw. - -“I think that, too,” agreed Dave. “That’s why I’ve got everything spick -and span inside there. The _Gossamer_ looks as if she was just waiting -to float like an eagle at the word.” - -“She’s a beauty, and no mistake,” declared Grimshaw, and like some -ardent horseman gazing at a fond pet, he pushed open the gate, and fixed -his eyes on the hydro-aeroplane in the middle of the enclosure. “She’s -the last word in airships,” boasted the old enthusiast. “That trial -flight of yours yesterday, Dashaway, was the prettiest piece of air work -I ever saw.” - -Intimate as the young aviator was with the _Gossamer_ and every detail -of her delicate mechanism, he could not resist the fascination of -looking over the most beautiful model in the airship field. - -The _Gossamer_ had proven a revelation, even to skilled airmen. It had -been constructed in strict secrecy. The public had known nothing as to -the details of the craft until it was taken out on Lake Linden to test -its balance and speed. - -It was equipped to carry four passengers, was driven by a forty -horse-power motor, and made the tremendous speed of fifty miles an hour -in the water and sixty miles an hour in the air. With its two propellers -driven by clutch and chain transmission, and its new automatic starter -and fuel gauge, it was a marvel of beauty and utility, as readily sent -up from the confined deck of a warship as from the broadest aero field. - -“She’s a bird, sure enough,” declared old Grimshaw, admiringly. - -“Wasn’t she sort of built for a bird?” challenged Dave, with a smile. - -“That’s so. Ah, I hear the wagon. Hiram is coming.” - -The two went outside the enclosure, and the man looked keenly down the -road in the direction of the village. - -“Why Dashaway,” he exclaimed, “it’s Hiram, but he isn’t bringing the -party you expected.” - -“That’s queer,” commented the young aviator. - -“He’s all alone—oh, no, he isn’t. He’s got one passenger aboard—a girl.” - -“A girl?” repeated Dave, staring somewhat mystified at the approaching -vehicle. - -“Yes.” - -“That’s queerer still,” remarked the young aviator. - - - - - CHAPTER II - - “FOR MOTHER’S SAKE” - - -“Whoa!” sang out Hiram Dobbs, bringing the team to a halt and beckoning -to Dave. - -“Why, what’s the trouble, Hiram?” inquired the young aviator. - -“Crowd didn’t come, that’s all.” - -“And no word from them?” - -“Why, yes, there was a wire,” and Dave’s friend and assistant handed a -yellow sheet to Dave with the explanation: “Operator at the station gave -it to me that way. A rush, so I read it.” - -“That’s all right,” returned Dave, and he also read the brief dispatch -in his turn. - -It stated that there had come an unexpected hitch in the arrangements of -the New York agent of the Interstate people, and that the party he had -in tow would not visit Lake Linden until the following day. - -“That’s good,” said Dave. “It will give us a chance to go to the city -and see how our giant airship scheme is coming on.” - -“Fine!” applauded Hiram. “There’s something I wanted to talk to you -about first, though, Dave.” - -“What’s that, Hiram?” - -“Wait a moment, Miss.” - -Hiram interrupted with these words, addressed to the only passenger in -the carryall. For the first time Dave glanced at her closely. She was a -plainly-dressed, modest-looking girl of about sixteen. Her eyes were red -with weeping. She held a handkerchief in her hand, and was pale and -seemed greatly distressed. - -“Oh, I must make you no farther trouble,” she said, in a broken tone. “I -will get out of the carryall here and walk the rest of the way to the -seminary.” - -“I want to speak to my friend here first, Miss,” said Hiram. “You just -wait. Maybe he can suggest some way to help you out.” - -“You have been so kind to me already,” murmured the girl. - -Dave wondered what was up. The carryall was a hired one, and he had -supposed at first that Hiram had given the girl a lift, finding she was -going his way. Hiram was always doing such kindly things. - -The forlorn appearance of the girl, however, and the rather serious -manner of Hiram as he jumped from the wagon seat and beckoned Dave out -of earshot of his passenger, made the young aviator surmise that he had -something of particular moment to impart to him. - -“Now then, what is it, Hiram?” he asked. - -“You see that girl?” - -“Of course.” - -“I never felt so sorry for anyone in my life as I do for her.” - -“Who is she?” - -“A poor girl working her way through the young ladies’ seminary up at -the other end of the lake.” - -“Oh, I see.” - -“It seems she got a telegram about an hour ago. It is from her home, a -hundred miles west of here. It stated that her mother was in a critical -condition, and if she expected to see her alive she must take the first -train for Easton. She hurried to the depot. I found her there crying as -if her heart would break.” - -“Poor girl! she had missed the train.” - -“By just four minutes, and no other until eight o’clock this evening.” - -“I am dreadfully sorry for her,” said Dave, glancing with genuine -sympathy at the girl in the carryall. - -Hiram fidgeted about. He dug the toe of his shoe into the dirt. Then he -looked Dave daringly in the eye. Then he dropped his glance. Dave was -quick to read his impetuous and open-hearted comrade’s thoughts. - -“I fancy I guess what’s in your mind, Hiram,” he said. - -“I hope you do, anyhow. Say, if I knew how to run an airship like you——” - -“You’d run it to Easton, I suppose?” intimated Dave. - -“Yes, sir, that’s just what I would do. See here, Dave, suppose you had -a sister in the trouble that young girl is in?” - -Dave put up his hand interruptingly. His face was earnest and serious. - -“I’d get her to her mother if I had to sell the shoes off my feet. -You’re a grand-hearted fellow, Hiram Dobbs, and, as I’ll not let you -beat me in the doing-good line, why——” - -“You’ll take her to her mother in the _Gossamer_?” fairly shouted Hiram, -dancing from one foot to the other in his excitement over such a -prospect. - -“I’ll try and make it out that way,” responded Dave. “Let me think for a -minute or two, Hiram.” - -The young aviator took another look at the mournful face of the young -girl in the carryall. Then he made up his mind. He was a fully-trusted -employe of the Interstate Aero Company, and pretty nearly at liberty to -do as he pleased. Dave looked up at the sky, made some mental -calculations, and said finally: - -“Tell her who I am, Hiram—I want to have a little talk with her.” - -“This is my best friend, Dave Dashaway, Miss——” - -“My name is Amy Winston,” spoke the girl, a trifle shy and embarrassed. - -“Hiram Dobbs has told me about your trouble, Miss Winston,” said Dave. -“He is a fine fellow and feels sorry for you, and so do I. We are going -to try and get you to your home within the next three hours.” - -“Oh, if you only could!” exclaimed the young girl, anxiously. “But there -is no train until this evening.” - -“That is true,” replied Dave. - -“You see, Dave is a great aviator, Miss,” broke in Hiram, in his usual -impulsive, explosive way. “He’s taken lots of prizes. He won the——” - -“That will do, Hiram,” laughed Dave. “The truth is, Miss Winston,” he -continued to the puzzled girl, “we have only one way of getting you to -your home. Please step down and I will show you what it is.” - -Dave helped the girl down the steps at the rear of the vehicle. He led -her to the gates of the enclosure and drew one of them wide open. - -“Why, it is an airship!” exclaimed Amy Winston. “I saw it yesterday from -the seminary grounds.” - -“Dave was running it, and I was aboard,” boasted Hiram, proudly. - -“How beautifully it sailed,” murmured the girl. - -“Miss Winston,” spoke Dave, “I can make Easton in about three hours in -that machine. It may be something I should not propose, considering the -possible risk, but the _Gossamer_ is at your service.” - -“Oh,” exclaimed Amy, her eyes filling with tears of gratitude and hope, -“I would dare any danger to once more see my dear mother before she -dies.” - -“You are willing to try it?” asked Dave, definitely. - -Amy was trembling, but she answered bravely in the affirmative. - -“Tell Mr. Grimshaw,” said Dave to his friend, who at once started off to -obey the order. “Now, Miss Winston,” continued the young aviator, “I -will help you to a seat in the machine.” - -When the girl had been disposed of in the most comfortable seat in the -_Gossamer_, Dave gave her a strap to draw her dress skirt tightly about -her feet. Other straps bound her in the seat so that by no possibility -could she fall or be thrown out. - -The girl had grown a shade paler and was all in a flutter, but she did -not show the least inclination to draw back from an exploit that would -start most people into hysterics. - -Dave went into the tent where he and Hiram and Grimshaw ate and slept, -and came out in aviation garb. He took some time looking over a guide -book. Meanwhile his two helpers had been working about the _Gossamer_, -getting everything in order. - -Grimshaw made no comment on the occasion. While he always resented any -intrusion of outsiders at aerodrome or meet, he had long since made up -his mind that Dave knew his business and was just about right in -everything he did. The old expert went over the _Gossamer_ as thoroughly -as if the machine was bound on a long distance non-stop flight. He saw -to it that nothing was lacking that an air navigator might need. He even -set the green lantern on the right side and the red to the left, -steamship code, in case of some delay or accident, whereby the -_Gossamer_ might drift up against night work. - -“Look out for a change in the wind,” was Grimshaw’s parting injunction. - -“It looks like a coming squall in the northwest,” replied Dave; “but I -think this head wind will hold till we get out of range. All ready, Miss -Winston?” - -“Yes, sir,” fluttered the little lady, holding tightly to the arms of -her seat behind the operator’s post, although she was securely tied in. - -“All free,” said Dave simply, and his helpers stood aside as the -self-starter was set in motion. - -The _Gossamer_ rose lightly as a bird. Just above the fence line, -however, Dave slightly turned his head at an unusual sound. He had just -a glimpse of two figures acting rather wildly immediately beyond the -enclosure. - -One was the foppish fellow who had recently been repulsed by Grimshaw, -and who had made the strange threat that he would bring somebody with -him who would settle affairs. - -Apparently this vaunted individual was now in his company. He was a -richly dressed lad, somewhat older than Dave. He seemed to be a good -deal excited about something; acted, as Grimshaw had described it, as if -he owned the world. - -His companion was waving his cane angrily as the airship shot skyward. -The boy himself shook his fists toward the _Gossamer_, and shouted out -furiously some command or threat the young aviator could not make out. - -Dave wondered what this second visit meant. He had no time nor thought -to spare, either staring or guessing, however. Eye, hand and brain were -centered intently upon his task. Dave for the moment forgot everything, -except that he was directing to a safe, steady course a mechanism as -delicate and sensitive as the works of a fine chronometer. - -He caught the echo of a low, quick respiration from the girl behind him. -The suddenness of the ascent had acted on her as it did on every novice, -producing a startled feeling. Then, as the _Gossamer_ whirled three -hundred feet high, and the swaying, gliding exhilaration of perfect -motion followed, a long-drawn breath told of relief and satisfaction. - -“Don’t be frightened, Miss Winston,” called out Dave, venturing a quick -glance at his passenger, whose wide-open eyes surveyed the panorama -beneath them in speechless wonderment. - -“Oh, I am not, indeed,” cried Amy Winston. “It is only the strangeness.” - -“You are perfectly safe,” assured the young aviator. “We have made a -splendid start. Just think of home—and your mother,” he added very -gently. “I feel certain that we can make Easton inside of two hours.” - -“I am so glad; oh, so glad,” replied Amy, with grateful tears in her -eyes. - -Dave was pleased that his course towards Easton took him due southwest. -A six-mile breeze was coming from that direction. This was a perfect -condition for even, stable progress. Over towards the northwest a bank -of ominous black clouds were coming up, threatening a gale and a deluge -of rain. The young pilot of the _Gossamer_ planned and hoped to dodge -this storm by fast flying. - -The southern edge of the big cloud began to cover the sky ahead of Dave. -Once or twice there were contrary gusts, and he had to do some skillful -engineering to preserve a safe balance. He felt considerably relieved to -observe that the _Gossamer_ was safely out of range of the real storm -center. Some ragged-edge masses thrown out from the main body were, -however, scudding ahead of him. There were one or two spatters of rain. - -To the far right of him Dave could tell that a momentary tornado was -sweeping the tops of the trees. He set the lever to the limit notch, -made a long volplane and then a wide circuit to the south. - -“I believe we are out of range,” Dave told himself, hopefully. - -Then, as a sudden and unexpected shock announced the meeting of two -powerful forces, he sat motionless and helpless. - -The young aviator faced a mishap most dreaded of all that threaten the -safety of the expert aeronaut. - - - - - CHAPTER III - - A NARROW ESCAPE - - -The _Gossamer_ had struck “a hole in the air!” “We are lost!” thought -Dave Dashaway. - -The young aviator was not prone to arrive at senseless conclusions. He -had made a practical study of aeronautics, in a way; from the first time -the pioneer airman harnessed a gasoline engine to a kite and called it a -flying machine, down to the loop-the-loop somersault trick in aviation. - -A “hole in the air” to the sky traveler is what a yawning chasm is to a -speeding automobile or an unexpected cataract to a hydroplane. It is -worse than a “killed” motor or even a threatened “turn turtle.” Every -part of the machine suddenly goes useless. The heavy mechanism simply -drops. In a word, the _Gossamer_ had been caught in a dead void caused -by two opposing air currents colliding, and shutting the machine into an -absolute pocket, or vacuum. - -If Dave had remained inert, or had hesitated for a single instant of -time, the _Gossamer_ would have been doomed. A slender thread of hope -presented itself and he was quick to utilize it to the limit. “Feeling” -the air with one cheek, he noticed the tail of the machine give a quick -switch. This he at once understood indicated that the master air current -was from the north. Dave hoped there was power enough left in the -propellers to make a sharp, quick turn. He set the apparatus for the -speediest whirl he had ever attempted. - -The machine was tipping, dropping steadily. Dave banked to the left at a -most critical angle. There was a dizzying spin and then a dive. A great -breath of relief swept from Dave’s lips as the _Gossamer_ righted. The -wings caught the violent blast of the gust, and the machine fairly bored -its way ahead, true as an arrow, into the teeth of the storm. - -A drenching shower shut the aerial wayfarers into a blinding deluge of -rain drops. Then their course lightened, and Dave knew that the thinning -veil of moisture indicated sunlight beyond it. He shut down speed -slightly. The air pressure was fast decreasing as the _Gossamer_ emerged -from the clouds. Dave gradually worked the head of the machine due -southwest once more. The former head wind was regained, and sunny -progress offered beyond. - -“A close shave,” said Dave, to himself, and turned to see how his -passenger had taken it. - -“I suppose that scared you somewhat, Miss Winston?” he remarked. - -Amy’s face was pale, and she showed the strain of her startling -experience, but she replied: - -“I could not be frightened with you. Anybody as kind and thoughtful as -you are to a poor girl in distress like myself, could not be anything -but brave.” - -Dave’s heart warmed at the compliment. He admired the girl, too. As he -thought back, he realized that his nerves had been at a tension where -any outcry or movement on the part of his passenger might have upset his -self-control, and have prevented the prompt action which had saved the -day. - -He felt proud and pleased at his success in turning a hard corner. His -passenger, too, became more light-hearted as the prospect of soon -reaching the side of her invalid mother became more assured. Once or -twice as they flew over chicken coops in farm yards there was great -excitement beneath them, and she could not help but smile. - -“That is Easton,” she leaned over finally to say to Dave, as the -steeples and factory chimneys of a little town came into view. - -The girl pointed out her home a few minutes later, and Dave prepared to -make a landing. The _Gossamer_ came to earth in the middle of a field a -few hundred yards distant from the house the girl had designated. - -Long before Dave had released the ropes that had held his passenger in -her seat, people who had viewed the novelty of a real airship came -flocking to the spot from all directions. Amy seized the hands of the -young aviator, bubbling over with gratitude. She tried to thank him as -she wished to, but the words would not come. - -“Don’t delay, Miss Winston,” said Dave. “I know they must be very -anxious about you at home.” - -Dave led his little charge to the fence surrounding the field and helped -her over it. Then he returned to the _Gossamer_. He found that the -propellers had gone through some strain during his adventure in the -storm, and he had some little work to do with chisel, hammer and wrench. -While he was thus occupied almost a mob surrounded the airship, curious, -gaping and delighted. - -A man wearing a big star, and evidently the policeman of the town, made -himself very officious keeping the crowd back. He had seen an airship -once at a county fair and paraded his knowledge now. He tried -industriously to make himself very agreeable to the young aviator. Dave -had to laugh secretly to himself as the man pinched his fingers -describing to a local newspaper man that this was the “magenta”—meaning -magneto; and that the “carbutter”—meaning the carburetor. - -“You must have been reading up on airships,” spoke the newspaper man to -the policeman, as the latter walked importantly about the craft, now and -then sternly calling on some small lad to “git back out th’ way.” - -“I have,” came the confident answer. “I know a lot about ’em. Of course -I haven’t ever sailed in one, but my brother, he’s a policeman in Long -Island, and once, when I was on a visit to him, he was detailed to go -out to a place where they was havin’ one of these airyplane contests, -and keep order. I went with him, and he swore me in as his deputy -assistant. I seen a lot of them foreign fellers fly, and I picked up a -lot of information.” - -“I suppose so,” murmured the newspaper man, who was new in town, and did -not know enough to discount the boasting talk of the officer. - -“Yes, indeed!” went on the constable. “Why, once one of them -birdmen—they call ’em ‘birdmen’ you know,” he explained as though he -knew it all, “once one of ’em run out of gasoline just as he was goin’ -to start in a prize flight, and if it hadn’t been for me he’d never won -it.” - -“How’s that?” asked the reporter. - -“Why I hustled over to the hangar—that’s the French word for a balloon -shed,” he explained condescendingly, “I rushed over to the hangar and -got him a can of gasoline and he went up as slick as anything and won -the prize. He said I helped him a lot, and he gave me a dollar. I didn’t -want to take it, but he insisted. Oh, I know a lot about airships.” - -Dave was so busy tightening some of the guy wires that had come loosened -at the turn buckle, by reason of the great strain, that he paid little -attention to the reporter and the constable for a few minutes. - -The young aviator, however, noticed that the officious officer was -becoming more and more familiar with the machine, touching the different -parts, often calling them by their wrong names, and totally unconscious -of his errors. Nor was the reporter any the wiser. - -“I don’t exactly understand what makes the airship move,” confessed the -newspaper man to the self-appointed instructor. “Is it——?” - -“It’s these here perpellers,” explained the constable. “They work just -like an electric fan, you know.” - -“I see, but then the blades of an electric fan go around but the fan -doesn’t sail in the air. Why is that?” - -“Well—er—it’s because—Oh, here’s something I forgot to explain,” said -the constable quickly, finding himself unexpectedly in deep water. “I’ll -tell you about the perpellers later. This here’s the radiator,” he went -on. “It’s full of water, just like in the radiator of an automobile, and -it keeps the gasoline from boiling over—cools it off you know.” - -“Indeed,” said the reporter, who knew a little about autos. “But I -thought the water was to keep the engine from getting overheated.” - -“Not in an airship,” insisted the constable. “In an airyplane the -radiator keeps the gasoline cool. I’ll jest show you how it works,” and, -before Dave could stop the man, he had opened a small faucet in the -radiator, designed to drain out the water. - -Now it happened that Dave had been running his engine very fast, and, in -consequence, the water in the radiator—which really did cool the motor -and not the gasoline—this water was very hot—in fact some steam was -present. - -No sooner did the meddlesome constable open the stop-cock that a jet of -steam shot out, burning his fingers severely. The man jumped back with -an exclamation of pain. - -“I—I didn’t know it was so hot!” he cried. “This must be a new cooling -system he’s using on this affair.” - -“I should say it was more like a _heating_ system,” remarked the -reporter, with a smile he could not conceal. - -“Ha! Ha! Shiner got burned!” yelled a small boy who had been ordered -away from the craft. “Shiner got burned! Ha! Ha!” - -“Make a cup of tea, Shiner!” yelled another lad, “Shiner” evidently -being the constable’s nickname. - -“I’ll ‘shiner’ you if I git holt of you!” he threatened, rushing forward -with some of his fingers in his mouth to render the pain less. It was -not a very dignified attitude for a guardian of the law. - -“I wish you’d shut that stop-cock!” cried Dave, who was busy tightening -a part that he could not very well leave just then. “Shut that water -off, or I’ll lose all there is in the radiator, and have to put in -more.” - -“It—it’s too hot,” objected the constable, his attention drawn from the -annoying lads. “I didn’t know it was so warm. What system do you use?” - -Dave was too annoyed to answer, and the constable, not wishing to burn -himself again, held back. Meanwhile water and steam were spurting from -the stop-cock. - -“I’ll shut it off,” volunteered the reporter, feeling that he was partly -to blame for the incident, since he had evinced a curiosity that the -constable had tried to gratify. - -The newspaper man advanced toward the radiator, which was now enveloped -in steam. Dave saw that he had on no gloves. - -“Look out!” cried the young aviator. “You’ll get a bad burn. That’s very -hot. Here,” he added, “take these pliers, and turn that valve. I’d do it -myself only if I let go this wire it will slip and I can’t easily get it -in place again,” and Dave indicated where a pair of pliers lay on the -ground. - -“I get you,” said the reporter with a smile. A moment later he had shut -the stop-cock and the stream of water and the hissing steam stopped. - -“Cricky! but this burns!” exclaimed the constable. “I forgot about the -radiator part. Some airships don’t have ’em on.” - -“Why not?” asked the reporter. - -“Oh, er—well—you see—say, here’s what I was telling you about, the -perpellers, they make the ship go. You see you turn them around to start -the engine, jest like you crank an auto. I guess I can turn them over, -though it’s pretty hard. Down on Long Island, where my brother was that -time, I helped one of the birdmen lots. You jest do it this way,” and he -advanced toward the big wooden propeller. - -“Here, don’t touch that!” cried Dave, but he was too late. The officious -constable whirled the wooden blade around. As it happened Dave had -turned on the switch in order to make a test, and had forgotten, until -that moment, to turn it off. But when he saw what the man was going to -do he realized what would happen. “Let that alone!” he cried, being -unable to get out, as he was straddling one of the runners to tighten a -wire. - -The constable gave the apparatus another turn, and with a rattle and -bang, like a salvo of musketry, the motor started. - -Now there is considerable power to an airship’s propeller—there has to -be to make the craft sail. As the blades whirled about they fairly blew -the constable back out of the way. His helmet went sailing off, tossed -by the terrific wind created and, only that he jumped aside in time he -would have been hurt. The airship, too, would have moved off, only Dave -had left the drag-brake on. This halted it long enough for the young -aviator to leap out and shut off the switch. - -“Say!” the lad cried to the constable, “I’ve a good notion to——” - -“I—I didn’t know it would start!” cried the man, finally managing to get -on his feet, for he had staggered back so fast that he fell. “I didn’t -know it would do that. I—I guess I’ll go up to the drug store and get -something for my burned fingers,” and, not stopping to give any more -information to the newspaper man, the officer hurried off, amid the -laughter of the crowd. - -It took Dave half an hour to get the machine as he wanted. He had a -pleasant chat with the local reporter, who was immensely interested. -Dave got ready to start back for home, when a young fellow about his own -age made his way hurriedly through the crowd. Our hero observed his -resemblance to his recent passenger. He was excited and eager, and -seized Dave’s hand with great warmth. - -“You are Mr. Dashaway?” he spoke. - -“Yes, I am Dave Dashaway,” replied the young aviator, pleasantly. - -“My sister sent me. Oh, how we want to thank you,” and the tears began -to fall down the cheeks of the manly young fellow. - -“How is your mother?” asked Dave, embarrassed at the growing attention -of the listening crowd about them. - -“That’s it, that’s it,” exclaimed young Winston, brokenly. “You’ve saved -her, oh, think of it; the doctor says she won’t die, now!” - -Dave tried to quiet the agitated lad, but the latter would have his say. -From his incoherent talk Dave gathered that Mrs. Winston had indeed been -near death. The main trouble was that she imagined her daughter Amy had -died away from home. The girl’s return had quieted the frantic sufferer. -She had received Amy in a wild transport of delight. Then she had gone -to sleep in her daughter’s arms, happy and quiet, the fever broken; and -the doctor had announced that the crisis was past. - -The crowd began to get wind of the pretty little story of Dave’s -heroism. The newspaper man was excitedly taking notes. The policeman -looked proud at having something of importance happen in the town of -which he was the public guardian, and the crowd began to shout handsome -things at Dave. - -The young aviator was actually blushing as he started the _Gossamer_ -again. Cheers of genuine enthusiasm rang out, three times three and many -times over, as the machine shot skyward. Then, as Dave caught sight of a -little lady waving a handkerchief at him from the front porch of the -Winston home, he felt somehow as if a real blessing had been bestowed -upon him. - -“It’s a good deal to be an airman,” Dave told himself. “It’s a good deal -more to be able to do a kind deed and make others happy,” he added, so -glad that he had been of service to Amy Winston, that he would have been -willing to go through the daring adventure all over again. - -The skies had cleared in every direction. The machinery of the -_Gossamer_ worked to a charm on the return trip to Lake Linden. The dial -showed a trifle over two hundred miles in five hours and a half. - -Dave made a run for the turning bar in one corner of the enclosure to -get the stiffness out of his limbs. Then he hurried over to the living -tent, glad that he had an interesting story to tell to his fellow -airmen. - -“Nobody here?” he remarked, looking around. “Mr. Grimshaw and Hiram must -have gone to town. Probably didn’t expect me home so soon.” - -“Hello, there!” spoke an unexpected voice. - -Dave turned quickly. Two persons had passed the gates and were -approaching him. He recognized them at once. One was the -foppishly-dressed man he had seen twice before. The other was the boy -who had shaken his fist at Dave when the _Gossamer_ had started on the -hasty trip to Easton. - -At closer sight than before the young aviator instantly read his -visitors as in a book. The elder of the twain was about twenty-five or -thirty years of age, and all his elegant attire and rather handsome face -did not disguise his resemblance to some shrewd sharper who made his way -in the world by living on others. - -The boy suggested the spoiled scion of some wealthy family, with plenty -of money, and used to spending it foolishly. His face was flushed and -excited, and Dave decided that he was under a very baneful influence in -the company he kept. He was the first to speak. - -“You are Dashaway, I suppose?” he observed in a careless, almost -insolent way. - -“Yes,” said Dave. - -“Well, this is my friend, Vernon. Was here before, to-day.” - -“I know he was,” replied Dave. - -“Where is the old fellow who was so saucy to him?” - -“What do you want to know for?” demanded Dave, unable to keep from -getting a trifle angry. - -“Because he’s due for a trimming, that’s why. I don’t allow my friends -to be treated that way. See here, I don’t suppose you know who I am,” -observed the speaker, with an air of self-assertion that was almost -ridiculous. - -“I don’t,” answered Dave. - -“I thought so. That may enlighten you.” - -The boy drew an elegant case from his pocket, selected a card with a -tissue paper cover, and handed it to Dave, who took it, somewhat curious -to know the personality of so presumptuous an individual. The card read: -“_Elmer Brackett_.” - -The name Brackett was suggestive to Dave, but not altogether -enlightening. There was a Mr. Brackett who was president of the -Interstate Aero Company. Dave read the card over twice, closely and -thoughtfully, then he looked his visitor squarely in the face. - -“Well?” he demanded, coolly. - -“My name is Brackett, as you probably observe,” remarked the boy, -smartly. - -“I see it is.” - -“You don’t seem to understand yet,” proceeded the forward youth. “My -father is the owner of the company that hires you.” - -“Well?” again challenged Dave. - -“You’ve heard of him, I reckon.” - -“Many times,” replied Dave. - -Young Brackett looked nettled. Apparently he had expected Dave to bow -with reverence or quake with fear. - -“See here,” he spoke suddenly in a harsh, rasping tone. “I’m Elmer -Brackett, my governor owns that airship and everything around here. I’m -his son, and I want to give my friend Vernon a spin in the air.” - -“Well,” said Dave simply, “you can’t do it.” - - - - - CHAPTER IV - - IN BAD COMPANY - - -“What’s that?” shouted young Brackett. - -He made a spring forward as if he hoped to intimidate Dave. The young -aviator did not budge an inch, and his adversary contented himself with -simply glaring at him. - -“You heard me,” said Dave, simply. - -“Yes,” fired up the fellow named Vernon; “we heard you, and if I was in -Brackett’s place you wouldn’t be heard much longer. Say, Elmer, why -don’t you wire your father and get some kind of an accommodating crowd -around here.” - -“I’d soon show who was boss if I was near the old man,” grumbled young -Brackett. - -“I am boss here, if that is what you want to call it,” said Dave. “This -is private property, I am in charge, and you are trespassers. Outside of -your not coming at me in the right way, I want to say to you that the -_Gossamer_ is here for a specific purpose, and I have my orders and -plans.” - -“If my father was here, he’d soon order you to give us a spin in the -_Gossamer_,” declared Brackett. - -“I know who your father is, and respect him greatly,” replied Dave, “but -I would have to have his written order to do any work outside of -routine.” - -“Oh, is that so!” sneered Brackett. “You seem to make no bones about -gallivanting about in the _Gossamer_ as freely as you choose with your -own particular lady friends.” - -Dave made no reply. He did not consider that his visitors had the -fineness of mind to understand the pathetic circumstances of his efforts -in behalf of the Winston family. - -Vernon gave his companion a wink and a nudge. He whispered some quick -words to him that Dave did not catch. Young Brackett drew out a wallet -stuffed full of money. - -“See here, Dashaway,” he spoke, in a tone meant to be friendly and -wheedling; “be a good fellow. There are some girls down at the hotel I -promised to show the _Gossamer_ to, and what she could do on the water. -I’ll make it a twenty. Come, help us out.” - -“I am sorry,” replied Dave, steadily. - -“You won’t do it?” - -“No.” - -Again Vernon whispered to his companion. The latter nodded his head. -Vernon shot a quick glance about the enclosure. Then, before Dave could -surmise his purpose, the man made a spring at him. - -The young aviator was athletic and strong, but he had to cope with a -full grown man. Vernon had seized his arms from behind and Dave -struggled in vain. - -“Fetch those ropes over near the airship,” directed Vernon, with an -unpleasant laugh. “I’ll show you how to do this thing.” - -Young Brackett looked a trifle frightened. - -“See here, Vernon,” he said, “I don’t know about this.” - -“Well, I do,” retorted Vernon, securely twisting the rope about Dave’s -arms and body. “You said you knew how to run the machine, didn’t you?” - -“Why, I’ve been up in a biplane at the works several times,” said -Brackett, rather hesitatingly. - -“What are you afraid of, then? Just because it’s a bigger machine? Look -here, give it a try.” - -“What are you going to do with Dashaway?” - -“Take him along.” - -“What!” - -“Certainly, so if we make any blunders he’ll have to take the helm to -help himself out of the fix.” - -“I want to warn you,” cried Dave. “You are trying a dangerous -experiment.” - -Vernon only laughed. Brackett put on a braggart air of over-confidence. -The former lifted Dave into one of the seats and took his own behind the -pilot post. - -“All right,” announced Brackett, climbing into the forward seat. “I -think I can manage the machine.” - -Dave cast a hopeless look towards the gates of the enclosure. There was -no sign of Grimshaw or Hiram. He watched the bungling of Brackett over -the delicate mechanism, fearful as to the outcome of the resolution of -the reckless fellow. - -“Self-starter, eh?” he heard the presumptuous pilot say. “I know how to -operate that. What’s this little mirror for? Oh, yes, to index the -curves. Pshaw! I can’t go wrong if I watch that.” - -“Can’t you? Oh, my!” muttered Dave. - -Young Brackett was all right at the wheel. His brief biplane experience -counted for enough to enable him to make a very pretty swoop aloft. He -was so delighted at this that he chuckled: - -“Say, I guess I’ll take a job at running the governor’s machine myself. -Hey, what?” - -“Good for you—doing finely,” commended Vernon. “Get over the lake, -Brackett. If you can manage to sail the machine we’ll take the girls for -a ride.” - -Dave held his breath. Brackett had split half a circle abruptly, and the -_Gossamer_ got ready for a dive. By some accident the frightened pilot -banked just in time to save a spill. - -“Don’t change your course—don’t dare to!” fairly shouted the excited -Dave, as he saw that any further attempt at a head change in novice -hands meant sure destruction for the _Gossamer_. - -Young Brackett was terribly frightened. In his fear and dismay he turned -on the full power, but let the machine run a perfectly straight course. -It was, however, on an angle of about fifty degrees. - -“What’s he to do?” chattered Vernon, himself growing pale and nerveless. - -“I can’t tell—I can only show him. If the course is not changed, the -machine will hit the earth going forty miles an hour,” declared Dave. - -“Show him, then! show him!” gasped Vernon. - -He reached over with trembling hands and began to loosen the ropes with -which he had bound the young aviator. In some way they had become -tangled, and in that circumscribed space he dared not move about freely. -The _Gossamer_ tipped slightly, and its dismayed pilot let out a yell of -fear. - -While Vernon was tugging breathlessly at the ropes, Dave noted that the -machine was due to land with a terrific shock inside of two minutes. It -just grazed the tops of some tall trees. Then it missed a flagpole in -the center of some private grounds. - -“Shut off the power, or we are lost!” cried Dave. - -Brackett had just enough sense left to obey him, but that did not -prevent a catastrophe. They were just passing near some glass-covered -hothouses. The first one they skidded. At the second one the head of the -machine ripped the top row of glasses out of place like a toboggan shoe -splintering a stretch of thin ice. Then the under floats tangled in the -frame work, and Dave bore company with the others in a dive into a bed -of geraniums. - -The shock of even that soft landing place was sufficient to half stun -our hero for the moment. In a dim blur of vision he seemed to see two -figures limping away. He caught sight of the machine lying half-way -through a frail trellis. Then he heard these startled words in an -unfamiliar voice: - -“Hello! I say, what’s this?” - -Dave looked up to see a man in gardener’s garb staring in turn at -himself, the _Gossamer_, and the havoc the machine had made. - -“If you’ll help me up,” said Dave, rather faintly; “I’ll try to -explain.” - -“You’ll have to!” cried the gardener. “Who ever heard of such a thing? -Get up, but don’t you try to run away from all the mischief you’ve -done.” - -“Hardly,” promised Dave, as the man cut the ropes securing him. “How -badly is the machine damaged?” - -“How badly are my greenhouses damaged, you’d better say!” shouted the -man. “Say, who’s to pay for all this wreck and ruin?” - -“Don’t worry about that,” replied Dave. “The company will settle with -you.” - -“I don’t know anything about your company,” retorted the man. “If you’re -Dashaway——” - -“I am.” - -“I’ve heard of you, and you look like a decent, honest fellow. But say, -this is an awful fix for me. I’m only in charge here, and I don’t know -but the boss will hold me responsible for what’s happened and take the -damage out of my small pay.” - -“I will see that he doesn’t do that,” pledged Dave. - -The man was almost crying in his fright and distress. - -“You estimate what it will cost to replace things as they were,” -directed Dave, “and I’ll settle it right out of my own pocket before I -even leave here.” - -“You will?” cried the gardener, joyfully. - -“You can depend upon it. Did you see anything of two fellows who were in -the machine with me?” - -“Yes, I saw two young men running for that back fence yonder. They got -out of sight pretty quick.” - -“I’m glad they weren’t hurt, anyway,” thought Dave. - -The gardener went around, surveying the damage done to the greenhouses, -while Dave examined the _Gossamer_. Our hero was agreeably surprised to -find that outside of the warping of one of the wings and a twisted -propeller, the machine had suffered very slight injury. - -“A lucky escape,” he said to himself. “Those venturesome fellows were -never nearer death than fifteen minutes ago.” - -“I say, what’s this, Dashaway!” - -It was Grimshaw who spoke, pale and out of breath. Equally startled and -anxious, Hiram Dobbs, following him, came rushing up to the spot. - - - - - CHAPTER V - - “THE RIGHT KIND” - - -“Oh, say, Dave, what’s happened, anyway?” burst out the irrepressible -Hiram. - -“You see,” observed Dave, with a sweeping wave of his hand. - -“Yes, I see,” said Grimshaw. “But you never ran the _Gossamer_ into all -this!” - -“No, I wasn’t the pilot on this occasion,” admitted Dave. - -“I told you so!” cried Hiram, jubilantly. “When we first saw the airship -and its queer doings, and ran after it, didn’t I tell you that Dave -couldn’t be at the wheel, Mr. Grimshaw?” - -“You did, and I felt sure he wasn’t,” commented Grimshaw. “Who was?” he -challenged, bluntly. - -“That’s quite a story,” explained Dave. - -“Then tell it.” - -“I don’t want much said about it for the present,” stipulated the young -aviator. - -“All right,” nodded Grimshaw. - -Dave motioned his friends out of earshot of the gardener, who was -pottering about his broken panes. Then he told the whole story. - -“Why, the wretches!” growled old Grimshaw, fiercely, when the narrative -was concluded. - -“The mean sneaks!” exclaimed the indignant Hiram. “Left you here in that -fix, not knowing whether you were dead or alive.” - -“I’d have those two rascals locked up, double-quick,” advised Grimshaw. - -“No,” dissented Dave. - -“Why not?” - -“I want to think things over a bit, before I decide on what I shall do,” -was the reply. “I have no patience with the fellow called Vernon.” - -“Take my word for it, he’s a bad one,” declared Grimshaw. - -“The other one—young Brackett—I feel sorry for.” - -“Of course you do,” observed Grimshaw, rather sarcastically; “that’s -your usual way. Who’s going to pay for the damage here? Say, you take my -advice—teach those two smart Alecks a lesson by having them arrested, -and send the bill to Mr. Brackett, telling him all the circumstances.” - -“I’d a good deal rather help young Brackett than harm him,” said Dave, -considerately. “He doesn’t strike me as a bad fellow at heart. It’s the -influence of Vernon that is leading him into trouble.” - -“How’s the machine?” - -“Not in very bad shape. I think there are enough tools and materials -aboard to mend her up till we get home.” - -All three of them looked the _Gossamer_ over critically. Expert that he -was, old Grimshaw soon had the machine free of the trellis and the -injured parts repaired. Dave went over to the gardener, who was figuring -on the side of a fence post with a piece of chalk. - -“Well, my friend,” he said cheerily; “what’s the damage?” - -“Why, you’re acting so handsomely about it, I want to make the bill as -reasonable as I can,” was the reply. - -“Of course you do—that’s the right way.” - -“The frames aren’t much broken,” explained the man. “About all there is -to do is to replace the glass.” - -“Yes, but there’s a heap of it,” said Dave. - -“We buy the panes by the gross. I’m willing to do the setting and -puttying myself. I think twenty dollars will cover everything.” - -Dave took out his pocket book, selected some bank bills, and handed them -to the man. He heard an ominous growl from old Grimshaw behind him, and -caught a “S’t! S’t! S’t!” from the exasperated Hiram. Dave, however, had -his own ideas as to disposing of the matter in hand. - -“If you find it’s more, you know where to see me,” said Dave to the -gardener. - -“Say, you’re an easy one,” observed Grimshaw, with a look of disgust on -his face. - -“It’s a shame to let those vandals go scot free,” scolded Hiram. - -“I’m glad the _Gossamer_ didn’t get smashed up, as I feared,” was all -the young aviator would reply. - -Dave made pretty sure that the machine would stand a trip back to the -enclosure. To his satisfaction he made the flight without any mishap. -Looking the craft over more critically after the return, however, he -decided that the wings and floats would need some expert attention -before he could venture any extended flight. - -It was dark by the time they got the airship housed and supper ready in -the living tent. After the meal Hiram strolled away, saying he would go -to town after the evening mail. Dave and Grimshaw went inside the tent -as a shower came up. They chatted agreeably, watching the gentle rain in -the glint of the tent light. - -“Hello,” said the old man, bending his ear sharply. - -“Yes,” nodded Dave, “some one is knocking at the gate.” - -“I’ll go and see who it is.” - -“Maybe it’s Hiram.” - -“No, he’s got a key.” - -Grimshaw went away. Dave heard him talking with someone outside the -gate. He was a little surprised as his old friend secured the gate after -him. He was further puzzled to note the expression on Grimshaw’s face as -he came back into the tent. - -“Who was it, Mr. Grimshaw?” questioned Dave. - -“Humph! he didn’t get in. Now see here, you take my advice and don’t run -into another trap.” - -“Another trap?” - -“That’s what I said. There’s a fellow out there that wants to see you. -He’s mighty meek and humble, but from what you told me I guess pretty -straight that he’s the chap who tried to run the _Gossamer_ this -afternoon.” - -“Is he alone?” asked Dave, rising quickly from the camp stool. - -“Yes, he’s alone. If the bigger fellow had been with him I’d have licked -him.” - -“And he wants to see me?” questioned Dave. - -“Mealy mouthed and subdued, just that.” - -“Why didn’t you invite him in?” - -“Why didn’t I? Say, Dave Dashaway!” stormed the old man, “I believe in -forgiving dispositions, but drat me if I’d quite let a trouble-maker -like that young Brackett get a second chance to mix things up.” - -“I hardly think he means any harm this time,” said Dave, and hurried to -the gate. - -Outside, a patch of sticking plaster over one eye and one arm in a -sling, and looking rather mean and ashamed, young Brackett dropped his -glance as Dave appeared. - -“Come in, won’t you?” invited the young aviator, quite heartily. - -“No, I don’t think I’d better,” replied his visitor, in a low tone. “See -here, Dashaway, I’ve got my senses back, and I don’t want you or anybody -else to think I’m some cheap cad.” - -“Certainly not,” responded Dave. “What’s the trouble?” - -“I’ve come to give you this money,” explained Brackett, extending his -hand. “As soon as I got enough over being scared to feel ashamed of -myself, I slipped away from that confounded Vernon. He’s always getting -me into trouble.” - -“What do you run with him for, then?” questioned Dave, gently. “See -here,” he added, placing his hand in a friendly way on the boy’s -shoulder; “you may be headstrong and foolish at times, but that man -doesn’t belong in your class.” - -“You’re just right,” began Brackett, in a spirited way, and then, as if -he feared to go farther into the subject, he added in a moody, -dissatisfied tone: “Never mind about that. I’ve come to pay you back the -twenty dollars you gave to the man down at the greenhouses. I went to -pay him myself, but you had gotten ahead of me. I can’t let you stand -for one cent of damage I did, and if there’s any other expense——” - -“None at all,” Dave hastened to say. “See here, you’ve shown me you are -the right sort. I don’t like that man Vernon, and down at heart I don’t -think you do, either.” - -“It don’t matter whether I do or not,” muttered the boy. “I don’t dare -to break away from him till—well till—I feel I’m safe out of his -clutches.” - -“If you are in any foolish trouble——” began Dave. - -“I won’t discuss it,” declared young Brackett, quite stormily. “Take the -money, and—see here, Dashaway, I’ll give worlds to keep this from the -old man.” - -“You mean your father?” - -“Yes.” - -“Why don’t you say so, then,” upbraided Dave. - -Young Brackett bit his lip. - -“I’ll try to after this,” he promised, quite humbly. “That’s all,” he -added, as Dave took the bank notes. - -“I do wish you’d make a friend of me and let me help you out, if it will -do any good,” said Dave, wistfully. - -Brackett dropped his head. Then he gave it a savage jerk. - -“You’re all right, Dashaway,” he said, “but I’ve got to pay for my fast -sledding, and I’ll do it like a man.” - -“Come and see me again,” invited Dave. - -“Hardly,” responded Brackett. “Our paths probably won’t cross again—and -you’re probably the gainer for it.” - -“I don’t know that,” declared Dave. “Rest easy on one score—I shall not -say anything to your father about to-day’s scrape.” - -“Thank you, Dashaway.” - -“But I wish you would tell him. Come, now—he’s your best friend. If -you’ve been a little wild, go to him and tell him about it.” - -“A little wild!” repeated Brackett. Then he gave a bitter laugh, waved -his hand at Dave, and disappeared in the darkness. - -“Poor fellow!” said Dave, thoughtfully. “I’m afraid, as he hinted, he is -in the clutches of that sharper, Vernon. I wish I knew a way to help him -out.” - -Dave re-entered the enclosure a good deal subdued. Young Brackett had -said that their paths might never cross again. Dave hoped if they ever -did cross his late visitor would be in a better frame of mind. - -Their paths were to cross, indeed, although neither of them realized it -at that moment. Dave Dashaway was to hear of him again very soon, and in -a truly remarkable way. - - - - - CHAPTER VI - - A MYSTERIOUS FLASH - - -“Well, what did he want?” challenged Grimshaw, gruffly, as the young -aviator entered the living tent. - -“It was young Brackett,” said Dave. “He came to settle the damage up at -the greenhouses.” - -“With real money?” - -“Oh, yes.” - -“You surprise me,” observed the old man, drily. - -“Don’t be too hard on him, Mr. Grimshaw,” said Dave. “There is some good -in him.” - -“Humph! It’s all under the surface, then. You are too soft-hearted, -Dashaway. It’s of a piece with that Jerry Dawson affair. After he and -his crowd had done you all kinds of harm, stolen the _Drifter_ and tried -to put you out of business, you let him go scot free.” - -“Hoping Jerry had learned his lesson and would behave himself.” - -“Which he won’t,” affirmed the old man, strenuously. “I’ll wager he’ll -pop up in some mean way before you get through with this giant airship -scheme.” - -“There’s Hiram,” announced Dave, brightly, as the gate slammed and a -cheery whistle echoed through the enclosure. - -Dave’s loyal young assistant came into the tent flushed and animated -from a run in the rain. - -“Any mail?” inquired Dave. - -“Yes, a letter and a telegram,” replied Hiram, handing two envelopes to -Dave. - -The young aviator opened the telegram first. He looked at its enclosure -so long and steadily that his two friends began to regard him with deep -curiosity. - -“Well, that’s queer,” said Dave at length. - -“What is?” challenged Hiram. - -“This message.” - -“Who is it from?” - -“The Interstate people.” - -“What does it say?” asked Hiram. - -“I’ll read it: ‘Good advertising—keep it up.’” - -“H’m,” observed Grimshaw. “That’s sort of puzzling. Now, what does it -mean?” - -Dave shook his head vaguely. - -“I really don’t know,” he admitted. - -Hiram began to grin. Then he laughed outright. - -“Do you?” demanded Dave, glancing suspiciously at his friend. - -Hiram slapped his knee emphatically, chuckling the while. He began -feeling in the outside pockets of his coat. - -“I didn’t know at first,” he spoke; “but I think I can guess it out -now.” - -Hiram drew out a folded newspaper, opened it up, glanced over it, and -refolded it so as to show a half-column article with a display head. - -“City evening paper, that just came down with the mail,” he explained. -“Look at that, Dave Dashaway, and say you aren’t famous!” - -Our hero was a good deal surprised to find in the newspaper a glowing -article about the unselfish heroism of a rising young aviator, who had -encountered vivid danger in doing a noble service for a poor girl. - -Dave saw at once that the enterprising newspaper man at Easton had made -a fine story of the sensational episode. The _Gossamer_ was lauded for -its handsome conduct in a storm, and the Interstate Aero Company was -commended for building such a staunch aircraft. Dave was given full -justice, and the interesting little story was told in a very pathetic -way. - -“You understand now, I reckon, Dave?” chuckled Hiram. - -“Why, in a way, yes.” - -“I suppose the story has been telegraphed all over the country,” said -Hiram. “It’s a good one. The Interstate people saw it, and wired you at -once.” - -Old Grimshaw read the newspaper article eagerly in his turn. He gloated -over the handsome things said about Dave. - -“I’m proud of you, as usual, Dashaway,” he observed. - -Dave opened the letter Hiram had brought him. He read it through with a -face indicating considerable satisfaction. - -“Here’s a pleasant bit of news,” he announced to his two friends. - -“From Mr. King, isn’t it?” inquired Hiram. “I noticed the handwriting -and the postmark.” - -“Yes,” replied Dave. - -“Anything interesting about the giant airship?” - -“A whole lot,” answered Dave, briskly. “It seems that Mr. Dale has been -fortunate enough to find a French aero man who spent several years in -foreign dirigible service. Mr. King writes that he is something of an -inventor and a practical man in airship construction.” - -“That’s famous, Dashaway,” voted Grimshaw, with enthusiasm. - -“They are going to push the big craft towards completion just as fast as -they can,” reported Dave. “Mr. King writes that they need me and that he -is financing the project on my account. He wants me to get the -Interstate people to release us, and all of us get to Croydon soon as we -can.” - -“Then the trip across the Atlantic is a sure thing!” cried the excited -Hiram. - -“Mr. King thinks so.” - -“Hurrah!” shouted the delighted lad. - -“I hope they count me in,” spoke Grimshaw, a flicker of the old -professional fire and ardor in his eyes. “Since I got knocked out of -service by my bad fall from a biplane, I’ve been pretty well shelved. -I’d like to figure in the biggest aero exploit ever attempted, though.” - -“You are going to, if the rest of us do,” said Dave. “Mr. King settled -that in my last talk with him.” - -“He did?” - -“Yes. He says you understand a dirigible better than he does a -monoplane.” - -“I’m pretty well posted on balloons, yes,” asserted the veteran -aeronaut, with a look of considerable pride. - -There was little else talked of by the friends but the giant airship the -rest of that evening. Dave, later, devoted an hour to writing a long -letter to the Interstate people. He told them that Mr. King needed him, -and hoped they could find it convenient to release him without delay -from his contract. - -Like the real business boy and faithful employe that he was, however, -Dave went through regular routine duty the next day. The agent of the -company brought down his clients that afternoon, and Dave showed off the -_Gossamer_ at her best paces. - -The ensuing day and the one next following he made the regular ascents -for the resort people. - -The expected reply to Dave’s letter finally arrived. The Interstate -people wrote that they were sorry to lose so valued an employe, and -added a pleasant word concerning Grimshaw and Hiram. They hoped that the -giant airship exploit would be a great success, and announced that at -any time a good position for Dave was open with them. - -A liberal check was enclosed in the letter, and the statement made that -a man to take charge of the _Gossamer_ would leave the works for Lake -Linden the next day. - -Dave looked around for young Brackett whenever he strolled about the -lake resort and the village. He did not, however, come across either the -youth or the man Vernon. He made some inquiries, and was troubled to -learn that the pair had gotten into a fight at the town hotel, had -smashed up some furniture, and had left the place with a pretty bad -record. - -Dave gave a day to his successor, teaching him the ropes. Monday -afternoon he had everything packed up ready to take the train for -Croydon, where the giant airship was under construction. Hiram, who had -been earning very good wages of late, had ordered a new suit of clothes -in the village. It would not be done until the next morning. - -“You go ahead, Dashaway,” advised Grimshaw. “There’s nothing to keep you -here, and Mr. King seems to need you. Hiram and I will come on -to-morrow.” - -This arrangement was agreed on. Dave took the train, and reached Croydon -about dusk. He found it to be a busy little manufacturing city near the -coast. From what Mr. King had written him, and through some inquiries, -Dave was soon on his way to the so-called aerodrome, where the giant -airship was being built. - -An old roofless molding shop had been utilized for the construction. It -looked lonely and deserted as Dave came up to it. The windows were -boarded up, apparently to keep out prying eyes. The big front doors were -closely padlocked, and a temporary canvas roof was in place. - -The street lamps of the city ran out to the factory, and nearby were -some houses. Dave felt sure that Mr. King and the others had taken -living quarters in the vicinity. He had no doubt that a little inquiry -would result in locating them. - -Dave walked around the old plant, thinking a good deal of the proud -hopes that attached to the big airship inside. The upper pair of windows -of the place were not boarded up. Dave’s eyes chanced to be scanning -these as he was about to cross the street to where the houses were. - -“Hello!” he cried out sharply, in a startled way. - -A sudden flash, bright and dazzling, shot across the whole row of -windows from the interior of the building. It resembled the illumination -made by a sudden powder blast, but there was no report. - -“Why, what can that be?” exclaimed the bewildered young aviator. - -Dave bent his ear and listened. No sound broke the stillness. He could -not figure out the circumstances for the moment. He was puzzled, and yet -reluctant to leave the spot without learning what the mysterious flash -portended. - -“Someone!” spoke Dave, suddenly. - -Then he broke into a run. Mystery had become suspicion. Against the -light of a corner lamp, he saw, away down the length of the building, -the outlines of a ladder. Its top rested on the sill of one of the upper -windows. - -The window was open. Through the aperture a form had quickly scrambled. -Dave felt sure that some underhand work was in progress. - -“Hey, there; who are you? What are you up to?” he shouted. - -As he challenged, Dave ran towards the ladder. The person descending it -hurried his progress, leaped from it, cast a hurried look at the -approaching youth, and darted across the street. - -Our hero noticed that he held in one hand a small black case about ten -inches square. - -As the fugitive turned the street corner he looked again to see how -closely he was being pursued. The lamp light fell full upon his face. - -“The mischief!” fairly shouted the amazed young aviator. “It’s Jerry -Dawson!” - - - - - CHAPTER VII - - AT THE AERODROME - - -Dave Dashaway was greatly startled. All along the line of his airship -experience Jerry Dawson had crossed his path, always in a threatening -and troublesome way. A quick thinker, the young aviator traced a new -menace in this unexpected appearance of the scampish plotter. - -“It certainly means no good for either my friends or myself,” reflected -our hero. “What mischief has he been up to inside the aerodrome? That -flash meant something. What?” - -Dave ran on for a bit, but soon discovered that he was wasting time in -striving to overtake the fugitive. Jerry had made good his escape among -the scattered buildings beyond the street corner where he had -disappeared from view. - -Dave hurried to the house nearest to the aerodrome. He ran up its steps -and knocked briskly at its door. A woman appeared in response to the -summons. - -“I am looking for the people working in the old factory over yonder,” -explained Dave, hurriedly. - -“Oh, yes, the balloon folks, you mean? They board at my sister’s house.” - -“And where is that?” - -“Second house from the next corner. Number twenty-seven.” - -“Thank you,” said Dave and was off like a flash. “Oh, Mr. King!” he -called out a moment later, as he recognized the well-known figure of the -veteran airman crossing the street just ahead of him. - -“Why, Dashaway!” exclaimed Mr. King, in a hearty way. “We’ve been -expecting you, and I’m glad you’ve come. Grimshaw and Hiram——” - -“I’ll tell you later,” interrupted Dave, rather unceremoniously. “Mr. -King, get right over to the aerodrome. Something’s up.” - -“Why, what do you mean, Dashaway?” - -“Mischief is brewing, if I’m not mistaken.” - -“Mischief? In what way?” - -The young airman lost no time in briefly recounting his discovery. He -had Mr. King as thoroughly stirred up as himself by the time he had -concluded his graphic recital. - -“This is serious,” declared Mr. King, very much disturbed. “Dawson -again, eh? It’s easy to guess trouble when that young scapegrace is -around. It fits in with—but that will keep. There is no time to wait. -Stay here for a minute.” - -The expert aviator dashed into the house, while Dave waited in the -street. He kept his eye fixed on the aerodrome, half expecting every -moment to see it burst into flames. - -“Here we are,” announced Mr. King, reappearing on a run with two -companions. One of them was Mr. Dale, who grasped Dave’s hand while -hurrying along. The other man Dave had never seen before. - -“That is Leblance, our new man,” explained Mr. Dale. - -“Don’t delay!” called out Mr. King, excitedly, leading the way, and the -group reached the entrance to the aerodrome in less than two minutes. - -Mr. King unlocked the door. As he opened it he reached in and touched -the button controlling the electric lights. A blaze of radiance suddenly -illuminated the rambling place, making it as bright as day. - -In the center of the shop, supported on a working frame and by the iron -girders aloft, was the skeleton of the giant airship. The young aviator -was eagerly ready for full attention to the object so dear to him. All -his faculties, however, were for the instant enlisted in an effort to -trace out the significance of the surreptitious visit of Jerry Dawson. - -“There does not seem to be anything out of place,” said Mr. King, after -a swift survey of the dirigible balloon. - -“Oh, but I smell powder,” observed Leblance, sniffing. - -“Powder?” repeated Mr. Dale. - -“Yes. There has been some kind of an explosion here,” insisted the -French engineer looking around. - -Dave hurried over to the window where he had first discovered Jerry -Dawson. There were a number of tall, slim ladders all about the working -framework. He lifted one of these against the sill of the window aloft. -Then he ran up its rounds nimbly. - -“Aha!” suddenly exclaimed the young aviator. - -“Found something, Dashaway?” called out Mr. King. - -“Yes, sir.” - -“What is it?” - -For reply Dave quickly descended the ladder. He held in one hand a -sooted tin disc. Its center showed a little heap of hard cinders. - -“I found this on the window sill,” he explained. - -“What is it?” questioned Mr. Dale. - -“I think I guess the motive of Jerry Dawson’s visit now,” said Dave. -“The little black box he had under his arm was a camera. This is the -flashlight disc.” - -“Hello!” exclaimed Mr. King, comprehendingly. - -“They have been photographing our balloon!” cried Leblance. - -“Exactly,” asserted the young aviator. - -The engineer and Mr. Dale exchanged disturbed looks. Mr. King was -thoughtful. - -“We might have expected it,” he said, but to Dave only. - -“How is that?” inquired our hero. - -“I’ll tell you soon as we reach the house. I am glad they did no harm to -the balloon. I hardly think they will try that, Leblance,” he said to -the Frenchman, “but you had better get one of your men to stay on watch -here nights.” - -“Yes, yes,” responded Leblance earnestly. “We have been warned, we must -look out.” - -“Come with me, Dashaway,” said Mr. King. “I have a lot to talk over with -you.” - -Mr. Dale remained at the aerodrome until Leblance could hunt up one of -his workmen and place him on watchman’s duty. The aviator led his young -friend to the boarding house. Dave declared that he was not hungry, but -his host would not consent to this impending talk until he had -dispatched a good meal. Then he took him to his own room, locked the -door to secure them from interruption, and made him take a comfortable -armchair. - -“You have arrived in the nick of time, Dashaway,” said Mr. King. “I’ve -felt the need of you for some days.” - -“I can’t be of much assistance until the airship is finished, I should -think,” suggested the young aviator. - -“That is true so far as the _Albatross_ is concerned,” agreed Mr. King. -“That end of the proposition is in capable hands, I am glad to say. We -have been very fortunate in securing the services of Leblance. He is an -expert in airship construction, helped to build several models in -Europe, and has some splendid new ideas. I am now satisfied that the -_Albatross_ will be all that we have hoped for.” - -“That is good,” said Dave. - -“It seems that our project has made quite a stir in the aviation world,” -proceeded Mr. King. “All the clubs are interested, the central -association has taken the matter up, and there is a chance of a bulk -prize of at least fifty thousand dollars being offered.” - -“Grand!” commented Dave, with sparkling eyes. “It’s worth trying for, -isn’t it, Mr. King?” - -“And we will get it, if there’s no miss in our plans—and no trickery, -Dashaway,” asserted the veteran airman, confidently. “I have counted all -the risks and chances. Given fair conditions, I believe our group will -successfully make the first airship voyage across the Atlantic. -To-morrow I will show you how far we have progressed, and how carefully -Leblance is planning to turn out the finest dirigible ever constructed. -It will make you as hopeful and enthusiastic as myself.” - -“I’m that already,” insisted the young aviator. - -“Very good, but I need your services for a certain phase of the -proposition that is worrying me.” - -“What is that, Mr. King?” - -“Well, Dashaway,” answered the expert airman, “I have reason to believe -that we will not be the only contestant in a race across the Atlantic. -In fact,” continued Mr. King, seriously, “I am quite certain that the -rival of the _Albatross_ is being built now.” - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - - THE RIVAL AIRSHIP - - -“A rival in the field?” said the young aviator, with a good deal of -interest and curiosity. - -“Yes,” nodded Mr. King. “It isn’t that I didn’t expect it. We have no -exclusive patent on building an airship and trying to cross the -Atlantic. We do want to know what we have to fight against, though.” - -“Yes, it is always best to find out what your competitors are doing,” -agreed Dave. - -“Well, there are several we have run down and dismissed from our minds. -Two-thirds of them are cranks seeking notoriety. Some of the others are -inventors who know all about mechanics, but nothing practical concerning -aircraft. It would amuse you to go over some of the wild schemes they -are getting up. One proposition has kept me busy thinking.” - -“What is that, Mr. King?” - -“You remember a man named Davidson?” - -“Why, certainly,” responded the young aviator at once. “He is the fellow -they ran out of the Springfield aero meet.” - -“That’s the man,” assented Mr. King, “an unscrupulous trickster. He has -been tabooed by all legitimate airmen, but he has bobbed up again with -his old-time nerve and audacity. Look there.” - -The aviator selected a bunch of newspaper clippings from a drawer in his -desk, and pushed them over to his young friend. - -Dave scanned them rapidly. An item hinted mysteriously at a grand -exploit in aeronautics about to be undertaken by the “celebrated” -airman, Roger Davidson. A later article purported to show the -possibility of sailing a dirigible balloon across the Atlantic. - -A column story followed. It referred to the great interest in the -international exploit, and named the rich prize ready for the successful -competitor. It was understood that Roger Davidson was preparing to enter -the race, and a superb aircraft was being built for him at an aero plant -at Senca. - -“I suppose you remember that Jerry Dawson and his father were in the -employ of Davidson for a time, Mr. King?” observed Dave. - -“I recall it perfectly,” nodded the aviator. - -“And Jerry being here to-night shows they are together again.” - -“It looks that way. As long as they only try to steal our thunder I -don’t so much mind,” remarked the airman. “It may be the start for -something worse, you see. I am tied up here with Leblance. I want you to -ferret out the Davidson crowd and find if they are really up to -something.” - -“I can do that,” assured the young aviator, confidently. - -“None better, I know. Get their line-up, Dashaway. Find out if they are -really in earnest, or only jockeying for notoriety, or fleecing some -gullible promoter.” - -“All right,” agreed Dave; and that settled it with Mr. King, who had -full confidence in the shrewd wits and fidelity of the boy he had taught -to fly. - -Dave was to start for Senca the next evening. He passed a glorious -morning at the aerodrome. The French inventor was one of the most -interesting men he had ever met. Leblance was all business, but very -enthusiastic and optimistic in his work. He took a fancy to Dave, and -told him things about transatlantic aircraft and airmen that were part -of an actual education to the young aspirant for aeronautic honors. - -The construction of the _Albatross_ had progressed far enough to show a -practical form and substance. No expense was being spared. The men under -Leblance were experts in their line, and Dave was amazed at the details -they were working out. - -“It’s money well invested,” declared Mr. Dale, “if it only serves to -produce the most perfect airship ever built.” - -“Why, if they put all the things in the _Albatross_ they count on,” said -Dave, “it will be like a trip on a high-class ocean steamship!” - -“Wait till she’s done, my friend,” observed Leblance. “We shall see—and -we shall cross the Atlantic; oh, never fear.” - -Grimshaw and Hiram put in an appearance by noon. The latter went wild -over the _Albatross_. He believed implicitly in Dave, and the young -aviator believed in the giant airship under construction. - -“If they let me go on that trip,” said Hiram, breathlessly, “I’ll be the -proudest and the happiest fellow in the world.” - -“You are going, if any of us do,” promised Mr. King, and the delighted -Hiram moved about as if he was treading on air. - -Mr. King went down to the train with Dave. - -“Don’t run into any danger, Dashaway,” he advised. “You are going to -deal with a wicked-tempered crowd, remember that.” - -“I shall remember,” promised Dave; “and profit by your warning.” - -Hiram was rather lonesome over the absence of his friend the next day. -The ensuing one he got restless and anxious. - -“I tell you what,” he said, confidently to Grimshaw the next afternoon; -“if Dave don’t show up soon, I’m going after him.” - -“Dashaway knows how to take care of himself—trust him for that,” -insisted the old airman. - -“Well, I can’t stand this worry. If he don’t come by to-morrow, I’m -going to look him up.” - -Grimshaw said nothing to this. He was, in fact, also a trifle disturbed -over the prolonged absence of Dave. His grim face relaxed into genuine -relief and gladness that evening, as, just after dusk, the young aviator -broke in upon the airship group. - -Dave was brisk and cheery as usual, and all hands gave him a cordial -greeting. Mr. King and Leblance were eager to hear his report at once. - -“Well,” said Dave, “I’ve found out about all there is to discover down -at Senca.” - -“Does it amount to anything?” inquired the aviator. - -“That’s for you and Mr. Leblance to say.” - -“Run across that fine specimen of humanity, young Dawson?” asked -Grimshaw, in a kind of a growl. - -“He had been sent to New York for some balloon material,” explained -Dave, “so I got along finely, for Davidson doesn’t know me by sight. -Sure enough, they are building a dirigible balloon,” continued Dave. -“They’ve found a backer who has put up several thousand dollars. They -talk big of how sure they are of reaching Liverpool in a week’s time,” -and Dave smiled. - -“What are you smiling at, Dashaway?” inquired Mr. King. - -“You would smile if you saw the craft they are building,” declared Dave. -“To tell you the truth, I can’t get away from the suspicion that the -whole thing is what people call a fake.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“Well, I had no trouble in getting into their workroom. The way they -act, the machine they’re getting up—well, I almost made up my mind that -Davidson is doing all this to get some of the promoter’s easy money. If -the _Dictator_ ever sails a hundred miles, let alone a thousand, it will -be doing well.” - -“What kind of a craft is this _Dictator_?” inquired Leblance, with -professional interest. - -“I’ll show you,” said Dave, feeling in his pocket. “The fact is, I gave -those fellows tit for tat.” - -“As how?” questioned the curious Hiram. - -“Well, they stole a photograph of the _Albatross_. I had the chance to -draw a picture of the Dictator, and here it is.” - -The young aviator produced a paper roll from his pocket. Dave was a -natural draughtsman. As he spread out the paper a well-traced penciled -outline was revealed. - -“Let me see it,” spoke Leblance, eagerly. “Ah, you have done well.” - -The keen eyes of the French inventor scanned the drawing intently. Then, -suddenly and with great excitement of manner, he threw it upon the -table. - -“Preposterous!” he exclaimed. “Nonsense! Absurd! My friend King, we have -nothing to fear. The _Dictator_ is a botch, a farce. Whoever constructed -it is a novice, a dabbler! That machine could not fly ten miles!” - - - - - CHAPTER IX - - IN THE LEAD - - -“Someone here to see you, Dave.” - -Hiram greeted the young aviator with this announcement one evening, two -weeks after their arrival at Croydon. - -“Is that so?” said Dave. “Who was it?” - -“I can’t say, for he wouldn’t tell his name. I was walking along the -fence around the aerodrome, and just as I neared the gates he popped out -from behind a pile of boards, just as if he had been in hiding.” - -“Did he ask for me?” - -“Yes. I told him you were here quite regularly, and always evenings at -the boarding house. The fellow looked peaked and scared, and backed away -as soon as he saw someone coming down the street. He mumbled something -about finding you.” - -The young airman could not surmise who his strange visitor might be. He -ransacked his mind, wondering if it could be some one of his old friends -from his home town. Then he said: - -“Describe him to me, Hiram, will you?” - -“Why,” explained Hiram, “he was a trifle older than I am, and taller; -yes, fully two inches taller. Oh, by the way, he wore a false mustache.” - -“What’s that?” challenged Dave, half guessing Hiram was joking. But the -narrator looked earnest enough. “You say he wore a false mustache?” - -“Sure thing,” persisted Hiram. - -“How did you know it was false?” - -“Because it came partly off just as the boy turned his face away. Say, -you couldn’t tell much about him. His face and hands were all grimed up, -and he had his cap pulled way down over his eyes. It was funny, though, -one thing.” - -“What, Hiram?” - -“For all his trampish looks, I noticed that his linen was fine and -white, and the necktie he wore was one of those expensive ones you see -in good furnishing shops.” - -“Is that so?” observed Dave, musingly. Then a quick thought came to his -mind. He put Hiram through a rapid course of cross-questioning. - -“I am satisfied it is young Brackett,” said Dave, to himself. “But why -in that trim, and acting like a fugitive? Hiram,” he added aloud, “keep -your eye out for that boy. I am sure he is in some kind of trouble, and -wishes to see me very much.” - -“All right,” nodded Hiram, carelessly. “He won’t get away from me next -time.” - -“Don’t use any force and scare him,” directed Dave. “Tell him that I -guess who he is, and want to see him very much.” - -“Very well. There’s Professor Leblance just going into the aerodrome. -Isn’t it famous what he says about the _Albatross_ being nearly finished -and just as perfect as money and skill could make it.” - -Both boys hurried their steps to overtake the genial, accommodating -Frenchman. For the time being Dave’s recent visitor drifted from his -mind. - -The past two weeks had been the busiest and most engrossing in all the -career of the young airman. Dave’s report on the Davidson balloon and -the drawing of it he had showed to Leblance had convinced the expert -that the _Dictator_ could not make even a start in the race across the -Atlantic. - -Dave had told him the gas bag of the _Dictator_ was conspicuously made -of tri-colored fabric. Its promoter, Davidson, had made a great claim. -The propelling power of the _Dictator_, he declared, would be built on -the monoplane principle. When traveling the gas bag would collapse, -except when they wanted to float. A gas-generating machine was among the -adjuncts of the hull, and was placed just above the framework attaching -the airplanes to the balloon. - -“It is nonsense, ridiculous,” insisted Leblance, over and over again. -“They are inviting sure death if they venture a hundred miles away from -land.” - -“All the same, they are going to try it,” proclaimed Hiram, a week -later, holding up a newspaper. “Here is a great account of the machine -and the plans, and Davidson and Jerry Dawson, who are going to fly the -_Dictator_.” - -These two latter individuals did not trouble the _Albatross_ people any -further. A constant guard, however, was kept on duty in the aerodrome. -There were a great many curious and interested visitors. Day by day the -giant airship approached completion. Now, as Hiram had announced, it was -practically ready to essay its initial flight. - -Professor Leblance smiled indulgently at them, as with considerable -professional pride he walked around the mammoth structure his skill and -efficiency had devised. Dave never tired of surveying the splendid -machine. To him it was a marvel how Leblance had assembled the parts of -the airship so speedily. There were three engines, and from the wooden -ribs and metal bracing, socketed to withstand collisions, to the -passenger cabin almost as sumptuously furnished as a Pullman palace car, -every detail fitted into a mammoth scheme never before attempted in -aeronautics. - -“The _Albatross_ will do what no aeroplane could accomplish,” said -Leblance to his companions, who were admiringly regarding the great -machine. - -“What is that, Mr. Leblance?” inquired the young aviator. - -“It can be perfectly handled in a storm exceeding thirty-five miles an -hour velocity. It is as much of a ship as any that can travel the ocean. -An iron ship is sustained on the water by the air inside of her hull, -air being eight hundred times lighter than water. The _Albatross_ will -be sustained in the air by hydrogen gas, which is sixteen times lighter -than air.” - -“And sixteen to one is as good as unlimited to one,” remarked Dave, who -had been studying aeronautics. - -“That’s it. The _Albatross_ is a ship sustained by displacing more than -its own weight on the air. Its gas chambers are inflated to about -three-fourths of their capacity, to allow for the full expansion of gas -after the ship has been driven up dynamically by the action of the -engines and propellers, the flat top and under surface of the hull -acting as an aeroplane.” - -The _Albatross_ was a flexible gas bag, just like the ordinary drifting -balloon, except that in shape it was long and pointed, instead of round. -Otherwise, Leblance explained, it could not be driven through the air. -The gas was contained in twenty-two separate chambers inside of the -rigid hull, which performed the same functions as the air-tight -compartments inside an ocean liner. - -“It will sink only if it leaks badly,” explained Leblance. “The -sustaining compartments are always closed. Even if several compartments -should burst, the loss of the lift is compensated by the aeroplane -action of the hull whenever driven at full speed. When thus driven it -burns its own fuel so rapidly that this, acting the same as the casting -of ballast, is continuously lightening the ship. This is what is called -balancing the ship. The air balloonets maintain the rigidity of the bag -whenever it loses gas through the action of the sun or change in -elevation. The breeze passing through the ventilators at the bow -prevents the gas from expanding on the hottest days of the year. I tell -you confidently, my young friends, to my mind the _Albatross_ is -practically unsinkable.” - -Neither Dave nor Hiram had thus far been inside the cabin and other -living apartments of the _Albatross_. They had, however, watched their -construction. The big airship could carry twenty passengers, if -necessary, and in providing for the comfort of those making the first -trip no detail for their welfare had been overlooked. There were -washrooms, provision apartments, a cook’s galley; and the engineer’s -quarters, Leblance explained, would be perfect in appointment and -equipment. The main point he had striven for was to maintain absolute -control of the gas at all times. As this depended upon reliable engines, -motors had been built that ran for thirty-six hours at full speed. The -machinery could not break down, as every part had been duplicated. - -“That means,” said Leblance, “that if the carburetor gets out of order, -a duplicate enables it to go right on working. The engine has a great -number of automatic devices, among them two pumps which force the fuel -to exactly the right places, even if the ship is standing on its beam -ends, running up into the air or coming down at an angle of forty-five -degrees. You won’t have to sit sandwiched in small quarters, my young -friends. You can walk up and down the cabin and go all over the ship, -without disturbing the balance of the huge float overhead. To-morrow the -last touch will be put on the engine, and then practically we will be -all ready.” - -Hiram went down to the post-office for the mail after supper that day. -Mr. King and his party were downstairs in the living room of the -boarding house, entertaining two airmen who had come to Croydon to look -over the _Albatross_ that afternoon, when Hiram returned. - -The young aviator’s impetuous assistant burst unceremoniously in upon -the group, stumbled over a rug and went flat, but flushed and breathless -tossed the evening newspaper to Mr. King. - -“Read, read!” panted the excited lad. - -“Why, what’s all this commotion, Hiram?” questioned the astonished -veteran airman. - -“It’s all in—the paper,” gasped Hiram in jerks. “The -_Dictator_—has—got—ahead of us.” - -“What’s that!” fairly shouted Mr. Dale, springing to his feet. - -“Yes,” declared Hiram. “The _Dictator_ started from Senca this -afternoon—on her trip across the Atlantic!” - - - - - CHAPTER X - - THE HAUNTED AERODROME - - -The excitable Leblance was on his feet in an instant. Dave reached the -side of Mr. King and glanced quickly at the paper he had opened out. - -“Impossible—so poorly equipped! Incredible—so quickly!” almost shouted -the Frenchman. - -“The _Dictator_ has sailed, just the same,” announced the veteran -airman, conclusively. “I’ll read it to you.” - -Every word of the article in the newspaper was taken in absorbedly by -the persons in the room. According to it, the _Dictator_ had made a -splendid ascent from Senca at two o’clock that afternoon. The red, white -and blue appearance of the great gas bag had evoked the most patriotic -enthusiasm, and cheers and flag-waving had accompanied the flight. - -The _Dictator_, according to the report, would float southward overland -till a point near Baltimore was reached. Here a descent would be made to -learn its condition, the machinery carefully scanned, and the ocean -course begun. Then followed an interview given out by Davidson on the -superiority of his double monoplane apparatus. There was, too, a -portrait of Davidson and one of Jerry Dawson. The article wound up with -a reference to the _Albatross_, which it stated, would soon be hot on -the heels of the _Dictator_. - -“They have got the lead,” observed Mr. Dale, in an anxious tone, the one -of the group most disquieted by the newspaper article. - -Professor Leblance shrugged his shoulders. He waved his hand to express -ridicule. His long, waxed mustache curled up in disdain. - -“It is absurd,” he said. “Do I not know? An egg shell like that—no -science, no reserve force. Bah! I laugh at it.” - -All the same the volatile Frenchman beckoned Mr. King to the next room. -In low, serious tones they held quite an extended conversation. At its -end Leblance hurried from the house. Mr. King returned to his friends -with a serious face. - -“The ball has been set rolling,” he spoke, “there is no doubt of that. -No matter what we think or guess about the _Dictator_, it seems certain -that the craft has made a start. Leblance has gone to set his men at -night work. The _Albatross_ must be gotten in trim for its flight within -forty-eight hours.” - -“As quickly as that!” exclaimed Dave. - -“Leblance assures me he will have the _Albatross_ all ready for its -flight by day after to-morrow,” said the airman. “Make preparations, my -friends. There must be no delay.” - -“Hurrah!” whispered Hiram, into the ear of his young friend. - -The guests of Mr. King saw that his mind was seriously on his business, -and arose to depart. - -“Some of our crowd will be here to give the _Albatross_ the right -send-off,” one of them declared. - -The airman saw the visitors to the door. When he returned he snatched up -his hat quickly. - -“Come with me, Dashaway; you too, Hiram,” he directed. - -“Where are you going?” inquired Mr. Dale. - -“To the aerodrome. There is going to be a lot of rush work to do, and -perhaps we can help.” - -“Count me in,” said the old man, cheerily, “although I haven’t been very -useful so far outside of gaping at the wonderful work of our gifted -friend, Leblance.” - -“Day after to-morrow is the twenty-first,” spoke up Grimshaw. “Two days’ -start for the _Dictator_ crowd.” - -The group left the boarding house. They crossed the street and walked -along the fence of the aerodrome enclosure. Dave and Hiram were in the -lead. They were chatting animatedly as they turned the corner of the -building, when Dave was thrust violently to the side and Hiram was -knocked head over heels to the street. - -A frenzied yell accompanied the collision with them of a wild, scurrying -form, which recoiled at the unexpected impact, a hat bobbing from its -head. - -“Hi! what’s all this?” challenged the astonished Mr. King. - -“Why, it’s the night watchman!” declared Grimshaw. - -“Oh, Mr. King!” panted the man, and then, pale, shaking, and gasping for -breath, he fell against the wall of the building from sheer weakness. - -“Here, brace up,” ordered the aviator, seizing the arms of the fellow -and shaking him. “What’s the trouble?” - -“Ghost!” choked out the watchman, in thrilling accents. - -“Where—what do you mean?” - -“Aerodrome.” - -“A ghost in the aerodrome?” questioned Mr. King, derisively. “Is that -what you’re trying to say?” - -“Yes.” - -“Nonsense! Here, Grimshaw, help me get this fellow back to his post of -duty.” - -Between them they forced the man along the walk. He gurgled, quaked, and -held back as they neared the gates of the enclosure. They found these -locked, as also the door to the old factory, when they reached it. - -“I locked it in,” quavered the frightened watchman. “Don’t—don’t let it -out!” - -“You’re a fine guardian of property, you are,” censured the airman, -severely. “Here we are,” and as he opened the door, Mr. King snapped on -the electric lights. The watchman sank to a chair and crouched as he -directed a scared glance around the place. - -“Where’s your ghost?” derided the aviator quickly. - -“I—I don’t see him now,” grunted the watchman. - -“I guess you don’t,” scoffed Grimshaw. “You must be a weak one to fly -into a tantrum like this over nothing.” - -“Nothing!” fairly bellowed the watchman. “I saw it plain as the nose on -my face. See here, I had the door ajar about a foot to let in a little -of the cool evening air. Here I sat in my chair right near it. I must -have half snoozed and woke up suddenly. Not five feet away, right near -that oil tank yonder, was a horrible shape. It was all white and -unearthly. As I started up it let out an unearthly scream and waved its -arms. Say, it was curdling! I bolted for the door, locked it, and -scooted.” - -“Yes, you scooted all right,” grumbled Hiram, rubbing a bump on his -head. - -Mr. King, with a glance of impatience at the great booby of a watchman, -proceeded briskly the length of the building, peering into every odd -nook and corner. When he came back he held in his hand a long cotton -sheet that had been used to cover some of the machinery. - -“That is what you saw,” he declared. “Somebody has been playing a trick -on you.” - -“Why, how could that be,” chattered the watchman, “seeing nobody was in -the building but me?” - -“How do you know that?” demanded the aviator; “when you say you had the -door open? I tell you some one slipped in, wrapped in the sheet, and -half scared the life out of you.” - -“Then he must be here now,” insisted the watchman, “for when I bolted I -locked the door after me.” - -“It all looks rather queer,” remarked Mr. Dale. - -“Hi!” suddenly shouted the watchman. - -“What’s the matter now?” asked Mr. King. - -“My dinner pail—that I bring my night lunch in.” - -“What about it?” - -“Gone! It was right here near my chair. It’s been taken.” - -Dave had followed the progress of the incident of the hour with -curiosity, ending in positive interest. - -“Come on, Hiram,” he said. - -“What for?” inquired his comrade. - -“To do some investigating. Don’t you see that if the watchman’s story is -straight some one really was here?” - -“And if the door was locked when the watchman ran away he couldn’t very -well get out.” - -“Exactly.” - -The two lads made more than one tour of the length and breadth of the -place. Their quest proved a vain one. There was no one hiding about the -aerodrome, as far as they could discover. - -“We’ll have to give it up,” said Hiram at last, “although it’s something -of a mystery.” - -It was, indeed, but a mystery soon to be explained in a startling way to -the young aviators. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - - A GRAND SUCCESS - - -“All ready!” - -Robert King, seated in the pilot room of the _Albatross_, spoke the -words through a tube at his side connecting with the cabin. - -Dave Dashaway stood beside him, and behind the young aviator was Hiram -Dobbs. It was the most impressive moment in all the boys’ lives. Well -might it be, for the next movement of the expert airman meant the start -of the giant airship on a cruise but once before attempted by mortal -man. - -Before the skilled sky rider was a great sheet of glass punctured with -knobs of metal. Each bore a number. From practice, these indices to -guiding detail were as familiar to Mr. King as an alphabet to a -schoolboy. The operator was so intent upon his work that his hand -trembled, his eyes were glued to the pilot board, and his face was quite -pale. Dave stood with every nerve tense and strained. Hiram fairly held -his breath. There was a grind and a sway as Mr. King touched a -particular button. The huge gas bag lifted its prow from the ground, -then its body cleared all earth of contact, and the next instant was -stretched out on an angle of forty-five degrees. - -“We’re started!” breathed Dave. - -“It’s grand!” pronounced Hiram, in a gasp. - -Both edged towards the open window. A dizzying panorama greeted their -sight. - -The old factory was a wreck. One entire sidewall and parts of the front -and rear walls had been torn out of place that morning, to allow for the -exit to level ground of the _Albatross_. Outside of the enclosure over a -thousand persons were gathered. A band was playing, the crowd was -cheering, and from a neighboring roof a group of reporters and a dozen -airmen, friends of Mr. King, joined in the tumult, waving hats, flags -and handkerchiefs. - -The _Albatross_ behaved splendidly. There was not a jar as it ended a -mile ascent in exactly five minutes. Then, as the vast machine balanced -to its natural position, it began a straight, even glide so graceful and -buoyant that it imparted a positive thrill to the passengers. - -“Say, it’s glorious!” burst out the irrepressible Hiram, “I feel as if I -had been taking laughing gas!” - -Dave resumed his position near his friend and patron, Mr. King. For the -present he was to take no active part in running the _Albatross_. He -had, however, sat up half the night listening to the arrangements mapped -out by Professor Leblance. He realized, too, that as soon as he learned -all that the aviator had acquired he was to relieve him. There was not a -movement made by the skilled hand of the airman that Dave did not -memorize. He had accompanied the professor in a tour all over the craft -two hours before starting, and had been amazed at the simplicity of the -construction as a whole. He was lost in admiration as he realized what a -perfect mechanism controlled the giant airship. - -The Frenchman had four skilled airship men under his orders. They had -been trained to their duties in Germany and France. Each knew what was -required of him, and each understood that, while they appeared to act as -automatons, a single miss in the programme might end their career in -mid-air, or in the ocean depths. - -Outside of these men, who performed engineering duties solely, a young -and enthusiastic Pole named Vacla assisted the professor in the actual -control of the craft. In the pilot room Mr. King directed the course of -the _Albatross_ by electric signals, or word of mouth through the -speaking tube. - -Passages ran past the cased-in balloonets to every part of the airship. -In the direct center of the craft and above the airplanes and float -attachments was the roomy cabin. Two persons, both foreigners, the cook -and the cabin attendant, had this department in charge. The cabin had -rows of windows on both sides, and was furnished comfortably and even -elegantly. Seated at one of the windows, a passenger had a perfect view -as far as the eye could reach. - -Hiram found his way to the cabin, to come upon Mr. Dale and Grimshaw -viewing the fast-receding earth. The good hearted old gentleman, who had -financed the proposition almost solely on Dave’s account, was chuckling, -with his fat comfortable face crossed with a great smile of delight. -Grimshaw seemed more contented and spirited than Hiram had ever seen him -before. - -“We’ve made a famous start,” burst out Hiram, waving his hand in glee. - -“That’s pleasant,” beamed Mr. Dale. - -“And Mr. King says we’re going to keep it up.” - -“That’s natural,” joined in Grimshaw. - -“Everything has been provided for, and we’re going ahead slick as -grease.” - -“That’s evident,” chuckled Mr. Dale. - -“And we’re going to cross the Atlantic first!” boasted the excited young -airman. - -“That’s all!” roared Grimshaw—“all worth working for and waiting for. -I’ve dreamed it for ten years. Now—hooray!” - -In about half an hour Professor Leblance, Mr. King and Dave came into -the cabin. The Frenchman’s eyes were shining with half-suppressed -excitement and satisfaction. Mr. Dale rushed at him and grasped his hand -fervently. - -“My friend,” he said, “you’ve proven a genius, a wonder! Hold out as you -have begun, and I double the fee originally agreed upon.” - -“Ah, sir,” replied the gifted engineer, “let me but see the land on the -other side—then, undying fame! I ask no more.” - -“See here,” broke in the ever-active and restless Hiram, “is this all -we’ve got to do—sit here and let her drift?” - -“About that, for the present,” returned Mr. King. - -“Remember, we are still over land,” reminded the professor. “It is calm -and fair. It is a pleasant beginning. When we get over the ocean——” - -The Frenchman here shrugged his shoulders expressively, as if he thought -it no child’s play ahead. - -“Then,” added Mr. King, “every man must do his duty as on a ship in -stress of weather.” - -“The orders are for four hours drifting,” explained Professor Leblance. -“About nightfall we will have reached what we call the approximate air -current. The right air course is just as established as the ocean roads, -and we aim to follow it in our voyage.” - -“And now, my friends,” came from Mr. Dale. “I have something more to say -about this wonderful airship.” - -All eyes were at once turned on the rich gentleman who had made it -possible to construct the _Albatross_. - -“Years ago Dave Dashaway’s father and I were chums. He did me many a -good turn. That is why I have taken such an interest in my young friend -here. Now that this giant airship is an accomplished fact, I wish to -make it known to all of you that I have had it built on his account——” - -“Oh, Mr. Dale!” interrupted our hero. - -“It is true, my boy, and from this moment on I wish the _Albatross_ to -be known as Dave Dashaway’s airship,” went on the rich gentleman. - -“Hooray!” cried Hiram and Grimshaw, in unison. - -“My airship?” cried Dave. - -“Yes, my boy, your airship,” answered Mr. Dale. “And may she win her way -across the Atlantic without a mishap.” - -“Amen to that,” put in Mr. King. “Dave, my warmest congratulations,” and -he held out his hand. - -Dave was so overcome he could scarcely speak. But at last he thanked Mr. -Dale heartily for his great kindness. The thought that the giant airship -had been turned over to him filled his heart with new enthusiasm. - -“I’ll do my best to make a success of the trip,” he said, in a voice -filled with emotion. - -“I know you will—I bank on you, my boy,” answered Mr. Dale. - -They circled out toward the water for a few miles, to ascertain the -strength of some of the ocean currents of air, and as they were turning -inward again Dave cried out: - -“Look, there’s a seagull trying to race with us, I do believe!” He -pointed upward and there, in the air above them and off to one side, was -one of the graceful birds. - -“That’s what it is!” exclaimed Mr. Dale. “And that reminds me of -something I must do to oblige a friend. But first let us watch that -seagull.” - -All eyes were now turned toward it. The swift bird seemed to realize -that one of its own kind, or, more properly, a rival, was disputing the -element so long unconquerable by man. The seagull would approach the -giant airship as if to ascertain what it wanted in the upper regions, to -learn its speed and power. Then, as if alarmed at the noise of the -propeller, or perhaps some of the odors of the escaping gas, the bird -would veer off, only to return. - -“Look!” cried Dave again. “It’s going to see how much faster it can go -than we do. It’s trying to double on us, I declare!” - -And that is exactly what the seagull did. Darting ahead it swung around -a good distance in front of the airship, and then, as if to prove how -puny was man, compared to nature, the bird darted straight back toward -the craft. - -“He’s going to ram us—he’ll be killed, sure!” yelled Mr. King. - -“No, he’s going to one side,” declared Mr. Dale. - -And that is what the bird did! Like an arrow it shot along the side of -the _Albatross_, almost brushing the gas bags with its wing tips. To the -rear swung the big bird. Its purpose was now plain. It was going to -circle the airship. - -“Two can play at that game!” cried Dave. “Let’s put on all speed! Can we -beat the seagull?” - -“We certainly can,” said Mr. King, in a quiet voice. He walked over to -some of the signal buttons and pushed them. The effect was at once -apparent. There was an increased tremor through the whole craft. It -darted ahead and cleaved the air as it had never done before. Once more -Mr. King pressed a small lever. Again the trembling of the craft -increased as if she would shake apart. But she was staunchly built. - -“Can you see the gull?” demanded Mr. Dale. - -“Yes, here he comes!” cried Dave. “He’s been to the stern, rounded it, -and here he comes up alongside like the wind. He’s trying to pass us!” - -“But he never will,” spoke Mr. King. “Here goes for the final test. -Perhaps it’s foolish to use our greatest speed on a new motor before -it’s been warmed up and run longer than this has, but we might as well -know first as last just what the _Albatross_ will do. Now for the test!” - -He pressed a button that communicated with the motor room, and there -came such a vibration to the craft that one and all, who were not aware -of the reserve power, looked at one another in some alarm. - -“How about it, Dave?” inquired Mr. King. “Are we holding our own?” - -“Yes! Yes!” eagerly answered the young aviator. “The gull is straining -every wing feather, but he’s falling back. Look, no he’s even with us -now! He’s going ahead—see—see!” - -Was the _Albatross_, after all, to be beaten? - -The gull was now flying alongside in such a position as to be visible to -all. Clearly the bird was exerting every last ounce of strength. Its -wings were wildly beating the air, and its slender head and hooked bill -were stretched out like the prow of some slave-galley—cutting the air. - -“It’s falling back—it’s falling back—we win!” cried Dave exultantly. - -It was so. The gull, unable to keep up the terrific speed, was losing -ground. The airship kept on, its awful power forcing it forward. Foot by -foot the bird fell back until like some express train passing a slow -freight, the _Albatross_ shot ahead of the weary bird, and the creature, -as if humiliated by the test, folded its wings and dropped downward like -a shot, in order to rest. Then spreading wide its pinions again, it -floated in the air, far below the rival craft. - -“We sure did go!” cried Dave in triumph, as some of the terrific power -was cut down. “But what was it you said you wanted to do, Mr. -Dale—something that the sight of the gull reminded you about?” - -“Oh, yes. Well, it’s nothing more or less than to release a carrier -pigeon I have on board.” - -“A carrier pigeon?” cried several. - -“Yes, a friend of mine, who is interested in aeronautics, and who -published a magazine about them, asked me to do this for him. He gave me -a carrier pigeon a few days ago, and requested me to release it on our -trial trip. I said I would, and now I am going to send him a message of -our success. The bird will fly directly to his coop, and later, when I -give him the time we liberated it, and he notes the time of arrival, he -can figure the speed.” - -“Good!” cried Dave. “Where is the pigeon?” - -It was brought out in the basket where it had been held captive, and Mr. -Dale, who understood such matters, prepared a short message on thin -paper. The paper was put in a quill, sealed at both ends, and then tied -by silk thread to one of the pigeon’s wings. - -The bird was taken to the deck of the craft and liberated. It soared -high in the air, circled about once or twice and, then even in that -void, seeming to get its bearings, it darted off to the south. - -“Later we will learn how my friend received the message,” said Mr. Dale. -“And now I think we had better change our course.” - -The _Albatross_ lined the coast a few miles to the interior. Until dusk -Dave and the others viewed a constantly changing panorama. Then there -was supper, a bountiful meal, well prepared, and immensely relished by -all hands. - -After that lights were set, the big headlights, front and rear, sending -out far-reaching shafts of radiance that must have appeared to -uninitiated landsmen as streaming meteors. - -Mr. King was in the cabin when the electric call bell took him to the -speaking tube. He dropped it as if some important message called him -instantly to the pilot room. - -His manner and face indicated to the young aviator that whatever message -he had received had urged him to seriousness and haste. - -“Something’s up; eh, Dave?” shot out Hiram, as the airman hurried from -the cabin. - -“It looks that way,” assented Dave. “I wonder what?” - - - - - CHAPTER XII - - ADRIFT IN THE STORM - - -The two young aviators, alive to every motion of the _Albatross_ and the -movements of its operators, sat together on one of the observation -benches. - -“I don’t see any change in our course,” remarked Hiram, glancing from -the window. - -“Neither do I,” said Dave. “There’s a flash, though.” - -“Yes, I saw it,” spoke Hiram, quickly. “Lightning, wasn’t it?” - -“I think so. In fact, I am sure of it. Yes, it has all clouded up.” - -“And a wind coming,” added Hiram. “What is it, Mr. Grimshaw?” he -questioned, as there was a ring at the tube hook. - -“Orders to close everything up fast and tight,” reported the veteran -aeronaut. - -“Then there’s a storm coming, sure enough,” said Hiram. - -Even before they had all the windows closed a change of atmosphere was -noticeable. A blast of wind roared around the giant airship. - -“Of course, this isn’t serious,” observed Hiram. - -“Oh, I think not,” rejoined the young aviator. - -“If the _Albatross_ can’t weather a little land zephyr, she’s no good -over the ocean.” - -“Mr. King is simply taking all precautions,” said Dave. - -“Whew! did you feel that!” - -There was a whirl that made the young airmen think of their past -experience in striking an air pocket when aboard their monoplane. - -Bang! went a pitcher of water from the table in the center of the cabin. - -“We’re tipping,” exclaimed Hiram. - -“Yes, upwards,” said Grimshaw. - -“Trying to strike a calmer upper current, I fancy,” suggested Mr. Dale. - -Hiram made his way to a window and tried to peer out. The rain was -beating in rattling dashes against the thick panes. - -“Say,” he reported, “if you want to see a sea of black ink, come here.” - -“I call it a blaze of dazzling light,” submitted Grimshaw, as there was -a vivid flash of lightning, followed by a tremendous crack of thunder. - -“It’s all below us now,” reported Hiram, a few minutes later. - -“We must be above the storm cloud, then,” said Grimshaw. - -“There’s some wind yet, I’m thinking,” observed Mr. Dale. - -There came a signal from the tube bell just then. Grimshaw being -nearest, took up the tube and received the message. - -“You, Dashaway,” he spoke in his quick, laconic way. - -“From Mr. King?” - -“Yes.” - -“All right.” - -The young aviator left the cabin at once. All over the hull of the great -airship was an electric light system. The lamps were placed at intervals -along the passages, and Dave found no difficulty in threading them. He -arrived at the pilot room to find Mr. King at the glass table and -Professor Leblance holding his hand out through a small porthole, the -inside glass shield of which was thrown back. - -The airman looked serious and occupied with the various buttons on the -table. The Frenchman’s face wore a somewhat anxious look. - -He drew in his arm. As he did so Dave observed that his hand held a -little meteorological instrument he had noticed before. It was a -barometric contrivance. The professor held it up to the light and -scanned its surface closely. - -“It won’t do at all,” he announced. “The index is not broad enough to -give exact conditions.” - -“There is the aerometer, Professor,” suggested Mr. King. - -“Did I not tell you I found one of its tubes shattered? Such -carelessness! I would no more start across the ocean without a perfect -instrument than without food.” - -“Then it’s a stop?” - -“Somewhere.” - -“And a descent?” - -“Of course.” - -“When, and where?” - -Professor Leblance indulged in his accustomed shrug of the shoulders. - -“I dare not descend, not knowing the exact conditions below, as I -stated. We are on a fair level.” - -“Then why not continue till the situation clears?” - -“We can only run one way.” - -“Yes, with the storm, but we are not leaving the coast line to any -appreciable degree.” - -“That is true, but we may get too far south.” - -“Oh, we can soon make that up. We will have to land near some large -city, I suppose, to get what you want.” - -“Not necessarily,” replied the Frenchman. “All I need is some -quicksilver. I have plenty of surplus tubes.” - -“Well, what is the programme?” - -“Straight ahead, watching the wind gauge and the grade guide.” - -“Very good.” - -“I will go to the engine room.” - -“Come here, Dashaway,” ordered the expert airman. - -His junior assistant was prompt to gain the side of his superior. - -“You understand the guide?” inquired Mr. King. - -“It is on the same principle as the aeroplane apparatus?” - -“Yes.” - -“Then—perfectly,” assented Dave. - -“Watch it closely for variations, and the wind record. If the mirror -shows a deviation past the fifteen mark, notify me.” - -“And the wind?” - -“Over fifty miles an hour is dangerous.” - -“And we will have to descend?” - -“Or ascend, that’s it.” - -Dave seated himself in a chair at one end of the table. The guide, a -delicately adjusted instrument, recorded every variation in the progress -of the airship. The wind gauge was connected by wires with a vane on top -of the gas bag. - -Dave turned to his duty with interest and carefulness. His monoplane -experience stood him in good stead. He felt a great deal of satisfaction -in realizing that he was actually sharing in operating the _Albatross_, -and in addition to that learning something practical and of value. - -Inside of five minutes he had mastered the requirements of the occasion -and was working in entire harmony with the airman. - -For over three hours the _Albatross_ was kept on as perfectly straight a -course as could be mapped out. - -“We seem to have encountered a heavy southwest storm of great extent,” -Mr. King told him. - -“Have we got to pass over its entire length before we land?” asked the -young aviator. - -“Professor Leblance thinks that plan best,” replied Mr. King. - -It must have been nearly midnight when the Frenchman came back from the -engine room. - -“Superb!” was his first commendatory word. “The _Albatross_ does not -seem to have strained a seam. I must congratulate you both.” - -The airman smiled pleasantly at this praise and Dave bowed modestly. The -professor again took the barometric readings. - -“I think we have hit the tail of the wind,” he announced a few minutes -later. “As soon as we are sure of it, we will make a descent.” - -“What’s that?” suddenly called out the young aviator. - -Boom! A great shock traversed the airship! - -Boom—boom—twice in succession there followed a muffled bang, and it was -apparent that the sounds were caused by some trouble in the airship. - -Professor Leblance rushed from the room. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - - A FIRST LANDING - - -The young aviator was not unused to “thrills” in his professional -experience. He noted no deviation in the straight progress of the -_Albatross_. Mr. King did not distract attention from the signal plate. -Still Dave awaited some explanation of the detonation with curiosity and -anxiety. - -“It’s all right,” reported Professor Leblance, reappearing a few minutes -later. - -“Explosions?” questioned the airman, simply. - -“Yes. Three of the balloonets blew up.” - -“Which means?” - -“Nothing,” replied the Frenchman, with his accustomed shrug of the -shoulders. “We must have struck a warm current. Ah, yes, that is true,” -he added, as he made the thermometer test. “You see, the sudden -transition from cold caused an expansion and affected the balloonets.” - -“Does that weaken the lifting force, Professor?” inquired Dave. - -“Not perceptibly. I count on such accidents, more or less. I can -duplicate the balloonets, and as to the gas—we have arranged for all -necessary replenishment in that direction. Mr. King, everything is -favorable for a descent.” - -“All right,” replied the airman. “Have you any idea where we are?” - -“I should say, south of Washington.” - -“In Virginia, then?” - -“Or still farther south. I have measured the distance covered since our -start, but I do not know how far we are inland.” - -Mr. King left Dave in charge of the signal table for a few moments. He -went to the lookout, meantime instructing the young aviator as to what -buttons he should operate. This brought the _Albatross_ on a lateral -slant. The enormous headlight at the prow of the airship cast a glow far -below. Mr. King was able to trace outlines on the landscape. He returned -to the pilot table, and following his directions there were many changes -made in the course of the giant airship during the next half hour. - -Once more the aviator consulted the lookout. Then, back again at his -post, he ordered a slow-up and a gentle, gradual drop. - -“Landed,” breathed Dave at last, intensely interested in all the gentle -and natural movements of the descent. - -“Yes, and that was certainly easy,” replied his patron, with a sigh of -relief and satisfaction “The professor understands his business.” - -The Frenchman soon appeared, followed by two of his assistants. The -aviator and Dave accompanied him to the cabin. - -“You people had better go to bed,” he directed all hands. “My men will -attend to securing the machine safe and sound. We can do nothing now -until morning.” - -This order was obeyed. Dave and Hiram had what might be called a -stateroom to themselves. It was narrow, but cozy. It had a window -opening, and there the young aviator posted himself for some time. - -By the aid of the headlights Dave could make out Leblance and his men -securing the _Albatross_. The craft seemed to have landed on flat land -rather bare of verdure and with no trees. - -“An ideal spot for landing,” Dave reported to his comrade. - -“Yes, but where are we?” questioned Hiram. - -“In some wild mountain district, I should say,” responded Dave—“maybe -Virginia, maybe North Carolina.” - -“Well, it has been a dandy cruise,” declared Hiram. “Say, I’ve gone -through so much excitement I don’t believe I can sleep a wink.” - -“Try it, anyhow,” recommended Dave. “There may be a lot to do in the -morning, and we want to be rested and strong to take our share in it.” - -How long he rested Dave Dashaway did not know, but he was suddenly -awakened by feeling the _Albatross_ moving. At first he imagined that he -must be dreaming, for certainly he did not think they would start off -again after making a landing with such trouble. - -“But she sure is moving,” decided the lad, “though not in the air, if my -senses are good for anything. That is unless we’re bumping along a cloud -bank.” - -He sat up in his berth, and could make out a dim light in the room -beyond. He listened and heard Hiram breathing heavily. - -“He’s fast asleep, anyhow,” decided the young aviator. “It takes a good -deal to disturb him. But we sure are moving. I wonder——?” - -Such a strange thought came to him that he hesitated to put it into -form. But he decided to reason it out. - -“Can it be?” he mused, “that I have slept through a whole night and day -without knowing it, and that we are on the move again. Can anything have -happened—to me—or the others? Have—I been unconscious—hurt—and not have -known what has happened? It doesn’t seem possible, and yet——” - -His self-communing was interrupted by a more violent motion of the -airship. It seemed to careen to one side, and then right itself. Dave -found himself clutching the sides of his bunk. Then came a period of -calm. - -“I’m going to wake Hiram up,” decided Dave. “He may not like it, but I -want to talk to some one about this, and if he gets mad, in case it -isn’t anything, he can easily get to sleep again. And that’s what I -won’t do unless I find out what’s going on.” - -Dave cautiously got out of bed. As he did so he again felt the lurch of -the big craft. At the same time he heard a voice speaking softly -outside. - -“By hickory!” came the tones. “I don’t seem to be movin’ th’ ole shebang -much. Guess I’ll hev t’ go git another mule critter or two t’ snake it -away. Whoa there!” - -“What in the name of sweet spirits of nitre is going on?” murmured Dave. -“Is some one trying to steal the _Albatross_?” - -He crossed softly to look out of one of the windows, but could see -nothing. The big headlights had been extinguished, and, save for some -few incandescents here and there, which were only dimly glowing there -was no illumination inside the ship. It had been decided to make it dark -so all hands would sleep better. - -“This is sure mysterious,” went on Dave. “I can’t see anything, but I -can hear, and I can—feel!” he added a moment later, for again the craft -moved slightly. - -Once more the young aviator peered out, but he could discern nothing. -The night was very black. - -“If I thought——” he began, when a sleepy voice from the adjoining berth -inquired: - -“Whatsmatter, Dave? Time f’r brkfust?” - -“Hiram! Hiram!” whispered Dave shrilly. “Wake up! Something has -happened—it’s happening now!” - -Instantly Hiram sat upright in his bed. He was rather a slow chap, but -on occasions could move lively. - -“What is it?” he inquired in a low voice. “Burglars in here, Dave?” - -“I don’t know. Maybe it is and maybe it isn’t. Anyhow, I don’t think -they’re in yet.” - -“All right, then; wait until they do get in an’ we’ll nab ’em. Lay low!” - -“That’s just what I don’t want to do,” replied Dave. “Something may -happen unless we get busy. They may even get away with the _Albatross_.” - -“Get away with the _Albatross_?” cried Hiram. “What are you talking -about, Dave? How can they——?” - -But he did not finish his sentence. At that moment there came another -lurch to the craft, and it moved several feet. - -“There!” hoarsely whispered Dave. “What did I tell you?” - -“Are we going up—a night flight?” asked Hiram. - -“I don’t know. I was awakened by the movement, and it’s been going on -ever since. Someone is outside, that’s sure. Listen now!” - -There was silence for a moment, and then a cautious voice could be heard -saying: - -“I suah will have t’ done go an’ git another mule critter t’ move this -contraption. An’ I ain’t got no mo’ of my own. I’ll have to borrow one -off Nate Jackson, an’ then he’ll want me t’ whack up with him. Wa’al, -there ain’t no help, fer as I kin see!” - -“There!” exclaimed Dave in triumph. - -“It sure is strange,” said Hiram. “I guess we’d better wake up the -others. Mr. King and Mr. Dale ought to know about this.” - -But there was no need for the boys to awaken their companions. The next -moment there came such a violent motion to the ship that not a sleeper -continued to slumber. With one accord they tumbled out of their berths. - -Then from without came a chorus of excited shouts. - -“Whoa, there! Consarn ye all, what d’ ye mean by backin’ and fillin’ -that a-way? Stand still, pesky mule critters that ye be! Ye wouldn’t -pull this shebang when I wanted ye to, an’ now ye’re tryin’ t’ run away -with it. Whoa!” - -“Who’s there?” cried Mr. King. - -“What is going on?” demanded Mr. Dale. - -“Something has happened!” shouted Professor Leblance. - -“That’s right!” agreed Dave, “and it’s going on now.” - -“Someone is trying to make off with the airship,” added Hiram. - -“Make off with the airship!” repeated the professor. “Can it be——” - -He did not finish, but in a moment he had switched on a number of -lights, including the two big ones outside the craft. Then, as they -looked from the windows, they saw a strange sight. - -An unkempt man, with a team of sorry-looking mules, had fastened a rope -to the _Albatross_ and was evidently trying to drag it away. He started -back in alarm at the sudden illumination, and hastily began taking off -the rope. - -“Here! What are you trying to do?” cried Mr. King, through an open -window. - -“Good land! Is there folks in this shebang!” asked the mountaineer. -“Land a’massy! I thought it was a balloon that had come down.” - -“And you were going to haul it away and claim a reward, I suppose,” put -in the professor, beginning to understand the situation. - -“That’s what I was, stranger” came the answer. “But my mules wa’n’t -strong enough. I was goin’ arter another pair when yo’-all turned up -your kerosene lamps. She wouldn’t hardly budge.” - -“I should say not, with the way she is fastened,” said the Frenchman. -“But explain yourself, monsieur.” - -“That ain’t my name, but it don’t much matter,” came the answer. “I was -on my way home from th’ settlement, with a load of stuff t’ keep my wife -an’ kids in bacon an’ flour, when I seen ye come down last evenin’. I -once went t’ a county fair, an’ they had a balloon assent. Th’ perfesser -offered five dollars t’ whoever’d git his balloon arter he jumped out of -it, an’ she drifted away.” - -“Nate Jackson was th’ lucky man, an’ he found th’ balloon in Black Cedar -swamp. He hauled it t’ town an’ got his five. When I seen this -contraption come down, I just laid low, aimin’ t’ git th’ reward. I -s’posed you folks would all go home until mornin’ anyhow. But ye didn’t. -I onhitched my mules arter dark, an’ got a rope from my wagon, an’ tried -t’ haul th’ balloon away. But she wouldn’t haul. I’m mighty sorry if I -disturbed ye’ an’ I’ll travel on now. This is th’ most forsaken country -I ever knowed, an’ it’s hard t’ git money. I thought I saw an easy way -t’ make a five dollar bill.” - -“It’s worth more than that to have our airship let alone, my man,” said -the professor. “This is the kind of a balloon you never saw before. Here -are ten dollars for the wife and little ones,” and he passed over a -bill. - -The man was overwhelmingly grateful and apologized again for the trouble -he had caused. A hasty examination showed that he had not damaged the -craft any by his pulling and hauling, and a little later he had -disappeared in the darkness with his “mule critters,” and soon the -rumble of his wagon over the road, that was hardly more than a trail, -came fainter and fainter to the ears of the aviators. - -“Well, that sure was a scare!” exclaimed Dave, when quiet was once more -restored. - -“I should say yes!” agreed Hiram. “The idea of trying to cart off the -_Albatross_!” - -“Well, his explanation was natural,” said the professor. “These -mountaineers, in this lonely region, scarcely ever see money, I guess. -But now, boys, get to bed. We’ve got lots to do to-morrow.” - -Everyone again retired after the lights had again been turned low, and -Dave and Hiram were soon asleep again. It was two hours after daylight -when Grimshaw routed them out of their berths. - -“Come, get up here,” he ordered; “if you don’t want to miss breakfast.” - -“I certainly don’t,” announced the active Hiram. “I’m hungry as a bear.” - -“Well, there’s a capital meal waiting for you,” observed the old -aeronaut. - -The boys found this true as they came in at second table in the cabin. -They hurried through with the meal, for outside on the ground Mr. King -and the others were assembled. From their actions the young aviator -concluded that some active discussion was in progress. - -Exit from the cabin was made through a trap door and a balancing ladder. - -“Hurrah!” piped Hiram, as he reached the ground. “Here’s a chance to -stretch our legs and breathe some fresh air.” - -“Let’s see what is going on with the others,” suggested Dave, and they -approached the group made up of Professor Leblance, Mr. King, Grimshaw -and Mr. Dale. - -“We are evidently in some remote spot,” the Frenchman was saying. “All -the better that, for we shall have no troublesome visitors. My men can -attend to the balloonet and some other needful repairs while we send for -that quicksilver.” - -“Which means the location of the nearest town?” submitted the airman. -“There was so much excitement last night I forgot to ask that old -mountaineer. But we must locate a store.” - -“Exactly.” - -“And that may be somewhat difficult.” - -“Perhaps,” agreed the Frenchman, “but once down in the valley yonder it -is to be supposed there are some tokens of civilization.” - -“Who is to go?” inquired Mr. Dale. - -“I think you had better entrust the matter to me, Professor,” said the -aviator. “Here, let one of the boys—you, Dashaway—go with me.” - -“I shall be glad,” said Dave, eagerly. - -“Hold on,” broke in Hiram; “give me a show too; won’t you, Mr. King?” - -The aviator took a brief look at the earnest, beseeching face of the -willing and accommodating young aeronaut, and smiled indulgently. - -“Well, you two make a hardy, useful team, so make it so, if you like.” - -Arrangements were made for the departure at once. It was understood that -the _Albatross_ would remain at its present landing place until the -exploring party returned with the quicksilver, even if they had to -consume considerable time in locating a town. - -“I think we can make it and return by nightfall,” said the airman. -“Don’t worry, though, if we are longer away.” - -“No,” spoke the professor. “We can’t leave till we get that quicksilver, -no matter how long it takes.” - -A plentiful lunch, a compass, and a gun were gotten ready by the cabin -man. Then, waving a cheery adieu to their friends, the airman and the -boys started down the mountain side. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - - LOST - - -“It’s no use, Dave.” - -“Why not?” - -“We’ve shouted ourselves hoarse, and in this still air and the way we -have kept up the hollering, anyone could hear us five miles away, it -seems to me.” - -“Then there is only one conclusion to arrive at,” observed the young -aviator quite seriously. - -“What’s that, Dave?” - -“We are lost.” - -“I reckon you’re right,” assented Hiram ruefully, dropping to the ground -and reclining on the grass. - -His companion followed his example. It was six o’clock in the afternoon, -the sun was descending, and at the end of ten hours spent in persistent -search of a town or settlement, this had been the result of their hard -travel and laborious investigations. - -The trio who had left the _Albatross_ had kept together until about -noon. Not a wagon track or even a footpath had they come across, much -less a human habitation. The landscape seemed as wild and untenanted as -if it were a primeval wilderness. - -“I hardly know what to do,” said the old aviator, about the middle of -the afternoon, as they concluded a rest and a lunch. - -“Yes, we may go on for miles and miles and not run across a human -being,” returned Hiram, who was tired out. - -“I have half a mind to return to the _Albatross_ while we are pretty -sure to find our way,” remarked Mr. King; “and advise that we make an -air flight for civilized territory.” - -“We might try as far as the other side of that big hill,” suggested -Dave, pointing to a lofty eminence in the distance. - -“That may not be a bad idea,” replied Mr. King. “See here, we’ll make a -circuit. It can’t be over a few miles. I’ll trail the valley this way; -you boys take the other direction, and we’ll meet on the other side of -the hill.” - -“That’s a good arrangement,” declared Hiram; and the divided journey was -begun. - -It proved a very unwise experiment, the way things turned out. The -circuit was not so easy to follow as it had seemed. Pursuing a ravine -and its branches, at the end of three hours the boys found themselves -inextricably mixed up as to location or direction, with so many hills in -view that they could not tell which was the one they had had in view -when they separated from the aviator. - -“Yes,” observed Hiram now, looking rather hopelessly about them; “we’re -lost, that’s sure.” - -“Then the thing is to find ourselves,” said Dave, cheerily. - -“Worst of all, Mr. King has got all the lunch,” mourned Hiram. “See -here, Dave, when are you going to make a start from here?” - -“Why, when we get rested we’ll press right forward and get to a town or -back to the _Albatross_.” - -“That’s easily said; but not done.” - -“Well, we can try; can’t we?” - -“I suppose so.” - -Hiram was out of sorts. His gloom somewhat abated, however, and finally -walking on, they came across a big patch of wild raspberries. When, a -little later, Dave discovered a pecan tree, Hiram quite recovered his -spirits. - -“I hardly hope to rejoin Mr. King,” said Dave. “I think I can keep the -general direction of the _Albatross_ in view. What I say is to brace up -and keep steadily ahead for a few hours, and see if we don’t come across -something encouraging. There’s a full moon, you know. Besides, at night -we could make out lights at a distance. You see, even if we fail, we can -surely get back to the airship.” - -“Not if we lose our reckoning.” - -“Yes, even then,” persisted Dave. - -“How can we?” - -“Why, I heard Professor Leblance tell Mr. King that if we did not return -by midnight, he would have the big searchlight on the _Albatross_ at -work.” - -“That’s grand!” cried Hiram, bracing up magically. “We can see the -searchlight for a good many miles, you know.” - -The wayfarers threaded several tortuous valleys. They reasoned that if -they could get out of the mountains they were sure to come upon some -little farm. It was near dusk when Hiram, who was a little in advance of -Dave, shouted suddenly: - -“Here’s something!” - -“What is it?” questioned our hero, hurrying up to where he stood. - -His companion held up what looked like a broken tree branch, only the -bark had been peeled off from it, and one end had evidently been -fashioned into a handle with a pocket knife. - -“Someone driving live stock has been here—lately, too,” declared Hiram, -inspecting the whip. “It broke, and he threw it away. Hold on. I was -long enough on a farm to trail a cattle track, if there’s one around -here. Yes, there is,” and the speaker’s tone rose in volume as he bent -over and, running along, inspected the ground keenly. - -“Found it?” asked the young aviator, pressing close after his comrade. - -“Yes. It’s plain enough, now. Come on, Dave; we’re in luck, sure.” - -They could now make out a beaten track, and tell the irregularities in -the ground made by the trampling of many feet. The track finally ended -at the edge of a small stream. - -“Here’s where they forded the brook,” explained Hiram. “We’ll take off -our shoes and stockings and wade over.” - -This they did. The opposite bank gained, they saw through a fringe of -bushes what looked like a level field. They could hear occasional -bleatings. - -“Oh, say, we’re all right now,” declared the sanguine Hiram. - -They hurried on their shoes, eager to pursue their investigations. - -“The sheep are over yonder,” said Hiram, pointing to a corner of the -field. “We’re surely near some farm now. I shouldn’t wonder if we found -some one guarding the sheep, too, for—hear that!” - -It was the echo of distant yelping and barking to which Hiram called -attention. - -“Wolves?” asked Dave, guessing quickly. - -“That’s what; I know them. Saw lots of them when I was out West. Come -ahead. We’re going to find somebody right away, I’m sure.” - -The boys now noticed a little knoll. The bleating sounds seemed to echo -from behind it. As they started up the incline, Hiram grabbed his -companion in some affright and dismay, and both fell back startled. - -A sudden flash split the air. It started a sweep in a perfect circle, -like a revolving searchlight. Its bright rays sent out a glare a hundred -yards from its base. Then, the circle complete, as suddenly it died out. - -“Now what do you think of that?” gasped the bewildered Hiram. “Worse, -and more of it!” - -Bang! - -From the same spot, just as abruptly, some gun or cannon belched out a -sheet of flame, followed by a report that awoke the echoes for miles in -every direction. - -Facing a mystery they could not explain, the two young aviators stood -staring mutely towards the spot from which flash and report had so -unaccountably come. - - - - - CHAPTER XV - - “THE TERRIBLE MACGUFFINS” - - -“Now what do you think of that?” challenged Hiram, after a long spell of -wondering silence. - -“I don’t think it was intended for us,” responded the young aviator. - -“Why not?” - -“Because that revolving light, or whatever it is, flashed in every -direction, and that firearm wasn’t aimed towards us.” - -“That’s so,” agreed Hiram. “But what was it done for at all?” - -“We had better try and find out,” suggested the young aviator. - -The boys waited for some little time, expecting a renewal of the strange -manifestations, but it did not come. Then Dave led the way, creeping up -the incline. As they reached the top of the knoll, they paused and -looked about them. Sheltered in a kind of a dip of the ground, they -could make out half a hundred sheep huddled together. No human being was -visible. - -“There’s the contrivance that flashed and fired,” announced Hiram, -pointing to a small raised platform at the edge of the knoll. - -“I guess it is,” assented the young aviator; “go slow, Hiram. No need to -run any risks.” - -Neither could refrain from satisfying his curiosity as to the purpose of -the device near to them. As they neared it, proceeding cautiously, the -bright rays of the moon, just rising, showed clear outlines of the -platform and the object upon it. - -“Hark—listen!” ordered Dave, suddenly. - -As they waited a sharp tick—tick, regular and prolonged, struck their -hearing. - -“It’s a clock,” declared Hiram. “Look there—seven or eight gun barrels. -And wires running to that box. There’s clock works in it. See, the light -is still burning, but shut in with a cover.” - -“That’s so,” nodded Dave, surprised and still puzzled. - -“Oh, say!” cried Hiram, suddenly, “I’ve guessed out the whole scheme.” - -“Have you?” - -“I think so.” - -“What is it?” asked the young aviator. - -“Why, this is a contrivance for scaring away wolves. It’s mighty cute, -and it must be a smart fellow who got it up. Don’t you see, probably -every hour the light flashes and one of those firearms goes off. That -would scare wolves good and right.” - -“I believe you have solved the problem,” said Dave. - -He was certain of it as they made a closer inspection of the queer -contrivance. Some backwood genius had spent time and some money in -rigging up a wolf-scarer that kept up an alarm and illumination through -the night, serving as a protection for the sheepfold. - -“Of course there’s a house somewhere near,” said Hiram, as they started -from the spot. - -“Yes, look there—a light!” cried Dave. - -What looked like a candle or lamp in a window showed at a little -distance. The young adventurers hurried along with a good deal of -satisfaction. - -They finally reached a roomy log cabin with a barn behind it. As they -passed around the house they were unable to discover anybody about the -premises. They knocked and then hammered at the front door. There was no -response, and Hiram shouted, but no one appeared. Walking around the -house, they could see through the uncurtained windows into every room. - -“There’s no one in the house, it seems,” said the young aviator. - -“Probably gone to some neighbor’s,” suggested Hiram. - -“What is that?” suddenly exclaimed Dave. - -Towards the southeast a growing glare showed in the sky. It increased in -brightness each moment. - -“It’s a fire!” declared Dave. - -“I think so, too. Let’s run for it,” spoke Hiram. - -They had gone perhaps a quarter of a mile when shots and then shouts -rang out on the still night air. - -“Someone is running this way,” said Dave. - -Against the radiance of the mingled fire glow and the moonlight the boys -saw a woman hurriedly crossing a clear space beyond the trees. She held -a baby in her arms. A little girl she clasped by the hand. The baby was -crying, and the woman, with many a fearful glance back of her, was -sobbing audibly. - -She came directly towards the boys. Dave stepped forward in her path. -The woman drew back with a shriek of alarm. - -“Don’t be frightened,” said Dave. - -“You do not belong to the raiders?” the woman faltered, all in a -tremble. - -“What raiders?” asked Hiram. - -“The MacGuffins—the terrible MacGuffins!” almost wailed the woman. - -“Who are they?” - -“Don’t you know?” asked the woman, incredulously. - -“We are strangers here, madam,” explained the young airman. “What is the -fire and what is the trouble?” - -“All our men are away—hiding from the officers down at Brambly Fork,” -said the woman. “The MacGuffins have made a raid and are burning us all -out! They may kill us if they catch us. Oh, sirs, help me get our little -ones in hiding,” she pleaded. - -“To your home, do you mean?” inquired Dave. - -“Oh, no, no,” dissented the woman instantly. “That is the worst place in -the world to go to just now. They will burn our house next.” - -“They may not harm you,” suggested Dave. - -“Yes, they will. My husband is the man they hate the most. It’s an old -quarrel between the MacGuffins and our people. They will harm you, too, -if they catch you.” - -“Why should they?” asked Hiram. - -“Because no stranger is ever allowed in these Carolina mountains. They -are all moonshiners, and will take you for detectives. They shot two -suspicious characters only a few days ago.” - -“H’m,” remarked Hiram under his breath. “We’re in a nice country!” - -The young aviator comprehended the situation at once. He had read and -heard of these North Carolina outlaws and their family feuds, sometimes -running through half a dozen generations. - -“How can we help you?” he said to the woman. - -“It isn’t safe for us anywhere around here,” she declared. “I must get -to my husband.” - -“At Brambly Fork, you mean?” - -“Yes, that’s where he is, and his crowd.” - -“Is it far from here?” - -“About fifteen miles. He ought to know about the MacGuffins, so as to -drive them away before they steal our cattle and crops. I can manage to -get along with the baby, but the little girl is ready to drop down from -tiredness. See, oh, hide! hide! They are coming this way!” - -Among the trees beyond the clearing the boys could see men with torches -and armed with rifles coming in their direction. - -“They are going to fire our house next!” cried the woman, bursting into -tears. - -“I am afraid it would be foolish for us to try and prevent them,” -remarked Dave. “They are armed and in a dangerous mood.” - -“You would simply risk your lives.” - -The young aviator snatched up the little girl in his arms. - -“Help the lady, Hiram,” he directed, “and follow me.” - -Dave led the way to a thick copse. The woman told the little girl to -keep perfectly quiet. In a few minutes the men they had seen passed by -without discovering them. - -“I must get to my husband at once,” said the woman, eagerly, as soon as -the horde of raiders was out of sight and hearing. - -“You can’t go alone,” observed Dave. “Here, we will go with you. Take -turns at carrying the little girl, Hiram.” - -The woman sobbed out her heartfelt gratitude. Then Dave questioned her -as to the direction of Brambly Fork, and all were soon on the way. - -“This isn’t looking for Mr. King, Dave,” suggested Hiram, after awhile. - -“Mr. King will take care of himself, Hiram,” replied the young aviator. - -“Yes, but neither is this looking for a town where we might get that -quicksilver.” - -“It’s on the way to it, isn’t it? When we get to the place where this -woman’s husband is, some of the crowd can direct us to the nearest -settlement, that is sure.” - -It was pretty hard traveling, after a day of heavy tramping. The forlorn -condition of the woman, however, appealed to both the boys. - -“We are very near Brambly Fork now,” spoke the woman at the end of four -hours, during which time they had rested frequently. “Another turn in -the valley and we will be there.” - -“Sure enough!” cried Hiram with animation. - -They had come upon a spot well shut in on three sides with trees. A big -campfire was burning, and near it were gathered a dozen or more men. -Their interest was centered on a man who stood with his arms bound -behind him. - -“Why,” cried Dave, “it’s Mr. King!” - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - - IN FRIENDLY HANDS - - -The young aviator did not delay for a single instant. So precipitately -did he start for the group about the tree, that he fairly knocked Hiram -off his footing. - -“The mischief!” gasped the latter, righting himself and staring aghast -at the scene a little distance ahead of them. - -“Stop! stop!” shouted Dave at the top of his voice, as he dashed across -the open stretch, and momentarily came nearer and nearer to the men who -surrounded the airmen. - -Dave had a right to be urgent, for two men had seized hold of Mr. King -as if to handle him roughly. - -Three rifles were aimed at Dave as he fearlessly ran up to the group. -One of the party, evidently the leader, stared at our hero as he came to -a halt, with a suspicious and threatening scowl. - -“Hello,” he challenged, “another one? Why, strangers are getting thick -as bees in swarming time.” - -“It’s another detective,” growled a man by his side. - -Dave faced the fierce-visaged, reckless-mannered mob, all alive with -anxiety and excitement. - -“You must not harm that man,” he declared, dauntlessly. - -“Know him, do you?” inquired the leader, with a sinister look. - -“I should say I did. There’s some mistake.” - -“Who is he?” - -“He is Mr. Robert King, the great aviator.” - -“H’m that’s what he said, but we don’t believe him,” retorted the -leader. “Look at that badge on him.” - -“Why, that is a trophy from an aero club,” explained Dave. “Read what it -says, and you’ll see that I am telling the truth.” - -“Say, sonny,” observed the man, with a derisive laugh, “there ain’t any -schoolhouses in this district, and none of us know how to read. Now -then, who are you, and where did you come from?” - -“I am in the same line as Mr. King,” replied Dave; “and I came from the -spot where our airship landed.” - -“How did you find us?” - -“Oh, yes,” said Dave, quickly. “I ran across the MacGuffins. They were -making a raid, and——” - -If the young aviator had thrown a firebrand among the group he could not -have caused more excitement. At the mention of that dread name, “the -MacGuffins,” it seemed as though the men before him uttered a fearful -roar of hatred and rage. The leader sprang forward and grasped Dave’s -arm. - -“Don’t you fool me!” he shouted. “Where did you run across the -MacGuffins?” - -“About fifteen miles north of here. They were burning houses, and——” - -Dave was interrupted by a cry. It proceeded from the woman he and Hiram -had helped. She appeared now upon the scene carrying her babe, and Hiram -following with the little girl in his arms. - -“Jared!” cried the woman, and then Dave knew that the leader of the -outlaw band was her husband. The man stared at her in bewilderment. - -“Nance,” he spoke in a husky voice, “what does it mean, you being here?” - -“Oh, Jared, the MacGuffins!” she wailed. “They have burned us out! If it -wasn’t for these two brave boys, we might all have been killed! They hid -us and helped me get here with the children.” - -“You did this?” spoke the man in a choked-up tone, turning to the young -aviator. “And that fellow is your friend?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“Set him free,” ordered the man with a wave of his hand towards Mr. -King. “As to you, young man, you’ve made some friends, let me tell you.” - -Dave and Hiram hurried eagerly to the spot where two of the band began -immediately to liberate Mr. King, who had looked worn and worried. A -glad smile of relief now covered his face. - -“You came just in the nick of time,” he told his two young friends. - -“It looks so,” said Hiram, seriously. - -“There’s a bad nest of them,” cautioned the airman. “I never met such -stubborn, unreasonable beings. They seem to have two objects in life—to -fight each other and dodge revenue officers.” - -“Regular outlaws, aren’t they?” queried Hiram. - -“Yes, and with little idea of the value of human life.” - -The band grouped together about the woman, who was reciting the -incidents of the raid of the MacGuffins. Wild shouts and threats -followed her story. The party split up, and half of them ran to a -thicket, to reappear with horses. - -At a word from the leader they set off in the direction the refugees had -just come from. Then the man approached the airman and his companions. - -“We’re rough fellows, maybe,” he said, “but we stick like glue to a -friend. You two young fellows saved my Nance and the babies. There isn’t -much we fellows wouldn’t do for you in return.” - -“Well, you can probably help us out a good deal if you want to,” replied -Dave promptly. - -“Just name how, son.” - -“Mr. King has told you how we are balloonists. We need some quicksilver, -and the three of us had started out to locate some town where we could -get the article.” - -“Quicksilver, eh?” repeated the outlaw, as though dubious and puzzled. -“Where would you be likely to get it now?” - -“Most hardware or drug stores keep it,” explained Dave. - -“Nothing else you need?” - -“No, only to return to our balloon when we get the quicksilver.” - -“Hi!” shouted the man, beckoning to two of his men. “Mount and make a -quick run for Forestville. How much quicksilver do you want?” - -“It comes in iron tubes,” explained the airman. “One will answer. If -they keep it in some other form, about thirty ounces.” - -“Get back soon as you can,” the outlaw ordered his messengers. “If the -places are shut, shoot up the town and get some action on the case.” - -The speaker turned and proceeded to where a tent stood. In a little -while he reappeared to say to his guests that they must be hungry and to -follow him. - -Seated on rude home-made camp stools, the three friends enjoyed a meal -of corn pone, sweet potatoes and wild turkey, all cooked to a turn. Then -their host threw some blankets on the ground outside. He invited them to -be seated, and for over an hour asked question after question regarding -their wonderful airship and the great world beyond the wilderness of -which he knew so little. - -“We’re perfectly safe to sleep here,” remarked Mr. King, as the man left -them finally. - -“More than safe,” declared Dave. “These people would protect us with -their lives, the way they feel about us.” - -The wayfarers were pretty well tired out. All three were soon asleep. It -must have been two hours later when Dave felt himself roughly shaken. -The outlaw leader and two others were standing near, staring up into the -sky in an awed, puzzled way. - -“What’s that?” asked the outlaw leader of the young aviator. “It’s -strange to us, and I thought you’d know.” - -Across the sky in the direction of the airship a broad sweeping pencil -of light swept the heavens from zenith to horizon, and back again. - -“Ah, that?” said Dave; “it’s the great searchlight of the _Albatross_.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - - A TRUSTY GUIDE - - -The young aviator had to do some explaining for the benefit of the -outlaw leader before the latter could understand what a searchlight was. - -“Reckon there’s no spot safe for a free and easy fellow with all these -new-fangled contrivances,” remarked the man. - -“I’d like to see that balloon, all the same,” observed one of his band. - -“We’d better keep close to the safety line,” advised the leader. -“There’s a good deal of hubbub around, and we’d better watch out for the -MacGuffins.” - -It was an hour later when the two men sent to Forestville came galloping -back into camp. They were hot, tired and dusty. Their steeds were -reeking, and dropped their heads in an exhausted way as their riders -drove up to the campfire and dismounted. - -“Did you get the stuff?” inquired the leader. - -“That’s what you sent us for, wasn’t it?” queried one of the horsemen. -“Well, there it is,” and he handed out a package. - -“We had some trouble making the drug clerk understand how badly and -quickly we needed it,” remarked the other horseman, with a chuckle. -“When we told him that Forestville would be off the map in a few days if -he didn’t act lively, he produced results double quick.” - -Mr. King examined the package. It contained two large glass tubes filled -with quicksilver. He thanked the men heartily. His hand went to his -pocket and his purse was half withdrawn to offer a reward, when he noted -a warning flash in the eyes of the leader. - -“Don’t try to pay for what money wouldn’t get you if you weren’t -friends,” said the man, tersely. - -“We are anxious to get back to the airship,” suggested the airman. - -“Want to start right away?” - -“Yes, if possible.” - -“That searchlight signal will guide you?” - -“Oh, surely. Besides, I think we could find our way without its aid.” - -“Maybe. Just the same, I’ll go with you as far as the gap. That’s hard -to cross unless you know it pretty well, or hit a trail by accident, as -you seem to have done in getting here. Hi, there, saddle up four fresh -horses,” ordered the speaker to one of his men. - -“This is pretty fine treatment,” declared the young aviator, as his -friends and himself found themselves in the saddle and the outlaw leader -piloting the way from the camp. - -“It will take my wife a long time to forget all we owe you,” the leader -remarked more than once. - -At the end of two hours’ travel, the latter stages of which were taken -through dark and sinuous windings along a densely-verdured ravine, their -pilot ascended a long slope. - -“There’s your searchlight still going,” he said, pointing to the broad -waving flare in the sky. “I dare not go any farther with you for two -reasons,” he explained. “In the first place I’m over what we call the -safety line. In the next place I want to get back in time to start a -daylight hunt after those MacGuffins.” - -“I feel sure we can find our way to the _Albatross_ now,” said the young -aviator. - -“Say, that was a queer adventure, wasn’t it now?” spoke Hiram, as their -recent guide waved his hand in a friendly way and disappeared like a -flash back the route they had come. - -“These rough fellows are true blue when you touch the right spot,” -declared the airman. “We seem to be on higher level ground than before. -Let us get along as fast as we can, so we can send the horses back.” - -The outlaw leader had insisted that they retain the steeds. He had -instructed them to simply head them back homewards when they were -through with them. - -“Don’t fret,” he had said, confidently, “they’ll be sure to find the -camp feeding trough before breakfast time.” - -“This has been quite an adventure, as you say, Hiram,” remarked Mr. -King, as they trotted single file on account of the narrow course. - -“With probably a lot more of it waiting us along the line,” added Dave. - -“Yes,” assented Hiram, “I can guess it will be pretty lively if we cross -the Atlantic. Say, we’re getting near to the _Albatross_.” - -This was apparent from the clearer radiance from the searchlight glow. -They rode on about two miles further. - -“We can do the rest on foot, I fancy,” said Mr. King. - -The party dismounted, arranged the bridles so they would not trail, -turned the heads of the horses homewards for them, and, giving each a -slap on the flanks, watched them dart away, rapidly. - -The searchlight faded out before they had proceeded a mile. In fact, day -was breaking. The sun came up as they reached the bottom of a high hill. - -“I remember this spot,” said the young aviator. - -“Yes, we left the camp this way,” agreed Mr. King, casting a look about -and recognizing some landmarks. - -“I suppose Professor Leblance has been mighty anxious about us,” said -Hiram. “I’ll have a great story to tell Mr. Grimshaw.” - -Despite the arduous rigors of their all-day tramp and all-night -adventures, Dave and Hiram felt fresh and ambitious. - -“We’re pretty near the top,” spoke the young aviator. “I’ll race you to -see who arrives first.” - -“All right,” agreed Hiram. “Here we go.” - -Dave showed the most endurance. He reached the summit, paused and waved -his hand triumphantly at his toiling rival. - -“Hold on,” called Hiram. “Wait for Mr. King.” - -“I’ll take a look first,” answered Dave. - -The young aviator climbed over a low ledge of boulders. Beyond them was -a fringe of high bushes. Dave knew that, these passed, the _Albatross_ -would be in view. - -He pressed his way through the bushes and cleared the last obstruction -at a leap. Then the young aviator took one look, uttered a dismayed cry, -and fairly dived back in among the undergrowth, startled beyond -expression. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - - IN A BAD FIX - - -“Keep back!” shouted the young aviator. - -He accompanied the words with a spring and a roll that took him through -and past the fringe of bushes and brought him directly against Hiram. - -“Hold on, I say. The mischief!” blurted out Hiram, tipped clear off his -balance. - -“Hush!” warned Dave, regaining his feet. “Don’t go ahead, don’t make any -disturbance. Stop Mr. King.” - -Dave spoke the words in a hurried and urgent tone. Then, cautiously, he -crept on all fours through the shrubbery. He took a second more -comprehensive look over the plateau. Then he worked his way back to the -bewildered Hiram. - -“See here, Dave Dashaway,” challenged the latter, “you’re acting mighty -strange.” - -“What’s the trouble here?” inquired Mr. King, coming up to the boys, -pursuant to mysterious gestures from Hiram. - -“It is trouble, I am very much afraid,” replied Dave, seriously. - -“What do you mean—about the airship?” - -“Yes, Mr. King. The _Albatross_ seems to be all right, but about twenty -men, all armed with guns, have our entire party cornered near some -rocks.” - -“You don’t say so!” cried the airman. “Let me have a look.” - -“Be careful, then,” advised Dave. “It looks to me as if another band of -these wild outlaws probably traced the searchlight, and have managed to -catch our friends away from the airship. Anyway, our folks are helpless, -and the strangers look fierce and dangerous.” - -All three of the adventurers crept through the fringe of underbrush and -took a look across the plateau. They found the situation as Dave had -described it to be. The strangers held Professor Leblance, Mr. Dale, -Grimshaw and the others at bay. A big, rough-looking fellow, evidently -the leader of the band, was talking animatedly to the Frenchman. The -others of the intruders held their rifles in a way that threatened an -attack if the captives showed any resistance. - -“They may be the MacGuffins,” whispered Hiram, intensely wrought up with -excitement. - -“I shouldn’t wonder,” said Dave. “Mr. King, let us try to get nearer to -them.” - -“Yes, we may learn what is going on and give our friends some help, if -they need it,” replied the airman. - -They had to cover half a mile in a cautious detour. This finally brought -them to a thicket not thirty feet distant from their friends and -enemies. Mr. King lay flat on the ground behind some high bushes, and -his companions followed his example. Dave bent his ear keenly, to catch -what the leader of the invading party was saying. - -“That don’t go with me,” the man said. “How do we know that you ain’t -here to spy on us? We fine trespassers here and we charge rent for the -use of our property.” - -“You must own the whole state, you fellows must,” snapped out Grimshaw. - -“We run this district, if you want to know it,” retorted the outlaw. -“Usually we just string up spies.” - -“But we are no spies,” declared the professor, earnestly. - -“We don’t take your word for that. Come, you’ve got to pay your -reckoning. You scrape us up as much as two hundred dollars among you, -or——” - -The speaker waved his hand significantly in the direction of the -_Albatross_. - -“Yes,” growled one of his fellows. “It wouldn’t take us long to make a -sieve of that contrivance.” - -“I resent this outrage!” cried the Frenchman, hotly. “We are under -international protection. Our mission is in the interests of science. If -you interfere with us, you will rouse the entire community. It will be -the worse for you.” - -“Hear him, boys,” rallied the outlaw leader. “Say, stranger, who’s going -to tell what we did or didn’t do to you, hey?” - -The speaker grinned in a cold-blooded way that made Hiram Dobbs shiver. - -“Say, Mr. King,” he whispered hoarsely, “shoot them.” - -“One gun against twenty wouldn’t count for much,” responded the airman, -with a shake of his head. - -“I will pay no ransom, I will give you not one cent of blackmail,” -declared the doughty Frenchman, thoroughly indignant. - -“All right, then we will ransack your old gas bag and take what we -want,” boasted the outlaw. - -“I warn you,” cried the professor. “The airship is one mass of devices -you do not understand. You may find trouble.” - -“What do you bother with him for?” cried the man beside the last -speaker. “We’ll cover the rest of the crowd. You make him take you over -the machine and get what’s lying around loose.” - -“Can’t we do something, Mr. King?” inquired the young aviator, in an -anxious tone. - -“I fear not, Dashaway,” was the reply. “These are desperate men and -bound to have their own way. We can only hope that our being free will -help our friends somewhere along the line.” - -“You come with me,” ordered the outlaw leader, roughly seizing Professor -Leblance by the arm and pulling him along. “Keep your eyes on those -others,” he added, to his men. - -The Frenchman held back with resolute face and force. The outlaw, -however, was a great, bulky fellow of enormous strength. - -They had proceeded less than twenty feet towards the airship, when a -quick word cut the air, clear and startling as a pistol shot. - -“Halt!” - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - - A MYSTERIOUS FRIEND - - -In an instant of time the whole complexion of affairs had changed. The -young aviator and his two companions crouched, staring at the scene -before them, which now seemed the stage setting to some intense drama. - -“Hello!” gasped the excitable Hiram. - -“What does that mean?” echoed Mr. King, in a truly astonished way. - -Dave was quite as fully amazed and puzzled. Suddenly and unexpectedly a -form had sprung into view just beyond one of the floats of the -_Albatross_. It was that of a lithe person, young and energetic. To all -appearance he was a negro, for hands and face at that distance were of -seeming ebony hue. - -This extraordinary person, a stranger to all who looked upon him, held -leveled a short but heavy rifle. At once the watchers from the -underbrush recognized it as one of several weapons provided for the -arsenal of the giant airship before the _Albatross_ had left Croydon. - -“It’s the magazine rifle Mr. Dale showed us!” exclaimed Hiram. “Who’s -the fellow holding it, and how did he get it?” - -“Who is he, indeed?” murmured the airman, staring hard at the person who -had so startlingly pronounced that mandatory word—“Halt!” - -The outlaw leader had come to a dead stop. He dropped the arm of the -professor, who took in this last strange incident of the moment in a -very bewildered way. - -“Stand still or I will fire,” rang out now in clear, vibrant tones. - -Those of the band guarding the rest of the crew of the _Albatross_ stood -mute and staring, taken aback by the determined and threatening attitude -of the person near the balloon. - -“If one of your men so much as raises a weapon, I will shoot,” came -floating distinctly on the still mountain air. “I hold a magazine rifle -in my hand loaded for one hundred rounds, that will shoot eighty times -in a minute. Order your men to put down their guns.” - -The outlaw leader hesitated. Bang! ten times in incredibly rapid -succession at a light pressure the formidable magazine rifle rang out, -aimed, however, at the boughs of a nearby tree, some of the leaves of -which fell in scraps and ribbands under the destructive effect of the -powerful fusillade. - -“One, two, three—I can pick them off before they can raise a trigger!” -shouted the sable champion of the airship crew. “I’ll do it, too, if -that order is not given double-quick.” - -The outlaw leader quailed. Then he turned and made a sign to his men. -The last one of them placed his gun on the ground. - -“March,” came the inflexible order. “Down that path to the left, so we -can keep you in view. You will find your weapons safe when you return -and we are gone. Go!” - -The menace of the powerful magazine rifle cowed the outlaw gang. The -breathless spectators from the brush saw them join their leader unarmed, -take the path as directed, and file away from the plateau. - -The person who had so marvellously accomplished all this never lowered -his weapon. Still holding it ready for instant use, he walked over to -where a ledge of rocks rose like a sentinel tower above the level of the -plateau. There posting himself, he held the discomfited retreating foe -in constant sight. He swung his hand towards the stupefied crew of the -airship. He spoke some order or suggestion to them that Dave did not -overhear. The party, however, at once possessed themselves of some of -the abandoned rifles of the outlaws and stood ready for attack and -defence. - -Mr. King arose and hurried over to where Professor Leblance stood, and -Dave and Hiram followed him. - -“Professor!” cried the airman. “Here are some strange happenings. Who is -that person—not one of the crew?” - -“I never saw him before,” replied the dazed Frenchman. “He has saved -us.” - -“And the _Albatross_. We have the quicksilver. This is a dangerous -ruffian-infested district. Let us leave as soon as possible.” - -“Yes, yes,” said the Frenchman, in a hurried tone. “After what has -happened we cannot be too quickly nor fast on our way.” - -The animated engineer of the _Albatross_ bustled about into immediate -action. He ordered two of his men to join their rescuer on the rocks. -All the others were impressed into service in assisting to get the giant -airship ready for a new and longer flight. - -It did not take fifteen minutes to accomplish this. One by one Professor -Leblance told off his expert assistants to their duties. Dave and Hiram -had been kept busy, but more than once the young aviator had glanced in -the direction of the heroic figure on the rocks. - -He saw the Frenchman say some quick words to Mr. King, and the latter -then approach the stranger. Some conversation took place between them. -As a signal for starting was sounded from the engine room, Mr. King -turned towards the airship. He was accompanied by the person with the -magazine rifle. - -All hands got quickly aboard. When the young aviator reached the cabin -he found their mysterious friend seated in a shaded corner of the place. -Then the activity and excitement of the ascent engrossed all minds. - -The magnificent _Albatross_ arose in the air like a bird. It attained a -high altitude. All the recent troubles of its crew faded away like light -feather down. - -Mr. King came into the cabin inside of half an hour, quickly followed by -Professor Leblance. Both looked intensely curious. The _Albatross_ -safely started on a steady course, they had evidently hastened to -explore the mystery of the strange friend who had aided them in their -sorest need. - -The airman approached the silent, timid-appearing figure in the corner -of the cabin. He extended his hand warmly, grasping that of the -shrinking stranger. - -“My friend,” he said, “come up to the table. We want to have a talk with -you. You asked to be taken aboard, and said you would then explain your -being here.” - -The stranger somewhat reluctantly took a chair at the cabin table. For -all his recent heroic attitude, he acted rather embarrassed and -frightened now. - -He looked down. Then he trembled visibly. And then he made the -remarkable statement: - -“I am a stowaway.” - - - - - CHAPTER XX - - THE STOWAWAY - - -The young aviator took a long, earnest stare at the mysterious person -who had just stated that he was a stowaway. In a flash Dave seemed to -get hold of one end of a long chain of circumstances and mysteries. - -“A stowaway?” repeated Professor Leblance, incredulously. “You mean -aboard the _Albatross_?” - -“Yes, sir.” - -“From the time when she first started?” - -“And before.” - -“You amaze me!” - -“I am amazed at myself,” came the words, in rather a depressed way. The -speaker dropped his head, and both of his interlocutors looked troubled -and more puzzled than ever. “I’ll tell you, gentlemen, I’d rather not -say much till I am sure your airship is out of the country. You know you -promised I should stay aboard if I wanted to,” he added to Mr. King. - -“I surely did,” assented the airman, heartily. - -Dave had been studying the profile of the stowaway. He had noticed that -his ebony hue was due entirely to soot or greased lampblack smeared over -face and hands. Further, the keen glance of the young aviator had -scanned closely the clothing, even down to the necktie of the stranger, -and then—he was a stranger no longer to Dave. - -“Mr. King, may I speak to you for a moment,” said Dave, moving out of -the cabin into a passageway. In some surprise the airman followed him -there. - -“What is it, Dashaway?” he asked. - -“The stowaway. I know him, Mr. King,” declared Dave, hurriedly. “There -is a certain mystery about him he dares not explain just now, and you -are embarrassing him dreadfully. Don’t ask him any more questions. Tell -him to come to my stateroom. Later, I will explain everything to you -about him.” - -“Well, well,” commented the airman; “you seem to have the faculty for -preparing surprises for your friends, I must say. I’ll do what you -suggest, but I’m curious to understand what it all means.” - -“You shall soon know,” promised the young aviator, and he went to the -little partitioned-off space where he and Hiram slept. He sat down on -one of the berths, placing a stool in the middle of the room for his -expected guest. - -“You will find a friend in there,” reached Dave’s ear, a little later, -in the tones of the airman. - -“Did—did you want to speak to me?” rather falteringly asked the -stowaway, entering the stateroom. Mr. King retired and closed the door -after him. - -“Why, yes,” replied Dave pleasantly. “Say,” and he grasped the hand of -his guest in a hearty way, “I am glad to see you, and doubly glad -because you have made good, just as I knew you would. I once told a -friend you were of the right kind. You’ve proved it, Elmer Brackett, and -I’m proud of you.” - -“Yes, I see you know me. Made good! Proud of me?” repeated the boy in a -dazed, half-stunned way. - -“Why, you saved the _Albatross_, didn’t you?” cried the young aviator, -in a spirited tone, bound to rouse and buoy up his guest. “The lives, -too, probably, of every person aboard. What are you crying for—joy?” - -Sure enough, young Brackett was crying. He acted like a boy in such a -tangle of circumstances that he was fairly crushed. Finally he blurted -out: - -“Joy? None of that for me, ever again, I guess.” - -“Why not?” challenged Dave. - -“Oh, you don’t know, you don’t know!” cried the young man. “It seems as -I sit here, in the strangest position a fellow ever was in, I reckon, -that I’m in some terrific dream. There’s only one clear idea I can cling -to—to get out of the country, away—away——” - -“Away from that villain, Vernon? Am I right?” spoke Dave, quickly. - -“Yes, that’s it,” assented Brackett, in a lost tone of voice. - -“I thought so. Now then, see here, you are among the best friends any -fellow ever had. You have just been the best kind of a hero ever was. -Forget everything else for the present. Make up your mind that whatever -your troubles may be, there’s a combination aboard the _Albatross_ -strong enough to help you fight your way clear out of the last one of -them, and—tell me all about it.” - -There followed the most interesting hour of Dave Dashaway’s life. The -friend of everybody, he had been the confidant and helper of many a lad -in difficulties. As bit by bit the strange history of Elmer Brackett -came out, however, Dave conceded that it was the most remarkable case he -had ever handled. - -Briefly, the reckless, impetuous son of the big man in the Interstate -Aero Company had become the helpless victim of the schemes of Vernon. -Young Brackett did not tell Dave everything. He hinted that while in a -muddled condition he had been induced by Vernon to forge a number of -notes. - -Once completely in the power of the schemer, the latter showed no mercy. -He appalled Brackett by claiming that he could send him to the -penitentiary, disgrace his family, and almost ruin his father’s -business. These claims were, in a measure, exaggerations. - -Elmer Brackett then lost his head completely. His one thought was to -escape from Vernon. He disguised himself, after sending a letter to his -father, warning him against the forgeries, and saying he was going to -seek some foreign country where he could lose himself and be forgotten. - -“I had no money, I dared not appeal to friends, for Vernon was seeking -for me everywhere to tighten the chains of his power around me,” related -the youth, bitterly. “I thought of you, and while tracing down the -_Albatross_ I ran across Davidson and young Dawson and their _Dictator_. -Maybe it was a wild idea, but I thought how it would just suit me to get -away from this country by airship, for Vernon had claimed that if I left -him he would have the detectives looking out for me everywhere. Well, I -hung around Senca. Then, as I didn’t think much of the way the -_Dictator_ showed up, I went to Croydon.” - -“It was you, then, who asked my friend, Hiram Dobbs, about me, and wore -a false mustache?” - -“Yes, I was disguised,” admitted Brackett. - -“And you were, too, the ghost who scared the watchman at the _Albatross_ -aerodrome nearly into fits!” - -“That was me, too,” admitted Brackett. “The night before you started I -sneaked aboard the airship. I stowed myself away behind the big boxes of -provisions near the cabin here. I heard and saw what was going on. Then -that crowd of outlaws came, I got the magazine gun from the arsenal, -and—here I am.” - -“And here you wish to stay till we get across the Atlantic?” said the -young aviator. “Good! Now, then, take my advice; forget all this -wretched fear and trouble that is part of your past. Help us win the -great prize, and when this trip is over trust to it that Mr. King and -Mr. Dale will find time and money to squelch this miserable Vernon, -straighten out your affairs, and start you on a new career.” - -Elmer Brackett, minus the lampblack and encouraged by Dave, was soon -quite another person in appearance and spirits to the refugee stowaway. -Dave imparted to his friends only as much of Brackett’s story as was -necessary. - -The following morning the boys awoke to find the _Albatross_ out of all -sight of land, fairly started on the great trip across the broad -Atlantic. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI - - THE HAUNTED AIRSHIP - - -“Say, fellows, this is life on the ocean wave worth seeing, isn’t it?” - -Hiram Dobbs spoke the words, and his auditors and jolly companions were -the young aviator and Elmer Brackett. It was the second evening out of -sight of land. The _Albatross_ had made splendid speed, and the -machinery had acted like a charm. Just about dusk, however, Professor -Leblance had ordered a drop to lower level. - -“There is a low barometric pressure,” Dave Dashaway had heard him say to -Mr. King. “There is bound to be a change in the air currents shortly, -and I want to determine our course from the way they act. There are some -repairs to make, also, and we will slow down for at least two hours.” - -The boys were immensely interested in the manœuvers of their craft under -the direct manipulation of the professor. The _Albatross_ was brought to -the surface of the water, resting on its floats as easily and gracefully -as the great ocean bird it was named after. A hint from the cook sat -Hiram thinking. Fresh fish would come in very acceptably for breakfast -next morning, he told Dave, and the trio decided to take the lighter of -the two boats and see what they could catch. - -Mr. King warned them to keep within hailing range of the airship and -provided them with trolling lines. The young aviator and Elmer plied the -oars and Hiram did the fishing. He was gloating over the occasion with -satisfaction, and made the enthusiastic remark which heads the chapter -as he deposited a final catch, a fat codfish, in the bottom of the boat. - -“That will do, Hiram,” directed Dave. “We have got more fish already -than we can use in a week, and some of them look as if they were not in -the eating class. The cook will know.” - -“Yes, and see, we are quite a distance from the _Albatross_,” put in -Elmer. - -A weird warning wind sang about them just then. The boys had been so -engrossed in their sport they had failed to notice that some scudding -clouds had obliterated the stars. - -“Get to work, Elmer,” ordered Dave, picking up the oars. “We must be a -full mile from the _Albatross_.” - -“Yes, and maybe that storm Professor Leblance told about is going to -catch us,” remarked Elmer, he too getting in shape for a row back to the -airship. - -The minor headlight of the _Albatross_ guided them, and for this, a dim -spark in the distance, the little yawl was headed. The water had become -choppy, but the oarsmen felt equal to the task of the moment. - -“Just see that!” shouted Hiram, as a phosphorescent streak crossed their -course. “It’s like a streak of fire.” - -“There’s another one ahead,” said Elmer. - -“Yes, and look! look!” exclaimed Hiram. “It’s a shoal of fishes. Big -fellows, too. Say, see them leap out of the water.” - -It was a stimulating sight and a novel one to the boys. They were now -within less than a quarter of a mile of the airship. As Hiram spoke, the -big searchlight of the _Albatross_ suddenly flared up. It signalled the -boys to return, as Dave understood it. - -“Say, I’m going to make a throw for one of those big fellows,” declared -Hiram. - -“Don’t do it. Whew!” exclaimed Elmer. “They are big fellows. Did you -feel that?” - -Some object had landed against the side of the yawl, nearly tipping it. - -“It’s a big fish, almost as big as a shark!” shouted Hiram. “They’re -chasing the smaller ones. Whoop! I’ve caught something. Hurrah! Slow -down! Oh, the mischief!” - -All in a fleeting second the excited lad shouted out, tugged at the -trolling line, bracing his feet against the bottom of the boat, and -then—flop! splash! - -“Stop the boat!” rang out the voice of the young aviator, sharply, for -Hiram, his hand tangled in the trolling line, had been pulled clear over -the end of the yawl. His startled comrades saw him disappear, and strove -staunchly to put the boat about. As the craft half turned, there was a -shock and a crash. - -A giant fish, perhaps a shark, had struck the boat amidships. The craft -was splintered in half as quick as a flash. The next minute the young -aviator and his companion were struggling in the water. - -The big marine monster had apparently gone straight on its way in -pursuit of a disappearing phosphorescent mass. Dave grabbed out at the -one floating half of the wrecked yawl. - -“This way—Hiram! Elmer!” he shouted at the top of his voice. - -“I’m here,” panted Elmer, as he reached Dave’s side and grasped the edge -of the floating wreck. - -“Where’s Hiram?” - -“U-um! Thunder!” puffed the individual in question. “I’m safe, but my -big catch got away, line and all.” - -“Never mind that now,” replied Dave. “We’re in a serious fix, fellows.” - -“And all the fish in the boat gone, too,” mourned Hiram, dolefully. - -“See here, both of you,” ordered Dave, decisively, “don’t waste any -time. We don’t know what kind of danger hovers about us. Yell!” - -“Good and loud!” agreed Hiram, letting out a terrific warwhoop. The -others chorused in. Dave believed that their forlorn hail might have -some effect. - -“They’ve heard us,” cried Hiram, joyfully. - -“Yes, here she comes,” added Elmer, in a relieved tone. - -The searchlight on the _Albatross_ was suddenly shifted. Its broad, -groping rays were focussed on the sea, searching for the castaways. The -glowing pencils of light came nearer and nearer. Finally the full -dazzling gleam swept the wreck and those clinging to it, and rested on -it. - -“They have seen us,” declared the young aviator, as the searchlight -maintained a full focus directly upon them. - -“And what next?” inquired Hiram. - -“We will have to wait and see,” replied Dave. - -Relief and rescue came almost magically quick. The larger yawl of the -_Albatross_ glided across the broad path of light, the veteran airman, -the anxious Grimshaw and two others its occupants. - -“This ends all experiments in the fishing line,” declared Mr. King. “It -is a wonder some of those sharks did not attack you.” - -“The searchlight probably scared them away,” suggested Grimshaw. - -The adventure furnished a fruitful theme for discussion when the boys -were once more back in the comfortable cabin of the airship. Hiram, -however, continued to expatiate on his great catch and greater loss. - -“I’ll bet it was a dolphin pulled me out of the boat,” he declared. -“Just think of it, fellows—catching a dolphin! That’s something to brag -about.” - -A storm set in within the hour and the _Albatross_ speedily sought a -higher level. All the boys knew about it was what Mr. King told them the -next morning. The pleasing swaying motion of the giant craft had lulled -them to sound and refreshing slumber. - -It was again after dark the next evening when the cook came into the -cabin, and looked at Mr. King in a manner that made the airman inquire -curiously: - -“What’s on your mind, Demys?” - -“Why, I found a window broken in the room just beyond the larder,” -reported the cook. - -“Hailstone, maybe,” said Mr. King, casually; “you know we had some last -night.” - -“Yes, I know that,” replied the man. “Later to-day I noticed two more -panes of glass cracked right across.” - -“Perhaps the big strain of the wind in the storm last night weakened -them,” suggested the airman. - -“Maybe,” assented the cook, vaguely. “Funny thing, though. I set a pan -of beans in the room to cool before supper. When I went after them just -now I found nearly half of them gone.” - -“Is that so, now?” questioned Mr. King, beginning to get interested. - -“Say, don’t you suppose it was rats?” propounded the quick-thinking -Hiram. - -“No, sir!” declared the cook definitely. “I have never noticed a trace -of rats in the _Albatross_.” - -“Then I’ll bet it’s another stowaway—say, just like Elmer here was.” - -All hands laughed abruptly at this unique piece of guesswork. - -“I reckon I was the only intruder aboard, Hiram,” remarked Elmer, -good-naturedly. - -“Well, the beans are gone and somebody ate them,” said the cook. “It -couldn’t be anybody of the crew, for no one has passed through the -galley but myself, and the room I speak of is beyond it.” - -“Suppose we investigate?” suggested the young aviator. - -“That’s it,” agreed the impetuous Hiram. “Come on, fellows.” - -All hands followed the cook to his quarters. They inspected the galley -and then entered the room beyond it. Sure enough, there was the dish of -beans, nearly half its original contents missing. - -Hiram and Elmer explored every nook and corner of the place where there -was the least opportunity for a stowaway to hide. Their search was -without results. - -“It’s certainly something of a mystery,” decided the young aviator. -“Those cracked windows, too. Why,” he added, examining them closely, “it -looks as though some one had deliberately hammered on them until they -gave way, as you see.” - -There was another sensation the next evening. The cook came rushing into -the cabin. Mr. King happened to be on hand. - -“I’m getting superstitious and scared,” declared the cook. - -“What’s up now?” interrogated the airman. - -“Enough for anybody’s nerves,” reported the man. “Sounds, scrapings, -sort of low groans. I’m beginning to believe the airship is haunted.” - -“Nonsense!” said Mr. King. “When did you hear these strange noises you -describe?” - -“Just now. See here, some of you come with me and see if you can figure -this thing out.” - -The boys were ready enough for the investigation. The cook led them to -the galley, and they sat down as he put out all the lights. - -“Now keep perfectly quiet and listen patiently,” directed the young -aviator. - -“There’s something,” spoke Hiram in a hoarse whisper, as a queer cooing -sound came from the watched room. “Gently, now,” he added and crept -through the doorway. - -There was a fluttering sound. Dave traced it to a corner of the room -where there were some boxes. The noise came from behind them. He groped -with his hand, and his fingers finally grazed a feathery, shrinking -object. - -“Flare a light,” he called out instantly. “I’ve caught the stowaway.” - -“Who is it? what is it?” cried Hiram, rushing forward as the electric -lights were turned on. - -“Why, it’s a bird—a pigeon,” announced Dave, dragging into view a -ruffled, timid dove. “Here’s your mystery explained. The bird must have -been driven through the broken window during that storm the other night. -The poor thing was famished and ate the beans. Then it cracked the -window panes trying to get out again.” - -“You’ve got it, Dave,” declared Hiram, “only, say, what is that fastened -under its wing?” - -“Why, sure enough,” said Dave, observing what looked like an oilskin -package fastened with silk cord under the wing of the bird. “Fellows, -this must be a carrier dove. We must see Mr. King about this.” - -The airman inspected the oilskin package. He read a written enclosure it -contained. - -“This is a trained passenger pigeon,” he said. “Started from Rio de -Janeiro and carrying a message to its former home in Washington. Feed up -the bird, boys, and we’ll send the brave little thing again on its -journey.” - -The next morning when the carrier pigeon was set free, started -landwards, it bore a second message. This told the world that the giant -airship was eight hundred miles on its trip across the broad Atlantic. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII - - FIRE AT SEA - - -“Well, Dave, they stole a march on us last night.” - -“How is that, Hiram?” questioned the young aviator. - -“Landed. Yes, sir, the _Albatross_ made a landing about midnight on the -beach of some island—Bermuda or Bahama, or something like that. Last -point of land this side of Europe, the professor says. Took on a fresh -supply of water. Mr. King visited the town nearby and got some papers, -and sent a message to the aero association.” - -Hiram had just come from the cabin, preceding his comrade in waking up -by a few minutes. When the two friends went to the cabin they found -young Brackett waiting to take breakfast with them. - -A few days had made a marked change in the new passenger of the -_Albatross_. Everybody was pleasant and encouraging to him. He had -become greatly interested in the workings of the airship. Dave had -suggested to him that, owing to the fact that his father was a foremost -manufacturer in the aeroplane line, he had a splendid opportunity to -begin business life in the same field. - -The _Albatross_ had started out on its real voyage in fine shape, -weather conditions being perfect. So far, except for the adventure among -the mountain men of North Carolina, not one adverse incident had marred -the flight. - -The three friends chatted and joked buoyantly while dispatching their -appetizing meal. Young Brackett had picked up one of the newspapers -brought to the airship from the island just after midnight. He was -looking it over casually, when he uttered a quick cry as of startled -amazement. - -“It’s not true!” he almost shouted, and he brought his fist down upon -the table to emphasize the remark with such force that the dishes -rattled. - -“What’s not true, Brackett?” inquired the young aviator, in some -surprise. - -“Listen!” called out the lad in considerable excitement, and then he -read from the newspaper: - -“Another red, white and blue float was picked up three hundred miles -from land by the steamer _Royale_. It proved to contain a dispatch with -the readings: ‘Aug. 21, altitude one thousand feet, course due east, -making splendid time. Airship _Dictator_: Signed, Roger Davidson, Perry -Dawson, on board.’” - -“That sounds like business,” exclaimed Hiram. “The twenty-first. That’s -the day we started. They were forty-eight hours ahead of us.” - -“Not true!” again declared young Brackett, sharply. - -“You mean?” asked Dave, in wonder. - -“Davidson and Dawson are not aboard of the _Dictator_.” - -“Oh, pshaw, now how can you say that,” challenged the impetuous Hiram, -“when here is the clear evidence?” - -“You seem to know something we don’t know,” remarked Dave, with a close -glance at Brackett. “The public prints announced that Davidson and -Dawson started with the _Dictator_ on the trip across the Atlantic on -the afternoon of the nineteenth.” - -“They did,” nodded Brackett. “I saw them. But they came back.” - -“What’s that?” cried Hiram. - -“Yes, they did.” - -“In the _Dictator_?” - -“Oh, no, and that’s the queer part of it. They may have lost their -nerve—it looks that way. They may have hired someone else to take the -risk of the trip. Anyhow, they got out of the _Dictator_ after leaving -Senca, and came back there at midnight. I slept that night in the place -where they had built the _Dictator_. I saw them come, I saw them go -away.” - -“Brackett, you astonish me,” said Dave, bluntly. “Are you sure of what -you say?” - -“Perfectly,” declared the lad, with positiveness. “Davidson and Dawson -came secretly to the old aerodrome. They had a big automobile, and -loaded into it a long box. Both were disguised, and I recognized them -only by their voices. I heard them speak of getting to the steamer. How -to explain these dispatches, apparently dropped from the _Dictator_ into -the ocean, I don’t know. I’ve only told you what I do know.” - -“Mr. King must know of this,” said Dave, thoughtfully. - -No plausible solution of the tangle was arrived at, however. Amid the -sheer exhilaration and activity of their own superb flight, the crew of -the _Albatross_ soon forgot the incident surrounding the rival airship -with new mystery. - -For two days and nights the giant airship made an even, steady run, true -as a needle to a set course. There was a slight mist over the waters the -next evening. So fair and promising was the weather, that Professor -Leblance had deviated from the route he had first laid out. He had made -an aerial short cut. The result was that they were somewhat out of the -regular path of ocean travelers. - -It was always a pleasure for the boys to watch out nights for the -steamers far beneath them. That night, Grimshaw, seated at one of the -windows, remarked in his usual laconic way: - -“Light ahoy!” - -“Where away?” chirped the active Hiram, who was priding himself on -becoming quite nautical. - -“Just ahead, somewhat to the southeast.” - -“I see it,” said the young aviator. - -“So do I,” joined in Hiram. “Why, say,” he added, excitedly a minute or -two later, “that’s no light. It’s a fire.” - -As they progressed and the radiance became plainer, all hands decided -that Hiram was right. Nearer and nearer they came to the growing light. -Flames became visible, then the fire fringed the outlines of hull and -rigging. - -Dave ran to the pilot room and quickly advised Mr. King of the -circumstance. Professor Leblance was summoned from the engine room. - -“Slow down and focus the searchlight on the ship,” he ordered. - -This was done. It was a vivid and exciting scene. The great fingers of -radiance went groping all about the craft. No one seemed aboard. No one -seemed struggling in the waves about the ship. - -Fast to its stern, however, by a long cable and thus held in position, -was a rude raft. The searchlight showed a man standing upon this and -viewing the blazing ship. At his feet, covered over with a tarpaulin, -there seemed to be another human form. - -“We cannot leave those people to their fate,” said the Professor. “Mr. -King, we will drop the floats and stop, while you and the boys take the -emergency yawl and go after whoever may be aboard of that raft.” - -The _Albatross_ rested its floats lightly upon the water and skimmed it -slowly at an even height, like the royal bird after which it was named. - -The handling of the yawl was of a piece with the operation of all the -perfect utilities of the airship. The three boys took the oars and the -airman acted as pilot. - -Just as they got near to the raft they saw the man standing upright upon -it, sever the cable holding it to the burning ship. The heat from the -flames had evidently become too intense for him to bear. Then he posed -in an attitude of suspense and eagerness, a wiry, keen-eyed little man. -He had a long, oval metal box strapped across his shoulder, and was -dripping wet. - -“Good for you!” he hailed, as the airman grappled the raft with a -boathook. - -“Ship caught fire, did it?” remarked Mr. King. - -“No, I set it.” - -The yawl crew stared almost unbelievingly at the man as he made this -statement, but he went on calmly: - -“I had to. She’s water logged, and bound to sink the first capful of -breeze that hits her.” - -“Where are the passengers and crew?” asked the airman. - -“Abandoned her early this morning. I was down in the cabin getting -this”—and the speaker tapped the tin box as though it contained -something precious. “They missed me, and were away in the boat before I -knew it.” - -“But the fire?” - -“I made this raft ready against the ship scuttling. Thought I’d fire the -ship for a signal for help. You see it did some good.” - -“Well, get aboard,” ordered the airman. - -“What about him?” inquired the shipwrecked man, and he pointed to the -tarpaulin on the raft. - -“Someone there?” - -“Yes.” - -“Who is it?” - -“A man I rescued not an hour ago. He lay across a wooden grating, -floating along past the ship. His head is bleeding, and he is -unconscious.” - -Mr. King directed Dave and Hiram to assist in lifting the insensible man -to the yawl. The latter was limp and lifeless as some water logged rat. -They placed him in the bottom of the yawl and resumed their oars. - -“See here,” spoke the man with the tin box, “the best you can do for me -is a sky sailor, is it?” - -“That, or nothing,” replied the airman. - -“Where are you bound for?” - -“Across the Atlantic, for Europe.” - -“I knew it would come some day,” observed the rescued man quite coolly. -“You see, I’m an inventor myself. I’ve got in that tin box patents for a -new kind of color photography that will make me millions. I’m not -altogether poor just now, either, and if you set me and my patents safe -on _terra firma_ almost anywhere, I’ll pay a handsome reckoning.” - -Within the hour the rescued men were hoisted safely into the airship and -the yawl replaced in position. The unconscious man had been carried into -one of the staterooms. Professor Leblance had quite a smattering of -medicine. He examined the patient, prepared some remedies from a -medicine chest the craft carried, and came into the cabin to report to -Mr. Dale. - -“A very sick man. What water and exposure have not done, a bad cut on -the head has. He is delirious and in a weak and feverish condition. I -would suggest that you in the cabin here take turns in caring for him.” - -All hands were agreeable to this. In the excitement and bustle of the -rescue, Dave and the others had not particularly noticed the sufferer. -Dave had scarcely entered the place where the patient lay, however, with -Hiram, when he gave a great start. He stood with his eyes fixed on the -man, as he spoke hurriedly to his comrade. - -“Go to Mr. King and tell him to come here at once.” - -“What is it, Dashaway?” inquired the airman, appearing a few minutes -later. - -“Look, Mr. King,” said the young aviator, pointing to the prostrate man; -“who is he?” - -“Impossible!” ejaculated Mr. King, starting back. “Why, it’s Roger -Davidson!” - -There was no doubt of the fact. In turn Grimshaw, young Brackett and -even Hiram confirmed the identification. - -“Here’s a new mystery for you,” admitted Mr. King, coming into the cabin -an hour later. “The clothes that man wore show little adaptability to -airship work. In one of his pockets I found the main stub of a steamship -ticket. He never fell from any airship. I can account for his -extraordinary appearance upon the scene in one way only.” - -“And that?” questioned Mr. Dale. - -“Is that he was lost off some ocean steamer. One thing certain—the -_Dictator_ never started across the Atlantic with this man in charge.” - -For three days Davidson lay insensible most of the time. Meanwhile the -_Albatross_ coursed its way without accident or delay. All hands were -delighted over the success thus far of their wonderful enterprise. They -passed the three-quarters distance mark with every prospect of reaching -goal in splendid trim. - -It was a cool, cloudy and misty night, and both the professor and airman -were on close guard on account of the changed weather conditions. The -boys were reading in the cozy cabin. Grimshaw and Mr. Dale had gone to -bed, and everything seemed proceeding smoothly in engine and pilot -rooms. Finally Hiram looked up from his book. - -“We are surely going to make it,” he remarked. “The professor says that -it will be a clean shoot ahead for land first thing in the morning.” - -“I can hardly realize that there is every chance of reaching the goal -and winning the prize,” observed the young aviator. - -“Say, what was that?” abruptly interjected young Brackett. - -There had come a sudden shock. It resembled a wrench, a shiver; as if -some vital part of the giant mechanism had met with disaster. - -“Something wrong!” cried Dave, springing to his feet. - -At that moment a blood-curdling yell echoed through the airship. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII - - THE FORLORN HOPE - - -Hiram and Brackett joined the young aviator in a rush for the passageway -leading to the pilot room. It was from that direction that the cry had -echoed. - -A sharp, double danger signal rang out from the engine room. There were -sounds of distant shouts. The yell was repeated. Some keen intuition -drove Dave to the stateroom which had served as invalid ward for the man -rescued from the raft. - -“Hiram,” cried the young aviator, “Davidson is gone!” - -“Why, it can’t be! Say—whew! suppose he’s gone wild, and is rambling all -over the ship among that machinery!” - -Snap—crack! Following upon the echoes of that second terrific cry, a -disturbing thing had happened—every electric light in the _Albatross_ -went out! - -To add to the confusion and terror of the moment, in the direction of -the engine room there rang out a thumping, crashing sound, as if some -disjointed part of the machinery was beating things to pieces like a -steel flail. - -“Stand still,” ordered Dave, sharply, “don’t try to grope about in the -dark. It’s no use.” - -The young aviator felt his way out into a corridor leading to the supply -room. It was a fortunate thing that he had familiarized himself with -everything about the place. Dave located a certain cabinet, and opening -one of its drawers, took out what he was after—an armful of electric -hand lights carrying their own batteries. - -“Here, Hiram, Brackett,” he called, flashing one of the tubes. “Take -some of these. Follow me. I don’t know that the people in the engine -rooms have any way of getting a light. Let us hurry to them.” - -“Hold on!” shouted a new voice, and Grimshaw bolted upon the scene. -“What’s the trouble?” - -“We don’t know, but something pretty serious, I imagine,” replied Dave, -quickly. “Take these.” - -He furnished Grimshaw with two of the electric tubes. Then Dave led the -way to the pilot room. He found Mr. King lighting matches to get some -kind of illumination, and as ignorant themselves as to the condition of -affairs. The aviator at once led a rush in the direction of the engine -room. They arrived at the ante-chamber leading to it to come upon a -stirring scene. - -A small hand lamp only illuminated the apartment. It contained four men, -the professor, two of his assistants, and these latter were holding to -the floor and battling with and binding hand and foot a wild, struggling -maniac—Roger Davidson. - -“He got loose!” cried the aviator, at once reading the situation. - -“And in his frenzy has done terrible damage to the _Albatross_,” -exclaimed Professor Leblance, pale, disturbed and anxious-faced. “It is -very serious, I fear. Get him away to the cabin as speedily as you can, -and watch him every minute. You, Mr. King, resume your post at the pilot -table. Dashaway, hurry all the spare light tubes here.” - -There was a shivery, uncertain wobble to the giant airship now. The -prodigious construction resembled some monster machine that had received -a vital wound. Dave hastened on his mission. As he returned to the -engine room he passed Hiram, Brackett and one of the assistants, -carrying Davidson back to the stateroom. - -Mr. King was at his post at the pilot table, and looked worried and -helpless. The electric apparatus of the airship having been destroyed, -he could only sit and use the speaking tubes. - -Dave found the engine room in hideous disorder. The engine was not in -operation, and parts of it were all out of order. The professor and his -men were getting a reserve engine in shape. For over an hour, silently, -and deeply engrossed in all that was going on, the young aviator placed -the light tubes as directed, and brought this and that tool and -machine-fitting to the workmen as Professor Leblance ordered. - -Dave saw the new engine started up. The professor held a long, whispered -conversation with one of his men. Then he beckoned to Dave and led the -way to the pilot room. - -The Frenchman sank into a chair there, his face gray and careworn. They -were three anxious ones. Leblance passed his hand over his eyes wearily, -as if he had gone through a terrible ordeal. - -“Well?” said the aviator simply. - -“That maniac threw an iron bar into the machinery. He has ruined -everything,” announced Leblance. - -“But the new engine?” - -“Can only operate the rudder control. The entire mechanism is -practically destroyed, my friends. I must not conceal from you that the -situation is desperate, dangerous, almost hopeless!” - -“But we are still running, Professor?” submitted the aviator. - -“With one forlorn hope in view.” - -“Of reaching the end of our voyage?” - -“That we can never hope for,” declared the Frenchman, in a gloomy tone. - -“Then—what?” bluntly demanded the aviator. - -Leblance arose to his feet, running one hand over his eyes with a swift -movement as if to restore impaired vision or brush away tears. He -proceeded to a map attached to the wall just above the pilot table. His -fingers traced the course already traversed by the _Albatross_. - -“We are here,” he said, halting the faltering index. “Ahead, observe, is -an island. It is two hundred miles southwest of the coast of France. We -may possibly reach it by exhausting every utility we possess. If we do -not, within the next forty-eight hours——” - -The professor shrugged his shoulders slowly, sadly this time. An -expression of ineffable solemnity crossed his noble face. - -He pointed down as if indicating unknown depths waiting to swallow them -up. Then he again ran his finger across the map, pausing at that little -dark speck that marked the island. - -“A change of wind,” he said, “a single break in the apparatus, a -trifling leak, and we are at the mercy of the mishap of our lives! That -island—it is our last forlorn hope!” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV - - GOAL! - - -“It’s too bad,” said Hiram, and the young aviator’s assistant was very -nearly at the point of tears. - -“We can only make the best of it,” returned Dave, trying to be -philosophical. “At any rate, we made a grand run.” - -“Yes, it’s something to beat the world’s record, even half the way,” -agreed Hiram. “But think of it—only for that awful break of Davidson -we’d have won the day!” - -The two young airmen sat outside of a wretched little hotel, a part of a -remote fishing town on the island that had been “the forlorn hope” of -the _Albatross_. The giant airship had succeeded in reaching it. - -As Dave sat rather gloomily reviewing experience and prospects, he could -not help but think of the past two nights and a day with a thrill. That -had been a desperate, hair-breadth dash of the crippled airship. Without -knowing all the technical details of their situation, Dave had read from -the tireless, feverish actions of Professor Leblance, that he was -rushing the _Albatross_ under a fearful strain of risk and suspense, -momentarily dreading a new and final disaster. - -Before daylight, with a flabby gas bag and with the reserve engine -barely able to work the propellers, the _Albatross_ had settled down on -a desolate stretch of beach, practically a wreck. - -“The mechanism has played out completely,” Leblance had asserted. -“According to the regulations of the international society, the flight -must end on the French or English mainland. We are two hundred miles -short. We might as well be two thousand.” - -“Is there no possible chance of getting new machinery, of making -temporary repairs that will tide us over?” suggested Mr. King. - -“Impossible, under days, even weeks,” replied the Frenchman. “On the -rule schedule a stay at any point over twelve hours cancels the right of -entry.” - -It was, indeed, too bad—so near to success, so very close to goal! A -profound gloom had spread over every member of the airship crowd. The -islanders had viewed the strange craft with excited curiosity at first, -and had then gone back to their fishing. Davidson had been removed to a -room at the little hotel, young Brackett in charge as his nurse, and all -the others had taken up their quarters as well. - -The young aviator and his comrade had been discussing the situation -seated on an overturned boat. Hiram at length arose with a dreary kind -of sigh and strolled aimlessly back towards the hotel. Dave sat thinking -deeply. He started up, however, as he saw Brackett coming towards him. - -“Dashaway,” he said quite excitedly, “I’ve got to get back to my charge, -don’t dare to leave him alone, you know but I wanted you to read -something,” and the speaker extended some folded sheets of paper. - -“Why, what is this?” inquired the young aviator. - -“You know I understand shorthand—humph! it’s about all I am good for, I -reckon,” added Elmer, in his usual deprecating way. “Well, for the past -hour or two my patient has been saying some strange things.” - -“What about?” asked Dave—“the _Dictator_ and Jerry Dawson, I suppose?” - -“You’ve guessed it. I’ve written out his ramblings in long hand. I fancy -your quick mind will weave a pretty startling story out of it all.” - -“There’s the professor,” said Dave abruptly, “I’ll read your notes -later, Brackett,” and he thrust the sheets into his pocket, and started -towards the beach as he saw Professor Leblance leave the hotel, bound in -the same direction. - -The failure of the ambitious Frenchman had almost crushed him. Dave felt -sorry for him as he noted the drooping head and dejected manner of the -scientist. He did not approach him closely, but followed him at a -distance. As they rounded some rocks the _Albatross_ came into full -view. - -Professor Leblance, walking slowly, gazed with sadness upon the inert -monster of the air. Then he looked up at a hail. A fisherman was running -towards him. Dave noticed the professor brace up magically at the first -words of the native. The latter pointed to the air and the sea. His -pantomime was expressive and energetic. - -There came a sudden blast of wind, and then Dave understood. He noticed -the professor start on a keen run for the _Albatross_. He was up the -trailing rope ladder sprightly as a lad, shouting some orders to the -fisherman, who ran towards the guy cable attached to a great tree trunk. - -“It can’t be possible,” almost gasped the startled young airman, “that -Professor Leblance is thinking of trusting to the wind alone to finish -the flight. It’s true! I won’t be left behind!” - -Dave caught at the ladder just as the propeller began to whir. By the -time he was in the cabin the earth was fading away. He threaded the -corridors in the direction of the engine room. - -“Dashaway!” shouted the professor in amazement, as the young airman -burst in upon him. - -“Yes, Professor, I am here,” said Dave. “You are going to make a try to -reach the mainland? I am with you.” - -There was no time for compliments, explanations or delay. In two -minutes’ time the professor had made his assistant aware of what was -required of him. Practically only as a balloon could the _Albatross_ now -act, and only provided the strong wind maintained in precisely the -direction it was now set. - -“See, my friend,” spoke Leblance, eagerly, “we have no control whatever -over the planes. The steering apparatus, too, is useless. The engine -will barely take care of the propellers. If you know how to operate -them, take my seat here. Keep the rudder locked firm. That is all we can -do. For the rest—it is a risk, a perilous risk.” - -“Anything to get there!” cried Dave; and then the professor left him -alone. - -The _Albatross_ had risen to a good altitude at her first spurt. She -drove with the wind at a wonderful rate of speed. At the end of an hour, -however, the young aviator noticed a gradual drop. The buoyancy of the -gas bag was lessening. - -After that Dave heard the professor working with tools below the cabin. -He was quite startled as there was a jerk. Then he saw first one and -then the other of the aeroplane attachments go hurtling down to the -water, engulfed by the ocean. - -Relieved of such an incubus the airship regained a higher level. Two -hours went by, then three. The professor appeared in a great state of -excitement and hopefulness. - -“She’s dropping again, but don’t let up for an instant,” he ordered. “I -see the land ahead—two hours more, and we’ve made it.” - -“Will the gas last?” inquired the young aviator, seriously. - -“I am about to free our final reserve—one tank. That will do for a -spell. Then—if I have to explode the balloonets into the main gas -chamber, we must keep aloft till we are over land.” - -Up—down—up—down—that was the progress for the next two hours. Once it -was nearly a volplane drift, and the dauntless young pilot of the -_Albatross_ fancied they were headed for a dive straight into the -ocean’s depths. - -A final rise, and Dave’s heart cheered as he saw land not two miles -distant. Professor Leblance rushed into the engine room. - -“Drift!” he ordered—“let her drop as she likes now—we have arrived!” - -The brave old scientist tottered from excitement and exhaustion as he -spoke. A great, thrilling cheer seemed to lift from the lips of the -young aviator, and ten minutes later the _Albatross_, a wobbling, -flabby, weather-worn wreck, landed on a great dock in the sight of -waiting thousands. - -“Boy,” spoke Professor Leblance, in a ringing tone and with sparkling -eyes, “we have reached goal! The giant airship has crossed the -Atlantic!” - - - - - CHAPTER XXV - - CONCLUSION - - -“This is Professor Leblance, I believe? We have been expecting you, -sir.” - -“And this is my friend and co-worker, David Dashaway,” spoke the French -scientist, proudly. - -It was thirty-six hours after the giant airship had landed on French -soil. Within that space of time rapid and interesting events had been -crowded into the experience of the young American aviator. - -At once after the landing, the professor had sought out the nearest -resident representative of the French Aero Association. This individual -had officially verified the arrival of the _Albatross_. Armed with the -necessary credentials, Leblance and his young assistant had started at -once for London. - -Their destination, now reached, was the International Aero Institute, -with whom trans-Atlantic negotiations had been made before the -_Albatross_ started on its trip. The French official had wired about the -coming of the distinguished visitors. - -Now Dave Dashaway, like the professor, arrayed in a handsome new suit of -clothes, stood in the office of one of the most noted organizations in -the aero world. - -The first flush of the recent triumph still dwelt with Dave. Then there -flashed over his mind the marvelous contrast between the present moment -and less than six months previous. Then he had been the obscure -down-trodden ward of a cruel guardian. Now through a mist of grateful -tears the young aviator thought tenderly of the right royal friends who -had assisted in crossing the Atlantic in the giant airship and who had -loyally helped him to become the honored guest of men famous the world -over for science and intelligent adventure. - -The secretary of the club who had greeted them stood aside with a -courteous bow to usher them into the reception room of the club. As he -did so he said: - -“We are proud to greet you, Professor. Your exploit will live in -history, notwithstanding that you are second in the remarkable feat of -crossing the Atlantic in an airship.” - -The sensitive Frenchman recoiled as though dealt a blow. - -“How?” he cried sharply. “Second? what does this mean?” - -“You had not heard? Ah, yes, the _Dictator_, pilot J. E. Dawson, landed -near Plymouth day before yesterday. After a terrible trip, clinging to -the mere rag of a gas bag, Dawson was found nearly drowned on the -seashore.” - -Professor Leblance sank to a chair stupefied. He stared like a man -stunned into vacancy. He was completely overcome. - -A strange expression crossed the face of the young aviator. Impulsively -his hand went to a certain document that Elmer Brackett had given him -two days before. His eye grew more steady, his lips more firm. - -“Will you kindly give me a few details of the _Dictator_ flight,” he -requested, “while Professor Leblance recovers from his surprise?” - -It was a brief story. The red, white and blue gas bag had landed near -Plymouth. The daring pilot was discovered clinging to it, drenched to -the skin. He had been feted, honored, brought to London. He was even now -in the next room, relating his wonderful adventures to the president and -directors of the club. - -“Come, Professor Leblance,” said Dave, in a clear, steady tone, “I have -something to say to this wonderful J. E. Dawson.” - -“Professor Leblance and Mr. Dashaway, of the _Albatross_,” introduced -the secretary, a minute later. - -Lolling in a luxurious armchair in the midst of some braggadocio -recital, with a startled jerk Jerry Dawson came upright as though -electrified. - -The eye of the young aviator rested upon him with a fixedness that made -him squirm. - -“Happy to meet you, Professor Leblance,” greeted the club official. “You -share a most glorious exploit with our guest.” - -“One word first,” interrupted Dave, amazed at his own firmness of voice -and nerve. “So there may be no later misunderstanding, does that young -man, whom I recognize as a Mr. Dawson, claim to have arrived first in -the race across the Atlantic?” - -“Most assuredly,” responded the club president. - -“His claim is unfounded,” declared the young aviator in a calm, even -tone, but with great positiveness. “He is an adventurer, a fraud. He -crossed the Atlantic on the steamer _Alsatia_. The balloon found on the -Plymouth coast is a duplicate of the _Dictator_ which he brought along -with him, and the original _Dictator_, after a brief land run, was -purposely burned up fifty miles from New York city.” - -“Who says so?” shouted Jerry Dawson, getting excitedly to his feet. - -“Roger Davidson,” replied the young aviator, simply. - -Jerry Dawson grew white to the lips. He foresaw the losing game, but -still he blurted out: - -“The proofs?” - -“Gentlemen,” said Dave, “a cablegram will serve to order an -investigation of the ashes of the _Dictator_. A living witness as to the -shipboard experience of this young romancer can be brought to London as -soon as our friends are reached.” - -“Why, if this is true, the club will be the laughing stock of the -world,” observed the president, bending a dark look on Jerry. - -“I—I think I’ll go and consult a lawyer about this insulting charge,” -ventured Jerry. “Let me out.” - -“No, we will kick you out, if this is all true!” shouted an angry -director. - -“You will remain here,” said the president, firmly. “Your story, sir, -the truthful one; or we shall hold you criminally for false -representation.” - -Jerry was scared. Dave’s resolute face daunted him most of all. He -trembled and shivered. By degrees he confessed. He was taken to the -office of the club to furnish a signed statement. Then he was turned -loose on the streets of London—exit ingloriously Jerry Dawson! - -The invalid wanderings of Davidson had supplied his nurse, Elmer -Brackett, with a pretty clear history of the plot to impose a duplicate -_Dictator_ on the public. While under the influence of a drug, Davidson -had fallen from the steamer, and Jerry had thrown a grating after him. -Perhaps the hope of securing all the international prize money for -himself, had led Jerry to say nothing further about the accident. - - * * * * * - -There was a great celebration at a noted London hotel the week -following. The most humble member of the crew of the _Albatross_ was -present. - -Money and fame had come to them all. Dave Dashaway was the central -figure with the public. Professor Leblance seemed to take most pride in -the construction of the _Albatross_. Young, enterprising, popular, Dave, -as the last man at the helm of the ill-fated _Albatross_, was the real -hero of the event. - -“Well, lads,” said the happy Professor Leblance across the table to -Dave, Hiram and Elmer, “you have now reached so high a notch in -aeronautic science that you can go no further.” - -“Mistake,” piped up the irrepressible Hiram. - -“Oh, yes, a grave mistake, Professor,” insisted young Brackett. - -Dave Dashaway only smiled. - -“Come, what’s up with you young people?” challenged the good-natured Mr. -King. - -“Why,” spoke the young aviator, “when we go back home, and you have put -that promised quietus on that rascal Vernon, we are going to Elmer’s -father and have him build for us a magnificent aeroplane that will beat -anything ever before constructed.” - -“And the purpose?” inquired old Grimshaw, with a hopeful twinkle in his -eye. - -“Why,” replied Dave, “our idea is to get up a great international race -around the globe.” - -“That’s it,” jubilated the veteran airman. “I knew it would be something -grand and original.” - -“Canada, Alaska, Siberia, Russia—finishing where we began,” explained -Dave Dashaway. - -“Can it be done?” - -“I think so.” - -“But the danger——” - -“There was danger in crossing the mighty Atlantic.” - -“I know that. But to go around the world. You will meet all sort of -strange people and get in many a tight situation, and——” - -“But Dave Dashaway can do it, trust him,” said Mr. Dale, proudly. “He is -the son of his father—you can trust him.” - -“Oh, you can’t beat Dave,” cried Hiram. “His enemies have tried it, and -failed, every time.” - -So we leave our young airmen, full of ardor and hope, with their -wonderful plans. How the same were carried out in a most remarkable -aviation exploit, will be told in a succeeding volume, to be entitled, -“Dave Dashaway Around the World; Or, A Young Yankee Aviator Among Many -Nations.” - -“Only one Dave Dashaway in this world,” said Hiram, to young Brackett. - -“The best friend I ever had!” murmured the other. “One boy in a -million!” - -“Right you are!” - - - THE END - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE BASEBALL JOE SERIES - By LESTER CHADWICK - - _12mo. Illustrated. Price 50 cents per volume. - Postage 10 cents additional._ - -[Illustration] - - 1. BASEBALL JOE OF THE SILVER STARS - _or The Rivals of Riverside_ - - 2. BASEBALL JOE ON THE SCHOOL NINE - _or Pitching for the Blue Banner_ - - 3. BASEBALL JOE AT YALE - _or Pitching for the College Championship_ - - 4. BASEBALL JOE IN THE CENTRAL LEAGUE - _or Making Good as a Professional Pitcher_ - - 5. BASEBALL JOE IN THE BIG LEAGUE - _or A Young Pitcher’s Hardest Struggles_ - - 6. BASEBALL JOE ON THE GIANTS - _or Making Good as a Twirler in the Metropolis_ - - 7. BASEBALL JOE IN THE WORLD SERIES - _or Pitching for the Championship_ - - 8. BASEBALL JOE AROUND THE WORLD - _or Pitching on a Grand Tour_ - - 9. BASEBALL JOE: HOME RUN KING - _or The Greatest Pitcher and Batter on Record_ - - 10. BASEBALL JOE SAVING THE LEAGUE - _or Breaking Up a Great Conspiracy_ - - 11. BASEBALL JOE CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM - _or Bitter Struggles on the Diamond_ - - 12. BASEBALL JOE CHAMPION OF THE LEAGUE - _or The Record that was Worth While_ - - 13. BASEBALL JOE CLUB OWNER - _or Putting the Home Town on the Map_ - - 14. BASEBALL JOE PITCHING WIZARD - _or Triumphs Off and On the Diamond_ - - _Send for Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._ - - ------------------------------------------- - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE JEWEL SERIES - - BY AMES THOMPSON - - _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in colors_ - - _Price per volume, 65 cents_ - -[Illustration] - - _A series of stories brimming with hardy adventure, vivid and - accurate in detail, and with a good foundation of probability. They - take the reader realistically to the scene of action. Besides being - lively and full of real situations, they are written in a - straightforward way very attractive to boy readers._ - - -1. THE ADVENTURE BOYS AND THE VALLEY OF DIAMONDS - -Malcolm Edwards and his son Ralph are adventurers with ample means for -following up their interest in jewel clues. In this book they form a -party of five, including Jimmy Stone and Bret Hartson, boys of Ralph’s -age, and a shrewd level-headed sailor named Stanley Greene. They find a -valley of diamonds in the heart of Africa. - -2. THE ADVENTURE BOYS AND THE RIVER OF EMERALDS - -The five adventurers, staying at a hotel in San Francisco, find that -Pedro the elevator man has an interesting story of a hidden “river of -emeralds” in Peru, to tell. With him as guide, they set out to find it, -escape various traps set for them by jealous Peruvians, and are much -amused by Pedro all through the experience. - -3. THE ADVENTURE BOYS AND THE LAGOON OF PEARLS - -This time the group starts out on a cruise simply for pleasure, but -their adventuresome spirits lead them into the thick of things on a -South Sea cannibal island. - - _Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_ - - ------------------------------------------- - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, PUBLISHERS New York - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE WEBSTER SERIES - - By FRANK V. WEBSTER - -[Illustration] - - Mr. WEBSTER’S style is very much like that of the boys’ favorite - author, the late lamented Horatio Alger, Jr., but his tales are - thoroughly up-to-date. - - _Cloth. 12mo. Over 200 pages each. Illustrated. - Stamped in various colors._ - - _Price per volume, 50 cents._ - _Postage 10 cents additional._ - - Only a Farm Boy - _or Dan Hardy’s Rise in Life_ - The Boy from the Ranch - _or Roy Bradner’s City Experiences_ - The Young Treasure Hunter - _or Fred Stanley’s Trip to Alaska_ - The Boy Pilot of the Lakes - _or Nat Morton’s Perils_ - Tom the Telephone Boy - _or The Mystery of a Message_ - Bob the Castaway - _or The Wreck of the Eagle_ - The Newsboy Partners - _or Who Was Dick Box?_ - Two Boy Gold Miners - _or Lost in the Mountains_ - The Young Firemen of Lakeville - _or Herbert Dare’s Pluck_ - The Boys of Bellwood School - _or Frank Jordan’s Triumph_ - Jack the Runaway - _or On the Road with a Circus_ - Bob Chester’s Grit - _or From Ranch to Riches_ - Airship Andy - _or The Luck of a Brave Boy_ - High School Rivals - _or Fred Markham’s Struggles_ - Darry the Life Saver - _or The Heroes of the Coast_ - Dick the Bank Boy - _or A Missing Fortune_ - Ben Hardy’s Flying Machine - _or Making a Record for Himself_ - Harry Watson’s High School Days - _or The Rivals of Rivertown_ - Comrades of the Saddle - _or The Young Rough Riders of the Plains_ - Tom Taylor at West Point - _or The Old Army Officer’s Secret_ - The Boy Scouts of Lennox - _or Hiking Over Big Bear Mountain_ - The Boys of the Wireless - _or a Stirring Rescue from the Deep_ - Cowboy Dave - _or The Round-up at Rolling River_ - Jack of the Pony Express - _or The Young Rider of the Mountain Trail_ - The Boys of the Battleship - _or For the Honor of Uncle Sam_ - - ------------------------------------------- - - CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers NEW YORK - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE MOTOR BOYS SERIES - - By _Clarence Young_ - - -[Illustration] - - _12 mo. illustrated_ - _Price per volume, 50 cents._ - _Postage, extra, 10 cents_ - - _Bright up-to-date stories, full of information as well as of - adventure. Read the first volume and you will want all the others - written by Mr. Young._ - - 1. THE MOTOR BOYS - _or Chums through Thick and Thin_ - 2. THE MOTOR BOYS OVERLAND - _or A Long Trip for Fun and Fortune_ - 3. THE MOTOR BOYS IN MEXICO - _or The Secret of the Buried City_ - 4. THE MOTOR BOYS ACROSS THE PLAINS - _or The Hermit of Lost Lake_ - 5. THE MOTOR BOYS AFLOAT - _or The Cruise of the Dartaway_ - 6. THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE ATLANTIC - _or The Mystery of the Lighthouse_ - 7. THE MOTOR BOYS IN STRANGE WATERS - _or Lost in a Floating Forest_ - 8. THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE PACIFIC - _or The Young Derelict Hunters_ - 9. THE MOTOR BOYS IN THE CLOUDS - _or A Trip for Fame and Fortune_ - 10. THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE ROCKIES - _or A Mystery of the Air_ - 11. THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE OCEAN - _or A Marvelous Rescue in Mid-Air_ - 12. THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE WING - _or Seeking the Airship Treasure_ - - ------------------------------------------- - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE BOYS’ OUTING LIBRARY - - _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full color. - Price, per volume, 50 cents. Postage 10 cents additional._ - -[Illustration] - - THE SADDLE BOYS SERIES - By CAPT. JAMES CARSON - - The Saddle Boys of the Rockies - The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon - The Saddle Boys on the Plains - The Saddle Boys at Circle Ranch - The Saddle Boys on Mexican Trails - - - THE DAVE DASHAWAY SERIES - By ROY ROCKWOOD - - Dave Dashaway the Young Aviator - Dave Dashaway and His Hydroplane - Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship - Dave Dashaway Around the World - Dave Dashaway: Air Champion - - - THE SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES - By ROY ROCKWOOD - - The Speedwell Boys on Motorcycles - The Speedwell Boys and Their Racing Auto - The Speedwell Boys and Their Power Launch - The Speedwell Boys in a Submarine - The Speedwell Boys and Their Ice Racer - - - THE TOM FAIRFIELD SERIES - By ALLEN CHAPMAN - - Tom Fairfield’s School Days - Tom Fairfield at Sea - Tom Fairfield in Camp - Tom Fairfield’s Pluck and Luck - Tom Fairfield’s Hunting Trip - - - THE FRED FENTON ATHLETIC SERIES - By ALLEN CHAPMAN - - Fred Fenton the Pitcher - Fred Fenton in the Line - Fred Fenton on the Crew - Fred Fenton on the Track - Fred Fenton: Marathon Runner - - _Send for Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._ - - ------------------------------------------- - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE BOY RANCHERS SERIES - - By WILLARD F. BAKER - -[Illustration] - - _12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors_ - - _Price 50 cents per volume._ - _Postage 10 cents additional._ - - _Stories of the great west, with cattle ranches as a setting, - related in such a style as to captivate the hearts of all boys._ - - 1. THE BOY RANCHERS - _or Solving the Mystery at Diamond X_ - Two eastern boys visit their cousin. They - become involved in an exciting mystery. - - 2. THE BOY RANCHERS IN CAMP - _or the Water Fight at Diamond X_ - Returning for a visit, the two eastern lads learn, with delight, - that they are to become boy ranchers. - - 3. THE BOY RANCHERS ON THE TRAIL - _or The Diamond X After Cattle Rustlers_ - Our boy heroes take the trail after Del Pinzo and his outlaws. - - 4. THE BOY RANCHERS AMONG THE INDIANS - _or Trailing the Yaquis_ - Rosemary and Floyd are captured by the Yaqui Indians but the - boy ranchers trailed them into the mountains and effected the - rescue. - - 5. THE BOY RANCHERS AT SPUR CREEK - _or Fighting the Sheep Herders_ - Dangerous struggle against desperadoes for land rights brings - out heroic adventures. - - 6. THE BOY RANCHERS IN THE DESERT - _or Diamond X and the Lost Mine_ - One night a strange old miner almost dead from hunger and - hardship arrived at the bunk house. The boys cared for him and - he told them of the lost desert mine. - - 7. THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER - _or Diamond X and the Chinese Smugglers_ - The boy ranchers help capture Delton’s gang who were engaged - in smuggling Chinese across the border. - - 8. THE BOY RANCHERS IN DEATH VALLEY - _or Diamond X and the Poison Mystery_ - The Boy Ranchers track Mysterious Death into his cave. - - _Send for Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._ - - ------------------------------------------- - - CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - Transcriber's Notes - - Italicized phrases are presented by surrounding the text with - _underscores_. Boldface phrases are presented by surrounding the - text with =equal= signs. Small capitals have been rendered in full - capitals. - - Punctuation has been standardized. Minor spelling and typographic - errors have been corrected silently, except as noted below. - - "some one" and "someone" are used interchangeably throughout the - book, and all occurrences have been left as printed. - - On the second page (unnumbered), "12" added before "mo. Cloth. - Illustrated." - - "Imposter" left as is on page 6 (instead of being changed to - "impostor") as it was sometimes spelled "imposter" in the time - period. - - Three instances of "stop cock" changed to "stop-cock" to be - internally consistent and consistent with contemporary (1910's) - usage. - - Several instances of "employe" left as is, as it appears that way - three times in the book and was written that way occasionally in the - time period. - - The word "distinguished" has been changed to "extinguished" on page - 114. - - On page 117, "a-way" has been left as is, as it appears in dialectic - speech. - - On page 118, "bulge" has been changed to "budge", as "bulge" doesn't - make sense, even as dialect. - - One sentence near the bottom of page 134 ("Dave led the way to a - thick copse. The woman") was in the text twice (several paragraphs - apart), and the first instance has been removed. - - On page 202, "Rodger" has been changed to "Roger" to be consistent - with other usage in the book. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship, by -Roy Rockwood - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP *** - -***** This file should be named 50070-0.txt or 50070-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/0/7/50070/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Rick Morris and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -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. 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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/license - - -Title: Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship - or, A Marvellous Trip Across the Atlantic - -Author: Roy Rockwood - -Release Date: September 28, 2015 [EBook #50070] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Rick Morris and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div id='fig01' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div> - <h1 class='c001' title='Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship'><span class='xlarge'>Dave Dashaway</span> <br /> <span class='xlarge'>and His Giant Airship</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div class='c003'>Or</div> - <div class='c003'>A Marvellous Trip Across the Atlantic</div> - <div class='c004'><span class='small'>BY</span></div> - <div>ROY ROCKWOOD</div> - <div class='c003'>AUTHOR OF “DAVE DASHAWAY THE YOUNG AVIATOR,” “THE</div> - <div>SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES,” “THE GREAT</div> - <div>MARVEL SERIES,” ETC.</div> - <div class='c004'>ILLUSTRATED</div> - <div class='c004'><span class='small'>NEW YORK</span></div> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY</div> - <div><span class='small'>PUBLISHERS</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div><span class='large'>BOOKS FOR BOYS</span></div> - <div class='c003'>BY ROY ROCKWOOD</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='large'>THE DAVE DASHAWAY SERIES</span></div> - <div>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>DAVE DASHAWAY THE YOUNG AVIATOR</div> - <div class='line'>DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS HYDROPLANE</div> - <div class='line'>DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP</div> - <div class='line'>DAVE DASHAWAY AROUND THE WORLD</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES</span></div> - <div>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS ON MOTORCYCLES</div> - <div class='line'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR RACING AUTO</div> - <div class='line'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR POWER LAUNCH</div> - <div class='line'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS IN A SUBMARINE</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>THE GREAT MARVEL SERIES</span></div> - <div>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>THROUGH THE AIR TO THE NORTH POLE</div> - <div class='line'>UNDER THE OCEAN TO THE SOUTH POLE</div> - <div class='line'>FIVE THOUSAND MILES UNDERGROUND</div> - <div class='line'>THROUGH SPACE TO MARS</div> - <div class='line'>LOST ON THE MOON</div> - <div class='line'>IN A TORN-AWAY WORLD</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='sc'>Cupples & Leon Co. Publishers, New York</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c006' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Copyrighted 1913, by</div> - <div><span class='sc'>Cupples & Leon Company</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='sc'>Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Printed in U. S. A.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div>CONTENTS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='20%' /> -<col width='70%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c009'></td> - <td class='c010'>PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>I.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapI'><span class='sc'>The Giant Airship</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>II.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapII'>“<span class='sc'>For Mother’s Sake</span>”</a></td> - <td class='c010'>11</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>III.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapIII'><span class='sc'>A Narrow Escape</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>21</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>IV.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapIV'><span class='sc'>In Bad Company</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>36</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>V.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapV'>“<span class='sc'>The Right Kind</span>”</a></td> - <td class='c010'>44</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>VI.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapVI'><span class='sc'>A Mysterious Flash</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>53</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>VII.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapVII'><span class='sc'>At the Aerodrome</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>62</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>VIII.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapVIII'><span class='sc'>The Rival Airship</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>69</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>IX.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapIX'><span class='sc'>In the Lead</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>76</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>X.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapX'><span class='sc'>The Haunted Aerodrome</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>84</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XI.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXI'><span class='sc'>A Grand Success</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>91</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XII.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXII'><span class='sc'>Adrift in the Storm</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>103</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XIII.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXIII'><span class='sc'>A First Landing</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>110</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XIV.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXIV'><span class='sc'>Lost</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>123</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XV.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXV'>“<span class='sc'>The Terrible Macguffins</span>”</a></td> - <td class='c010'>129</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XVI.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXVI'><span class='sc'>In Friendly Hands</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>137</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XVII.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXVII'><span class='sc'>A Trusty Guide</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>144</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XVIII.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXVIII'><span class='sc'>In a Bad Fix</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>149</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XIX.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXIX'><span class='sc'>A Mysterious Friend</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>154</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XX.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXX'><span class='sc'>The Stowaway</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>160</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXI.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXXI'><span class='sc'>The Haunted Airship</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>166</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXII.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXXII'><span class='sc'>Fire at Sea</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>176</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXIII.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXXIII'><span class='sc'>The Forlorn Hope</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>187</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXIV.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXXIV'><span class='sc'>Goal!</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>192</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXV.</td> - <td class='c009'><a href='#chapXXV'><span class='sc'>Conclusion</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>199</td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div><span class='pageno' title='1' id='Page_1'></span><span class='large'>DAVE DASHAWAY</span></div> - <div><span class='large'>AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div> - <h2 id='chapI' class='c011 nobreak'>CHAPTER I<br /> <br />THE GIANT AIRSHIP</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“Is that your airship?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Not exactly, but I am in charge of it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The <i>Gossamer</i>, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Belongs to the Interstate Aero Company?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You’re pretty well posted, I see.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Ought to be. I’m close to the Interstate -people, so I’d like to look the machine over. In -fact, if you’ve got an expert aviator on hand, I -think I’ll take a little flight.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>John Grimshaw, ex-balloonist and battered-up -aeronaut, regarded the foppishly dressed young -man before him quizzically.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, you do, eh?” he observed, very dryly. -“Well, it won’t be on this occasion. As to an expert -aviator, we’ve got Dave Dashaway.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, I’ve heard of him.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Most everybody has, I reckon. He’s here -on business though, and that sign is for outsiders, -yourself included.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='2' id='Page_2'></span>Old Grimshaw pointed to a sign on the big gates -of the high board enclosure outside of which he -stood on guard. It read: “No Admittance.” -The visitor had come strolling from the direction -of some summer cottages near a pretty lake close -by. Grimshaw surmised that he was one of the -smart set spending an outing there.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Humph!” observed the young man, with a -shrug of his shoulders and a scowl. “Pretty independent, -aren’t you? I think you’ll change -your tune shortly.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Is that so?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I fancy. I’ll bring somebody with me who -will do what he chooses with your precious old -airship, and send you about your business, if he -feels like it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young man turned on his heel, mad as a -hornet, as he spoke. Just then the gate was -pushed open, and a bright-faced, athletic young -fellow stepped into view.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s the trouble, Mr. Grimshaw?” he -asked, pleasantly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Another of those pestiferous nuisances, who -want to pry into other people’s business, and think -they own the world,” grumbled the veteran aeronaut.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What did he want?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>John Grimshaw told his story.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, you might have gratified his curiosity and -let him look around a little.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='3' id='Page_3'></span>“See here, Dave Dashaway,” bristled up -Grimshaw, “you’ve seen in the past what taking -in a stranger led to. You’re here for a special -purpose, and no Jerry Dawson, or fellows of that -stripe, are going to get a chance to trick us again.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s so, Mr. Grimshaw, we can’t be too -careful, I will admit,” agreed the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He was a rather unassuming young fellow for -a person of his merits and record, was this active -lad who inside of three months had made his way -from humble circumstances to the very front rank -of American airmen.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave Dashaway looked back over the past -twelve weeks of his young career with pride, -pleasure and satisfaction. There were dark -spots, of course. The Jerry Dawson old Grimshaw -had mentioned was one of them. Envious -rivals there had been, too. Danger, scheming, -cunning had more than once threatened.</p> - -<p class='c013'>That bright, breezy afternoon, however, the -accredited pilot of the latest monoplane on exhibition, -Dave Dashaway felt like a general who -had won a hard-fought battle and was resting on -his laurels.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Those who have read the first volume of the -present series, entitled, “Dave Dashaway, the -Young Aviator; Or, In the Clouds for Fame and -Fortune,” will recall how humble and difficult -was the start in life made by the bright young -<span class='pageno' title='4' id='Page_4'></span>aeronaut. The father of Dave had been a noted -balloonist. Dave was of tender age when he died. -For years the boy was made a drudge by a miserly -old guardian. The finding of a prize medal and -other valuables accidentally lost from an airship, -sent Dave on his travels seeking their owner, -Robert King, a noted airman, who gave Dave a -job.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It seemed as though air sailing was born in -Dave. He took to aviation like a duck does to -water. The youth did several helpful things at -the various aero meets for Mr. King that won -his confidence and friendship. Dave studied all -the books he could get hold of on airships, and -Grimshaw, a crippled and retired balloonist, took -him into his school.</p> - -<p class='c013'>From the initial run made on a dummy aeroplane -along the ground, to his first aerial flight -in a monoplane with Mr. King, Dave showed -intelligence, skill and ambition. Then came his -first brilliant flight in the <i>Baby Racer</i>, a show -biplane. So well did the young aviator manage -the <i>Racer</i>, that its owner, the Interstate Aero -Company, made a contract with him for regular -exhibitions.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave did not disappoint his liberal employers -in his efforts. He won several prizes, gave a big -lift to a chum, Hiram Dobbs, in the aero field, -and made old Grimshaw proud of so apt a pupil.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='5' id='Page_5'></span>In the second volume of the present series, -called, “Dave Dashaway and His Hydroplane; -Or, Daring Adventures Over the Great Lakes,” -is told how Dave advanced another important -step up the ladder of fame and fortune. The -company employing him started him at exhibiting -their model hydroplane. This was a new venture -for Dave, but he industriously mastered its details -and made a great hit at an aero meet near -Chicago.</p> - -<p class='c013'>All along the line Dave had been forced to oppose -the envy and malice of unprincipled business -rivals. By thinking straight and acting straight, -however, he had won out on every occasion, as an -honest, deserving lad always does. He and his -young protege, Hiram Dobbs, by making a -hundred mile record flight one dark and stormy -night, got a big order for the Interstate Aero -Company ahead of a competitor. Then Jerry -Dawson, his father and a smuggler stole the -hydro-monoplane, <i>Drifter</i>, and located across the -Canadian border. Dave and his friends began -a wonderful chase in another machine. They had -some stirring adventures, ending in the discovery -of the <i>Drifter</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>That incident shut out the Dawsons from later -aero meets, but, as they had not been prosecuted, -they became hangers-on at circus and county fair -exhibitions. Dave heard of them once in awhile, -but they seemed unlikely to injure him any farther.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='6' id='Page_6'></span>Dave and Hiram were finely rewarded by the -Interstate people for their success. The company -wanted Dave to make a two-year contract to -exhibit their machines. Dave, however, was -obliged to decline the offer.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There was a strong reason for this—a reason -that was enough to set on fire the enthusiasm of -any live, up-to-date boy.</p> - -<p class='c013'>As related in the preceding volume, Dave had -discovered an old friend of his dead father, one -Cyrus Dale. This gentleman was wealthy, had -no family, and had been a fellow balloonist of -Mr. Dashaway, years before. A boy who had -stolen some papers from Dave had succeeded in -palming himself off on Mr. Dale as Dave Dashaway.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. King had unmasked the imposter. The -latter, with some friends, had then kidnapped Mr. -Dale. The veteran aviator, Robert King, had -rescued Mr. Dale from their clutches. The gratitude -of the latter for this act, together with his -warm interest in Dave, had led to the three coming -together in a most friendly way. It was this -ideal situation which had resulted in the carrying -out of a long-cherished plan of Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='7' id='Page_7'></span>This was nothing less than a scheme for crossing -the Atlantic in a giant airship. It had been -the pet idea of the skilled aviator for years—the -hope and dream of every ambitious airman in the -world.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Of all men in the field, Mr. King had the ability -to direct such a project. Mr. Dale was not only -willing but ready to supply the capital. As to -Dave and Hiram, they talked constantly of the -enterprise daytimes and dreamed of it nights.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The plan of the veteran aviator, however, was -one that involved time, skill and expense. His -plans for building the great airship were very -elaborate. A month had now gone by, and only -the skeleton of the mammoth air traveler had so -far been constructed.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A temporary aerodrome had been constructed -on the edge of a large city about twenty-five miles -from Lake Linden, where we find the young -aviator at the opening of the present story. -There Mr. King, Mr. Dale and some skilled -workmen were energetically pushing forward -their work. If their plans did not go awry, before -the end of August the giant airship would -start out on the strangest, grandest trip ever attempted -in the field of aeronautics.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the meantime the Interstate Aero Company -had prevailed on Dave to give them a month’s -special service. This comprised the exhibition -of their latest hydro-monoplane, the <i>Gossamer</i>, at -Lake Linden. The district was one visited every -<span class='pageno' title='8' id='Page_8'></span>summer by men of wealth from New York, -Boston and other large cities. The Interstate -people had secured what had once been a small -private park. Here Dave, Hiram and Mr. -Grimshaw had been located for over a week.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The object of their exhibitions was to influence -a sale of the Interstate machines among the rich -men visiting Lake Linden. Many of them were -aero enthusiasts. Besides that, the proprietors -of the resort paid the company quite a large fee -for making occasional flights as an attraction to -popularize the lake.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave glanced after the man who had just had -the verbal tussle with Mr. Grimshaw. He did not -like his trivial looks any more than the old balloonist -had. They had many curious visitors at -the enclosure, however, and Dave forgot the -strange brag of the latest one, as he looked down -the road in the direction of the town of Linden.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s strange Hiram doesn’t get back with the -carryall,” remarked the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, I heard the train come in half an hour -ago,” replied Grimshaw. “Expecting quite a -crowd, aren’t you, Dashaway?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, yes, according to the message the Interstate -people sent me,” said Dave. “It seems -there is a special party of foreign airmen our -New York salesman has interested. Some of -them have come over to take a try at the meets -in the Southern circuit, and want to buy machines.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='9' id='Page_9'></span>“They’ll find ours the best,” asserted Grimshaw.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I think that, too,” agreed Dave. “That’s -why I’ve got everything spick and span inside -there. The <i>Gossamer</i> looks as if she was just -waiting to float like an eagle at the word.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“She’s a beauty, and no mistake,” declared -Grimshaw, and like some ardent horseman gazing -at a fond pet, he pushed open the gate, and -fixed his eyes on the hydro-aeroplane in the middle -of the enclosure. “She’s the last word in airships,” -boasted the old enthusiast. “That trial -flight of yours yesterday, Dashaway, was the prettiest -piece of air work I ever saw.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Intimate as the young aviator was with the -<i>Gossamer</i> and every detail of her delicate mechanism, -he could not resist the fascination of looking -over the most beautiful model in the airship field.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Gossamer</i> had proven a revelation, even -to skilled airmen. It had been constructed in -strict secrecy. The public had known nothing as -to the details of the craft until it was taken out -on Lake Linden to test its balance and speed.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was equipped to carry four passengers, was -driven by a forty horse-power motor, and made -the tremendous speed of fifty miles an hour in the -water and sixty miles an hour in the air. With -<span class='pageno' title='10' id='Page_10'></span>its two propellers driven by clutch and chain -transmission, and its new automatic starter and -fuel gauge, it was a marvel of beauty and utility, -as readily sent up from the confined deck of a -warship as from the broadest aero field.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“She’s a bird, sure enough,” declared old Grimshaw, -admiringly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Wasn’t she sort of built for a bird?” challenged -Dave, with a smile.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s so. Ah, I hear the wagon. Hiram -is coming.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The two went outside the enclosure, and the -man looked keenly down the road in the direction -of the village.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why Dashaway,” he exclaimed, “it’s Hiram, -but he isn’t bringing the party you expected.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s queer,” commented the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“He’s all alone—oh, no, he isn’t. He’s got -one passenger aboard—a girl.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“A girl?” repeated Dave, staring somewhat -mystified at the approaching vehicle.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s queerer still,” remarked the young -aviator.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='11' id='Page_11'></span> - <h2 id='chapII' class='c011'>CHAPTER II<br /> <br />“FOR MOTHER’S SAKE”</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“Whoa!” sang out Hiram Dobbs, bringing -the team to a halt and beckoning to Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, what’s the trouble, Hiram?” inquired -the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Crowd didn’t come, that’s all.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And no word from them?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, yes, there was a wire,” and Dave’s -friend and assistant handed a yellow sheet to -Dave with the explanation: “Operator at the -station gave it to me that way. A rush, so I read -it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s all right,” returned Dave, and he also -read the brief dispatch in his turn.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It stated that there had come an unexpected -hitch in the arrangements of the New York agent -of the Interstate people, and that the party he -had in tow would not visit Lake Linden until the -following day.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s good,” said Dave. “It will give us -a chance to go to the city and see how our giant -airship scheme is coming on.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='12' id='Page_12'></span>“Fine!” applauded Hiram. “There’s something -I wanted to talk to you about first, though, -Dave.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s that, Hiram?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Wait a moment, Miss.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram interrupted with these words, addressed -to the only passenger in the carryall. For the -first time Dave glanced at her closely. She was -a plainly-dressed, modest-looking girl of about -sixteen. Her eyes were red with weeping. She -held a handkerchief in her hand, and was pale -and seemed greatly distressed.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, I must make you no farther trouble,” she -said, in a broken tone. “I will get out of the -carryall here and walk the rest of the way to the -seminary.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I want to speak to my friend here first, Miss,” -said Hiram. “You just wait. Maybe he can -suggest some way to help you out.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You have been so kind to me already,” murmured -the girl.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave wondered what was up. The carryall -was a hired one, and he had supposed at first -that Hiram had given the girl a lift, finding she -was going his way. Hiram was always doing such -kindly things.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The forlorn appearance of the girl, however, -and the rather serious manner of Hiram as he -jumped from the wagon seat and beckoned Dave -<span class='pageno' title='13' id='Page_13'></span>out of earshot of his passenger, made the young -aviator surmise that he had something of particular -moment to impart to him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Now then, what is it, Hiram?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You see that girl?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Of course.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I never felt so sorry for anyone in my life -as I do for her.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Who is she?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“A poor girl working her way through the -young ladies’ seminary up at the other end of the -lake.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, I see.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It seems she got a telegram about an hour -ago. It is from her home, a hundred miles west -of here. It stated that her mother was in a critical -condition, and if she expected to see her alive she -must take the first train for Easton. She hurried -to the depot. I found her there crying as if her -heart would break.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Poor girl! she had missed the train.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“By just four minutes, and no other until eight -o’clock this evening.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I am dreadfully sorry for her,” said Dave, -glancing with genuine sympathy at the girl in the -carryall.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram fidgeted about. He dug the toe of his -shoe into the dirt. Then he looked Dave daringly -in the eye. Then he dropped his glance. Dave -was quick to read his impetuous and open-hearted -comrade’s thoughts.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='14' id='Page_14'></span>“I fancy I guess what’s in your mind, Hiram,” -he said.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I hope you do, anyhow. Say, if I knew how -to run an airship like you——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You’d run it to Easton, I suppose?” intimated -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, sir, that’s just what I would do. See -here, Dave, suppose you had a sister in the trouble -that young girl is in?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave put up his hand interruptingly. His face -was earnest and serious.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’d get her to her mother if I had to sell the -shoes off my feet. You’re a grand-hearted fellow, -Hiram Dobbs, and, as I’ll not let you beat -me in the doing-good line, why——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You’ll take her to her mother in the <i>Gossamer</i>?” -fairly shouted Hiram, dancing from one -foot to the other in his excitement over such a -prospect.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ll try and make it out that way,” responded -Dave. “Let me think for a minute or two, -Hiram.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator took another look at the -mournful face of the young girl in the carryall. -Then he made up his mind. He was a fully-trusted -employe of the Interstate Aero Company, -and pretty nearly at liberty to do as he -pleased. Dave looked up at the sky, made some -mental calculations, and said finally:</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='15' id='Page_15'></span>“Tell her who I am, Hiram—I want to have -a little talk with her.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“This is my best friend, Dave Dashaway, -Miss——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“My name is Amy Winston,” spoke the girl, -a trifle shy and embarrassed.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hiram Dobbs has told me about your trouble, -Miss Winston,” said Dave. “He is a fine fellow -and feels sorry for you, and so do I. We -are going to try and get you to your home within -the next three hours.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, if you only could!” exclaimed the young -girl, anxiously. “But there is no train until this -evening.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That is true,” replied Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You see, Dave is a great aviator, Miss,” -broke in Hiram, in his usual impulsive, explosive -way. “He’s taken lots of prizes. He won -the——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That will do, Hiram,” laughed Dave. “The -truth is, Miss Winston,” he continued to the -puzzled girl, “we have only one way of getting -you to your home. Please step down and I will -show you what it is.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave helped the girl down the steps at the -rear of the vehicle. He led her to the gates of -the enclosure and drew one of them wide open.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='16' id='Page_16'></span>“Why, it is an airship!” exclaimed Amy Winston. -“I saw it yesterday from the seminary -grounds.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Dave was running it, and I was aboard,” -boasted Hiram, proudly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How beautifully it sailed,” murmured the girl.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Miss Winston,” spoke Dave, “I can make -Easton in about three hours in that machine. It -may be something I should not propose, considering -the possible risk, but the <i>Gossamer</i> is at your -service.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh,” exclaimed Amy, her eyes filling with -tears of gratitude and hope, “I would dare any -danger to once more see my dear mother before -she dies.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You are willing to try it?” asked Dave, -definitely.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Amy was trembling, but she answered bravely -in the affirmative.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Tell Mr. Grimshaw,” said Dave to his friend, -who at once started off to obey the order. “Now, -Miss Winston,” continued the young aviator, “I -will help you to a seat in the machine.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>When the girl had been disposed of in the most -comfortable seat in the <i>Gossamer</i>, Dave gave her -a strap to draw her dress skirt tightly about her -feet. Other straps bound her in the seat so that -by no possibility could she fall or be thrown out.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='17' id='Page_17'></span>The girl had grown a shade paler and was all -in a flutter, but she did not show the least inclination -to draw back from an exploit that would -start most people into hysterics.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave went into the tent where he and Hiram -and Grimshaw ate and slept, and came out in -aviation garb. He took some time looking over a -guide book. Meanwhile his two helpers had been -working about the <i>Gossamer</i>, getting everything -in order.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Grimshaw made no comment on the occasion. -While he always resented any intrusion of outsiders -at aerodrome or meet, he had long since -made up his mind that Dave knew his business -and was just about right in everything he did. -The old expert went over the <i>Gossamer</i> as -thoroughly as if the machine was bound on a long -distance non-stop flight. He saw to it that -nothing was lacking that an air navigator might -need. He even set the green lantern on the right -side and the red to the left, steamship code, in -case of some delay or accident, whereby the -<i>Gossamer</i> might drift up against night work.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Look out for a change in the wind,” was -Grimshaw’s parting injunction.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It looks like a coming squall in the northwest,” -replied Dave; “but I think this head wind -will hold till we get out of range. All ready, Miss -Winston?”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='18' id='Page_18'></span>“Yes, sir,” fluttered the little lady, holding -tightly to the arms of her seat behind the operator’s -post, although she was securely tied in.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“All free,” said Dave simply, and his helpers -stood aside as the self-starter was set in motion.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Gossamer</i> rose lightly as a bird. Just -above the fence line, however, Dave slightly -turned his head at an unusual sound. He had -just a glimpse of two figures acting rather wildly -immediately beyond the enclosure.</p> - -<p class='c013'>One was the foppish fellow who had recently -been repulsed by Grimshaw, and who had made -the strange threat that he would bring somebody -with him who would settle affairs.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Apparently this vaunted individual was now in -his company. He was a richly dressed lad, somewhat -older than Dave. He seemed to be a good -deal excited about something; acted, as Grimshaw -had described it, as if he owned the world.</p> - -<p class='c013'>His companion was waving his cane angrily as -the airship shot skyward. The boy himself shook -his fists toward the <i>Gossamer</i>, and shouted out -furiously some command or threat the young -aviator could not make out.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave wondered what this second visit meant. -He had no time nor thought to spare, either staring -or guessing, however. Eye, hand and brain -were centered intently upon his task. Dave for -the moment forgot everything, except that he was -directing to a safe, steady course a mechanism as -delicate and sensitive as the works of a fine -chronometer.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='19' id='Page_19'></span>He caught the echo of a low, quick respiration -from the girl behind him. The suddenness of the -ascent had acted on her as it did on every novice, -producing a startled feeling. Then, as the <i>Gossamer</i> -whirled three hundred feet high, and the -swaying, gliding exhilaration of perfect motion -followed, a long-drawn breath told of relief and -satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t be frightened, Miss Winston,” called -out Dave, venturing a quick glance at his passenger, -whose wide-open eyes surveyed the -panorama beneath them in speechless wonderment.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, I am not, indeed,” cried Amy Winston. -“It is only the strangeness.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You are perfectly safe,” assured the young -aviator. “We have made a splendid start. Just -think of home—and your mother,” he added very -gently. “I feel certain that we can make Easton -inside of two hours.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I am so glad; oh, so glad,” replied Amy, with -grateful tears in her eyes.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave was pleased that his course towards -Easton took him due southwest. A six-mile -breeze was coming from that direction. This was -a perfect condition for even, stable progress. -Over towards the northwest a bank of ominous -<span class='pageno' title='20' id='Page_20'></span>black clouds were coming up, threatening a gale -and a deluge of rain. The young pilot of the -<i>Gossamer</i> planned and hoped to dodge this storm -by fast flying.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The southern edge of the big cloud began to -cover the sky ahead of Dave. Once or twice -there were contrary gusts, and he had to do some -skillful engineering to preserve a safe balance. -He felt considerably relieved to observe that the -<i>Gossamer</i> was safely out of range of the real -storm center. Some ragged-edge masses thrown -out from the main body were, however, scudding -ahead of him. There were one or two spatters -of rain.</p> - -<p class='c013'>To the far right of him Dave could tell that a -momentary tornado was sweeping the tops of the -trees. He set the lever to the limit notch, made -a long volplane and then a wide circuit to the -south.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I believe we are out of range,” Dave told -himself, hopefully.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Then, as a sudden and unexpected shock announced -the meeting of two powerful forces, he -sat motionless and helpless.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator faced a mishap most dreaded -of all that threaten the safety of the expert aeronaut.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='21' id='Page_21'></span> - <h2 id='chapIII' class='c011'>CHAPTER III<br /> <br />A NARROW ESCAPE</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>The <i>Gossamer</i> had struck “a hole in the air!” -“We are lost!” thought Dave Dashaway.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator was not prone to arrive at -senseless conclusions. He had made a practical -study of aeronautics, in a way; from the first -time the pioneer airman harnessed a gasoline engine -to a kite and called it a flying machine, down -to the loop-the-loop somersault trick in aviation.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A “hole in the air” to the sky traveler is what -a yawning chasm is to a speeding automobile or -an unexpected cataract to a hydroplane. It is -worse than a “killed” motor or even a threatened -“turn turtle.” Every part of the machine suddenly -goes useless. The heavy mechanism simply -drops. In a word, the <i>Gossamer</i> had been caught -in a dead void caused by two opposing air currents -colliding, and shutting the machine into an -absolute pocket, or vacuum.</p> - -<p class='c013'>If Dave had remained inert, or had hesitated -for a single instant of time, the <i>Gossamer</i> would -have been doomed. A slender thread of hope -<span class='pageno' title='22' id='Page_22'></span>presented itself and he was quick to utilize it to -the limit. “Feeling” the air with one cheek, he -noticed the tail of the machine give a quick switch. -This he at once understood indicated that the -master air current was from the north. Dave -hoped there was power enough left in the propellers -to make a sharp, quick turn. He set the -apparatus for the speediest whirl he had ever attempted.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The machine was tipping, dropping steadily. -Dave banked to the left at a most critical angle. -There was a dizzying spin and then a dive. A -great breath of relief swept from Dave’s lips as -the <i>Gossamer</i> righted. The wings caught the -violent blast of the gust, and the machine fairly -bored its way ahead, true as an arrow, into the -teeth of the storm.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A drenching shower shut the aerial wayfarers -into a blinding deluge of rain drops. Then their -course lightened, and Dave knew that the thinning -veil of moisture indicated sunlight beyond it. -He shut down speed slightly. The air pressure -was fast decreasing as the <i>Gossamer</i> emerged from -the clouds. Dave gradually worked the head of -the machine due southwest once more. The -former head wind was regained, and sunny progress -offered beyond.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“A close shave,” said Dave, to himself, and -turned to see how his passenger had taken it.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='23' id='Page_23'></span>“I suppose that scared you somewhat, Miss -Winston?” he remarked.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Amy’s face was pale, and she showed the strain -of her startling experience, but she replied:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I could not be frightened with you. Anybody -as kind and thoughtful as you are to a poor girl -in distress like myself, could not be anything but -brave.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave’s heart warmed at the compliment. He -admired the girl, too. As he thought back, he -realized that his nerves had been at a tension -where any outcry or movement on the part of his -passenger might have upset his self-control, and -have prevented the prompt action which had saved -the day.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He felt proud and pleased at his success in turning -a hard corner. His passenger, too, became -more light-hearted as the prospect of soon reaching -the side of her invalid mother became more -assured. Once or twice as they flew over -chicken coops in farm yards there was great excitement -beneath them, and she could not help -but smile.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That is Easton,” she leaned over finally to -say to Dave, as the steeples and factory chimneys -of a little town came into view.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The girl pointed out her home a few minutes -later, and Dave prepared to make a landing. The -<i>Gossamer</i> came to earth in the middle of a field -a few hundred yards distant from the house the -girl had designated.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='24' id='Page_24'></span>Long before Dave had released the ropes that -had held his passenger in her seat, people who -had viewed the novelty of a real airship came -flocking to the spot from all directions. Amy -seized the hands of the young aviator, bubbling -over with gratitude. She tried to thank him as -she wished to, but the words would not come.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t delay, Miss Winston,” said Dave. “I -know they must be very anxious about you at -home.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave led his little charge to the fence surrounding -the field and helped her over it. Then he returned -to the <i>Gossamer</i>. He found that the propellers -had gone through some strain during his -adventure in the storm, and he had some little -work to do with chisel, hammer and wrench. -While he was thus occupied almost a mob surrounded -the airship, curious, gaping and delighted.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A man wearing a big star, and evidently the -policeman of the town, made himself very officious -keeping the crowd back. He had seen an airship -once at a county fair and paraded his knowledge -now. He tried industriously to make himself very -agreeable to the young aviator. Dave had to -laugh secretly to himself as the man pinched his -fingers describing to a local newspaper man that -this was the “magenta”—meaning magneto; -and that the “carbutter”—meaning the carburetor.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='25' id='Page_25'></span>“You must have been reading up on airships,” -spoke the newspaper man to the policeman, as the -latter walked importantly about the craft, now -and then sternly calling on some small lad to “git -back out th’ way.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I have,” came the confident answer. “I -know a lot about ’em. Of course I haven’t ever -sailed in one, but my brother, he’s a policeman -in Long Island, and once, when I was on a visit -to him, he was detailed to go out to a place where -they was havin’ one of these airyplane contests, -and keep order. I went with him, and he swore -me in as his deputy assistant. I seen a lot of -them foreign fellers fly, and I picked up a lot of -information.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I suppose so,” murmured the newspaper man, -who was new in town, and did not know enough -to discount the boasting talk of the officer.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, indeed!” went on the constable. “Why, -once one of them birdmen—they call ’em ‘birdmen’ -you know,” he explained as though he knew -it all, “once one of ’em run out of gasoline just -as he was goin’ to start in a prize flight, and if it -hadn’t been for me he’d never won it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How’s that?” asked the reporter.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='26' id='Page_26'></span>“Why I hustled over to the hangar—that’s the -French word for a balloon shed,” he explained -condescendingly, “I rushed over to the hangar -and got him a can of gasoline and he went up as -slick as anything and won the prize. He said I -helped him a lot, and he gave me a dollar. I -didn’t want to take it, but he insisted. Oh, I -know a lot about airships.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave was so busy tightening some of the guy -wires that had come loosened at the turn buckle, -by reason of the great strain, that he paid little -attention to the reporter and the constable for a -few minutes.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator, however, noticed that the -officious officer was becoming more and more -familiar with the machine, touching the different -parts, often calling them by their wrong names, -and totally unconscious of his errors. Nor was -the reporter any the wiser.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I don’t exactly understand what makes the -airship move,” confessed the newspaper man to -the self-appointed instructor. “Is it——?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s these here perpellers,” explained the constable. -“They work just like an electric fan, you -know.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I see, but then the blades of an electric fan -go around but the fan doesn’t sail in the air. -Why is that?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well—er—it’s because—Oh, here’s something -I forgot to explain,” said the constable -quickly, finding himself unexpectedly in deep water. -<span class='pageno' title='27' id='Page_27'></span>“I’ll tell you about the perpellers later. This -here’s the radiator,” he went on. “It’s full of -water, just like in the radiator of an automobile, -and it keeps the gasoline from boiling over—cools -it off you know.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Indeed,” said the reporter, who knew a little -about autos. “But I thought the water was to -keep the engine from getting overheated.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Not in an airship,” insisted the constable. -“In an airyplane the radiator keeps the gasoline -cool. I’ll jest show you how it works,” and, before -Dave could stop the man, he had opened a -small faucet in the radiator, designed to drain out -the water.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Now it happened that Dave had been running -his engine very fast, and, in consequence, the -water in the radiator—which really did cool the -motor and not the gasoline—this water was very -hot—in fact some steam was present.</p> - -<p class='c013'>No sooner did the meddlesome constable open -the stop-cock that a jet of steam shot out, burning -his fingers severely. The man jumped back with -an exclamation of pain.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I—I didn’t know it was so hot!” he cried. -“This must be a new cooling system he’s using on -this affair.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I should say it was more like a <i>heating</i> system,” -remarked the reporter, with a smile he -could not conceal.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='28' id='Page_28'></span>“Ha! Ha! Shiner got burned!” yelled a small -boy who had been ordered away from the craft. -“Shiner got burned! Ha! Ha!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Make a cup of tea, Shiner!” yelled another -lad, “Shiner” evidently being the constable’s -nickname.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ll ‘shiner’ you if I git holt of you!” he -threatened, rushing forward with some of his -fingers in his mouth to render the pain less. It -was not a very dignified attitude for a guardian of -the law.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I wish you’d shut that stop-cock!” cried -Dave, who was busy tightening a part that he -could not very well leave just then. “Shut that -water off, or I’ll lose all there is in the radiator, -and have to put in more.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It—it’s too hot,” objected the constable, his -attention drawn from the annoying lads. “I -didn’t know it was so warm. What system do -you use?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave was too annoyed to answer, and the -constable, not wishing to burn himself again, held -back. Meanwhile water and steam were spurting -from the stop-cock.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ll shut it off,” volunteered the reporter, -feeling that he was partly to blame for the incident, -since he had evinced a curiosity that the -constable had tried to gratify.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='29' id='Page_29'></span>The newspaper man advanced toward the -radiator, which was now enveloped in steam. -Dave saw that he had on no gloves.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Look out!” cried the young aviator. “You’ll -get a bad burn. That’s very hot. Here,” he -added, “take these pliers, and turn that valve. -I’d do it myself only if I let go this wire it will -slip and I can’t easily get it in place again,” and -Dave indicated where a pair of pliers lay on the -ground.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I get you,” said the reporter with a smile. -A moment later he had shut the stop-cock and the -stream of water and the hissing steam stopped.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Cricky! but this burns!” exclaimed the constable. -“I forgot about the radiator part. -Some airships don’t have ’em on.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why not?” asked the reporter.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, er—well—you see—say, here’s what I -was telling you about, the perpellers, they make -the ship go. You see you turn them around to -start the engine, jest like you crank an auto. I -guess I can turn them over, though it’s pretty -hard. Down on Long Island, where my brother -was that time, I helped one of the birdmen lots. -You jest do it this way,” and he advanced toward -the big wooden propeller.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Here, don’t touch that!” cried Dave, but he -was too late. The officious constable whirled the -wooden blade around. As it happened Dave had -turned on the switch in order to make a test, and -<span class='pageno' title='30' id='Page_30'></span>had forgotten, until that moment, to turn it off. -But when he saw what the man was going to do -he realized what would happen. “Let that -alone!” he cried, being unable to get out, as he -was straddling one of the runners to tighten a -wire.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The constable gave the apparatus another turn, -and with a rattle and bang, like a salvo of musketry, -the motor started.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Now there is considerable power to an airship’s -propeller—there has to be to make the craft sail. -As the blades whirled about they fairly blew the -constable back out of the way. His helmet went -sailing off, tossed by the terrific wind created and, -only that he jumped aside in time he would have -been hurt. The airship, too, would have moved -off, only Dave had left the drag-brake on. This -halted it long enough for the young aviator to leap -out and shut off the switch.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Say!” the lad cried to the constable, “I’ve -a good notion to——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I—I didn’t know it would start!” cried the -man, finally managing to get on his feet, for he -had staggered back so fast that he fell. “I didn’t -know it would do that. I—I guess I’ll go up to -the drug store and get something for my burned -fingers,” and, not stopping to give any more information -to the newspaper man, the officer hurried -off, amid the laughter of the crowd.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='31' id='Page_31'></span>It took Dave half an hour to get the machine as -he wanted. He had a pleasant chat with the local -reporter, who was immensely interested. Dave -got ready to start back for home, when a young -fellow about his own age made his way hurriedly -through the crowd. Our hero observed his resemblance -to his recent passenger. He was excited -and eager, and seized Dave’s hand with -great warmth.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You are Mr. Dashaway?” he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, I am Dave Dashaway,” replied the -young aviator, pleasantly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“My sister sent me. Oh, how we want to thank -you,” and the tears began to fall down the cheeks -of the manly young fellow.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How is your mother?” asked Dave, embarrassed -at the growing attention of the listening -crowd about them.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s it, that’s it,” exclaimed young Winston, -brokenly. “You’ve saved her, oh, think of -it; the doctor says she won’t die, now!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave tried to quiet the agitated lad, but the -latter would have his say. From his incoherent -talk Dave gathered that Mrs. Winston had indeed -been near death. The main trouble was that she -imagined her daughter Amy had died away from -home. The girl’s return had quieted the frantic -sufferer. She had received Amy in a wild transport -of delight. Then she had gone to sleep in -<span class='pageno' title='32' id='Page_32'></span>her daughter’s arms, happy and quiet, the fever -broken; and the doctor had announced that the -crisis was past.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The crowd began to get wind of the pretty little -story of Dave’s heroism. The newspaper man -was excitedly taking notes. The policeman looked -proud at having something of importance happen -in the town of which he was the public guardian, -and the crowd began to shout handsome things at -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator was actually blushing as he -started the <i>Gossamer</i> again. Cheers of genuine -enthusiasm rang out, three times three and many -times over, as the machine shot skyward. Then, -as Dave caught sight of a little lady waving a -handkerchief at him from the front porch of the -Winston home, he felt somehow as if a real blessing -had been bestowed upon him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s a good deal to be an airman,” Dave told -himself. “It’s a good deal more to be able to do -a kind deed and make others happy,” he added, -so glad that he had been of service to Amy -Winston, that he would have been willing to go -through the daring adventure all over again.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The skies had cleared in every direction. The -machinery of the <i>Gossamer</i> worked to a charm on -the return trip to Lake Linden. The dial showed -a trifle over two hundred miles in five hours and -a half.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='33' id='Page_33'></span>Dave made a run for the turning bar in one -corner of the enclosure to get the stiffness out -of his limbs. Then he hurried over to the living -tent, glad that he had an interesting story to tell -to his fellow airmen.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Nobody here?” he remarked, looking around. -“Mr. Grimshaw and Hiram must have gone to -town. Probably didn’t expect me home so soon.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hello, there!” spoke an unexpected voice.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave turned quickly. Two persons had passed -the gates and were approaching him. He recognized -them at once. One was the foppishly-dressed -man he had seen twice before. The other -was the boy who had shaken his fist at Dave when -the <i>Gossamer</i> had started on the hasty trip to -Easton.</p> - -<p class='c013'>At closer sight than before the young aviator -instantly read his visitors as in a book. The elder -of the twain was about twenty-five or thirty years -of age, and all his elegant attire and rather handsome -face did not disguise his resemblance to some -shrewd sharper who made his way in the world by -living on others.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The boy suggested the spoiled scion of some -wealthy family, with plenty of money, and used to -spending it foolishly. His face was flushed and -excited, and Dave decided that he was under a -very baneful influence in the company he kept. -He was the first to speak.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='34' id='Page_34'></span>“You are Dashaway, I suppose?” he observed -in a careless, almost insolent way.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes,” said Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, this is my friend, Vernon. Was here -before, to-day.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I know he was,” replied Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Where is the old fellow who was so saucy to -him?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What do you want to know for?” demanded -Dave, unable to keep from getting a trifle angry.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Because he’s due for a trimming, that’s why. -I don’t allow my friends to be treated that way. -See here, I don’t suppose you know who I am,” -observed the speaker, with an air of self-assertion -that was almost ridiculous.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I don’t,” answered Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I thought so. That may enlighten you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The boy drew an elegant case from his pocket, -selected a card with a tissue paper cover, and -handed it to Dave, who took it, somewhat curious -to know the personality of so presumptuous an -individual. The card read: “<i>Elmer Brackett</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The name Brackett was suggestive to Dave, but -not altogether enlightening. There was a Mr. -Brackett who was president of the Interstate Aero -Company. Dave read the card over twice, closely -and thoughtfully, then he looked his visitor -squarely in the face.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well?” he demanded, coolly.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='35' id='Page_35'></span>“My name is Brackett, as you probably observe,” -remarked the boy, smartly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I see it is.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You don’t seem to understand yet,” proceeded -the forward youth. “My father is the owner of -the company that hires you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well?” again challenged Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You’ve heard of him, I reckon.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Many times,” replied Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Young Brackett looked nettled. Apparently he -had expected Dave to bow with reverence or quake -with fear.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“See here,” he spoke suddenly in a harsh, rasping -tone. “I’m Elmer Brackett, my governor -owns that airship and everything around here. -I’m his son, and I want to give my friend Vernon -a spin in the air.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well,” said Dave simply, “you can’t do it.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='36' id='Page_36'></span> - <h2 id='chapIV' class='c011'>CHAPTER IV<br /> <br />IN BAD COMPANY</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“What’s that?” shouted young Brackett.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He made a spring forward as if he hoped to -intimidate Dave. The young aviator did not -budge an inch, and his adversary contented himself -with simply glaring at him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You heard me,” said Dave, simply.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes,” fired up the fellow named Vernon; “we -heard you, and if I was in Brackett’s place you -wouldn’t be heard much longer. Say, Elmer, why -don’t you wire your father and get some kind of -an accommodating crowd around here.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’d soon show who was boss if I was near -the old man,” grumbled young Brackett.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I am boss here, if that is what you want to -call it,” said Dave. “This is private property, -I am in charge, and you are trespassers. Outside -of your not coming at me in the right way, I want -to say to you that the <i>Gossamer</i> is here for a -specific purpose, and I have my orders and plans.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='37' id='Page_37'></span>“If my father was here, he’d soon order you -to give us a spin in the <i>Gossamer</i>,” declared -Brackett.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I know who your father is, and respect him -greatly,” replied Dave, “but I would have to have -his written order to do any work outside of -routine.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, is that so!” sneered Brackett. “You -seem to make no bones about gallivanting about -in the <i>Gossamer</i> as freely as you choose with your -own particular lady friends.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave made no reply. He did not consider that -his visitors had the fineness of mind to understand -the pathetic circumstances of his efforts in behalf -of the Winston family.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Vernon gave his companion a wink and a nudge. -He whispered some quick words to him that Dave -did not catch. Young Brackett drew out a wallet -stuffed full of money.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“See here, Dashaway,” he spoke, in a tone -meant to be friendly and wheedling; “be a good -fellow. There are some girls down at the hotel I -promised to show the <i>Gossamer</i> to, and what she -could do on the water. I’ll make it a twenty. -Come, help us out.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I am sorry,” replied Dave, steadily.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You won’t do it?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“No.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='38' id='Page_38'></span>Again Vernon whispered to his companion. -The latter nodded his head. Vernon shot a quick -glance about the enclosure. Then, before Dave -could surmise his purpose, the man made a spring -at him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator was athletic and strong, but -he had to cope with a full grown man. Vernon -had seized his arms from behind and Dave -struggled in vain.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Fetch those ropes over near the airship,” directed -Vernon, with an unpleasant laugh. “I’ll -show you how to do this thing.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Young Brackett looked a trifle frightened.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“See here, Vernon,” he said, “I don’t know -about this.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, I do,” retorted Vernon, securely twisting -the rope about Dave’s arms and body. “You -said you knew how to run the machine, didn’t -you?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, I’ve been up in a biplane at the works -several times,” said Brackett, rather hesitatingly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What are you afraid of, then? Just because -it’s a bigger machine? Look here, give it a try.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What are you going to do with Dashaway?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Take him along.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Certainly, so if we make any blunders he’ll -have to take the helm to help himself out of the -fix.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I want to warn you,” cried Dave. “You are -trying a dangerous experiment.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='39' id='Page_39'></span>Vernon only laughed. Brackett put on a braggart -air of over-confidence. The former lifted -Dave into one of the seats and took his own behind -the pilot post.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“All right,” announced Brackett, climbing into -the forward seat. “I think I can manage the machine.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave cast a hopeless look towards the gates of -the enclosure. There was no sign of Grimshaw or -Hiram. He watched the bungling of Brackett -over the delicate mechanism, fearful as to the -outcome of the resolution of the reckless fellow.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Self-starter, eh?” he heard the presumptuous -pilot say. “I know how to operate that. -What’s this little mirror for? Oh, yes, to index -the curves. Pshaw! I can’t go wrong if I watch -that.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Can’t you? Oh, my!” muttered Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Young Brackett was all right at the wheel. -His brief biplane experience counted for enough -to enable him to make a very pretty swoop aloft. -He was so delighted at this that he chuckled:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Say, I guess I’ll take a job at running the -governor’s machine myself. Hey, what?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Good for you—doing finely,” commended -Vernon. “Get over the lake, Brackett. If you -can manage to sail the machine we’ll take the -girls for a ride.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='40' id='Page_40'></span>Dave held his breath. Brackett had split half -a circle abruptly, and the <i>Gossamer</i> got ready for -a dive. By some accident the frightened pilot -banked just in time to save a spill.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t change your course—don’t dare to!” -fairly shouted the excited Dave, as he saw that -any further attempt at a head change in novice -hands meant sure destruction for the <i>Gossamer</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Young Brackett was terribly frightened. In -his fear and dismay he turned on the full power, -but let the machine run a perfectly straight course. -It was, however, on an angle of about fifty degrees.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s he to do?” chattered Vernon, himself -growing pale and nerveless.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I can’t tell—I can only show him. If the -course is not changed, the machine will hit the -earth going forty miles an hour,” declared Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Show him, then! show him!” gasped Vernon.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He reached over with trembling hands and began -to loosen the ropes with which he had bound -the young aviator. In some way they had become -tangled, and in that circumscribed space he dared -not move about freely. The <i>Gossamer</i> tipped -slightly, and its dismayed pilot let out a yell of -fear.</p> - -<p class='c013'>While Vernon was tugging breathlessly at the -ropes, Dave noted that the machine was due to -land with a terrific shock inside of two minutes. -It just grazed the tops of some tall trees. Then -it missed a flagpole in the center of some private -grounds.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='41' id='Page_41'></span>“Shut off the power, or we are lost!” cried -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Brackett had just enough sense left to obey him, -but that did not prevent a catastrophe. They -were just passing near some glass-covered hothouses. -The first one they skidded. At the second -one the head of the machine ripped the top -row of glasses out of place like a toboggan shoe -splintering a stretch of thin ice. Then the under -floats tangled in the frame work, and Dave bore -company with the others in a dive into a bed of -geraniums.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The shock of even that soft landing place was -sufficient to half stun our hero for the moment. -In a dim blur of vision he seemed to see two figures -limping away. He caught sight of the machine -lying half-way through a frail trellis. Then he -heard these startled words in an unfamiliar -voice:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hello! I say, what’s this?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave looked up to see a man in gardener’s -garb staring in turn at himself, the <i>Gossamer</i>, and -the havoc the machine had made.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“If you’ll help me up,” said Dave, rather -faintly; “I’ll try to explain.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You’ll have to!” cried the gardener. “Who -ever heard of such a thing? Get up, but don’t -you try to run away from all the mischief you’ve -done.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='42' id='Page_42'></span>“Hardly,” promised Dave, as the man cut the -ropes securing him. “How badly is the machine -damaged?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How badly are my greenhouses damaged, -you’d better say!” shouted the man. “Say, who’s -to pay for all this wreck and ruin?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t worry about that,” replied Dave. -“The company will settle with you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I don’t know anything about your company,” -retorted the man. “If you’re Dashaway——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I am.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ve heard of you, and you look like a decent, -honest fellow. But say, this is an awful fix for -me. I’m only in charge here, and I don’t know -but the boss will hold me responsible for what’s -happened and take the damage out of my small -pay.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I will see that he doesn’t do that,” pledged -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The man was almost crying in his fright and -distress.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You estimate what it will cost to replace -things as they were,” directed Dave, “and I’ll -settle it right out of my own pocket before I even -leave here.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You will?” cried the gardener, joyfully.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='43' id='Page_43'></span>“You can depend upon it. Did you see anything -of two fellows who were in the machine with -me?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, I saw two young men running for that -back fence yonder. They got out of sight pretty -quick.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’m glad they weren’t hurt, anyway,” thought -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The gardener went around, surveying the -damage done to the greenhouses, while Dave examined -the <i>Gossamer</i>. Our hero was agreeably -surprised to find that outside of the warping of -one of the wings and a twisted propeller, the machine -had suffered very slight injury.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“A lucky escape,” he said to himself. “Those -venturesome fellows were never nearer death than -fifteen minutes ago.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I say, what’s this, Dashaway!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was Grimshaw who spoke, pale and out of -breath. Equally startled and anxious, Hiram -Dobbs, following him, came rushing up to the -spot.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='44' id='Page_44'></span> - <h2 id='chapV' class='c011'>CHAPTER V<br /> <br />“THE RIGHT KIND”</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“Oh, say, Dave, what’s happened, anyway?” -burst out the irrepressible Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You see,” observed Dave, with a sweeping -wave of his hand.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, I see,” said Grimshaw. “But you never -ran the <i>Gossamer</i> into all this!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“No, I wasn’t the pilot on this occasion,” admitted -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I told you so!” cried Hiram, jubilantly. -“When we first saw the airship and its queer doings, -and ran after it, didn’t I tell you that Dave -couldn’t be at the wheel, Mr. Grimshaw?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You did, and I felt sure he wasn’t,” commented -Grimshaw. “Who was?” he challenged, -bluntly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s quite a story,” explained Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then tell it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I don’t want much said about it for the present,” -stipulated the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“All right,” nodded Grimshaw.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='45' id='Page_45'></span>Dave motioned his friends out of earshot of the -gardener, who was pottering about his broken -panes. Then he told the whole story.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, the wretches!” growled old Grimshaw, -fiercely, when the narrative was concluded.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The mean sneaks!” exclaimed the indignant -Hiram. “Left you here in that fix, not knowing -whether you were dead or alive.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’d have those two rascals locked up, double-quick,” -advised Grimshaw.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“No,” dissented Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I want to think things over a bit, before I -decide on what I shall do,” was the reply. “I -have no patience with the fellow called Vernon.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Take my word for it, he’s a bad one,” declared -Grimshaw.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The other one—young Brackett—I feel sorry -for.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Of course you do,” observed Grimshaw, -rather sarcastically; “that’s your usual way. -Who’s going to pay for the damage here? Say, -you take my advice—teach those two smart -Alecks a lesson by having them arrested, and send -the bill to Mr. Brackett, telling him all the circumstances.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’d a good deal rather help young Brackett -than harm him,” said Dave, considerately. “He -doesn’t strike me as a bad fellow at heart. It’s -the influence of Vernon that is leading him into -trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='46' id='Page_46'></span>“How’s the machine?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Not in very bad shape. I think there are -enough tools and materials aboard to mend her up -till we get home.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>All three of them looked the <i>Gossamer</i> over -critically. Expert that he was, old Grimshaw soon -had the machine free of the trellis and the injured -parts repaired. Dave went over to the gardener, -who was figuring on the side of a fence post with -a piece of chalk.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, my friend,” he said cheerily; “what’s -the damage?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, you’re acting so handsomely about it, -I want to make the bill as reasonable as I can,” -was the reply.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Of course you do—that’s the right way.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The frames aren’t much broken,” explained -the man. “About all there is to do is to replace -the glass.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, but there’s a heap of it,” said Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We buy the panes by the gross. I’m willing -to do the setting and puttying myself. I think -twenty dollars will cover everything.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave took out his pocket book, selected some -bank bills, and handed them to the man. He -heard an ominous growl from old Grimshaw behind -him, and caught a “S’t! S’t! S’t!” from the -exasperated Hiram. Dave, however, had his own -ideas as to disposing of the matter in hand.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='47' id='Page_47'></span>“If you find it’s more, you know where to see -me,” said Dave to the gardener.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Say, you’re an easy one,” observed Grimshaw, -with a look of disgust on his face.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s a shame to let those vandals go scot free,” -scolded Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’m glad the <i>Gossamer</i> didn’t get smashed up, -as I feared,” was all the young aviator would -reply.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave made pretty sure that the machine would -stand a trip back to the enclosure. To his satisfaction -he made the flight without any mishap. -Looking the craft over more critically after the -return, however, he decided that the wings and -floats would need some expert attention before he -could venture any extended flight.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was dark by the time they got the airship -housed and supper ready in the living tent. After -the meal Hiram strolled away, saying he would -go to town after the evening mail. Dave and -Grimshaw went inside the tent as a shower came -up. They chatted agreeably, watching the gentle -rain in the glint of the tent light.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hello,” said the old man, bending his ear -sharply.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes,” nodded Dave, “some one is knocking at -the gate.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='48' id='Page_48'></span>“I’ll go and see who it is.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Maybe it’s Hiram.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“No, he’s got a key.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Grimshaw went away. Dave heard him talking -with someone outside the gate. He was a little -surprised as his old friend secured the gate after -him. He was further puzzled to note the expression -on Grimshaw’s face as he came back into the -tent.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Who was it, Mr. Grimshaw?” questioned -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Humph! he didn’t get in. Now see here, you -take my advice and don’t run into another trap.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Another trap?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s what I said. There’s a fellow out -there that wants to see you. He’s mighty meek -and humble, but from what you told me I guess -pretty straight that he’s the chap who tried to run -the <i>Gossamer</i> this afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Is he alone?” asked Dave, rising quickly -from the camp stool.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, he’s alone. If the bigger fellow had been -with him I’d have licked him.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And he wants to see me?” questioned Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Mealy mouthed and subdued, just that.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why didn’t you invite him in?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why didn’t I? Say, Dave Dashaway!” -stormed the old man, “I believe in forgiving dispositions, -but drat me if I’d quite let a trouble-maker -like that young Brackett get a second chance -to mix things up.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='49' id='Page_49'></span>“I hardly think he means any harm this time,” -said Dave, and hurried to the gate.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Outside, a patch of sticking plaster over one -eye and one arm in a sling, and looking rather -mean and ashamed, young Brackett dropped his -glance as Dave appeared.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Come in, won’t you?” invited the young -aviator, quite heartily.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“No, I don’t think I’d better,” replied his -visitor, in a low tone. “See here, Dashaway, -I’ve got my senses back, and I don’t want you or -anybody else to think I’m some cheap cad.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Certainly not,” responded Dave. “What’s -the trouble?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ve come to give you this money,” explained -Brackett, extending his hand. “As soon as I got -enough over being scared to feel ashamed of myself, -I slipped away from that confounded -Vernon. He’s always getting me into trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What do you run with him for, then?” questioned -Dave, gently. “See here,” he added, placing -his hand in a friendly way on the boy’s -shoulder; “you may be headstrong and foolish at -times, but that man doesn’t belong in your -class.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='50' id='Page_50'></span>“You’re just right,” began Brackett, in a -spirited way, and then, as if he feared to go farther -into the subject, he added in a moody, dissatisfied -tone: “Never mind about that. I’ve -come to pay you back the twenty dollars you gave -to the man down at the greenhouses. I went to -pay him myself, but you had gotten ahead of me. -I can’t let you stand for one cent of damage I did, -and if there’s any other expense——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“None at all,” Dave hastened to say. “See -here, you’ve shown me you are the right sort. I -don’t like that man Vernon, and down at heart I -don’t think you do, either.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It don’t matter whether I do or not,” muttered -the boy. “I don’t dare to break away from -him till—well till—I feel I’m safe out of his -clutches.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“If you are in any foolish trouble——” began -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I won’t discuss it,” declared young Brackett, -quite stormily. “Take the money, and—see here, -Dashaway, I’ll give worlds to keep this from the -old man.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You mean your father?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why don’t you say so, then,” upbraided -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Young Brackett bit his lip.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ll try to after this,” he promised, quite -humbly. “That’s all,” he added, as Dave took -the bank notes.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='51' id='Page_51'></span>“I do wish you’d make a friend of me and let -me help you out, if it will do any good,” said -Dave, wistfully.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Brackett dropped his head. Then he gave it a -savage jerk.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You’re all right, Dashaway,” he said, “but -I’ve got to pay for my fast sledding, and I’ll do -it like a man.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Come and see me again,” invited Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hardly,” responded Brackett. “Our paths -probably won’t cross again—and you’re probably -the gainer for it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I don’t know that,” declared Dave. “Rest -easy on one score—I shall not say anything to -your father about to-day’s scrape.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Thank you, Dashaway.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“But I wish you would tell him. Come, now—he’s -your best friend. If you’ve been a little wild, -go to him and tell him about it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“A little wild!” repeated Brackett. Then he -gave a bitter laugh, waved his hand at Dave, and -disappeared in the darkness.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Poor fellow!” said Dave, thoughtfully. -“I’m afraid, as he hinted, he is in the clutches -of that sharper, Vernon. I wish I knew a way -to help him out.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave re-entered the enclosure a good deal -subdued. Young Brackett had said that their -paths might never cross again. Dave hoped if -they ever did cross his late visitor would be in a -better frame of mind.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='52' id='Page_52'></span>Their paths were to cross, indeed, although -neither of them realized it at that moment. Dave -Dashaway was to hear of him again very soon, -and in a truly remarkable way.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='53' id='Page_53'></span> - <h2 id='chapVI' class='c011'>CHAPTER VI<br /> <br />A MYSTERIOUS FLASH</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“Well, what did he want?” challenged -Grimshaw, gruffly, as the young aviator entered -the living tent.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It was young Brackett,” said Dave. “He -came to settle the damage up at the greenhouses.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“With real money?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, yes.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You surprise me,” observed the old man, -drily.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t be too hard on him, Mr. Grimshaw,” -said Dave. “There is some good in him.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Humph! It’s all under the surface, then. -You are too soft-hearted, Dashaway. It’s of a -piece with that Jerry Dawson affair. After he -and his crowd had done you all kinds of harm, -stolen the <i>Drifter</i> and tried to put you out of business, -you let him go scot free.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hoping Jerry had learned his lesson and -would behave himself.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='54' id='Page_54'></span>“Which he won’t,” affirmed the old man, -strenuously. “I’ll wager he’ll pop up in some -mean way before you get through with this giant -airship scheme.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There’s Hiram,” announced Dave, brightly, -as the gate slammed and a cheery whistle echoed -through the enclosure.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave’s loyal young assistant came into the tent -flushed and animated from a run in the rain.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Any mail?” inquired Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, a letter and a telegram,” replied Hiram, -handing two envelopes to Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator opened the telegram first. -He looked at its enclosure so long and steadily -that his two friends began to regard him with -deep curiosity.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, that’s queer,” said Dave at length.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is?” challenged Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“This message.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Who is it from?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The Interstate people.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What does it say?” asked Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ll read it: ‘Good advertising—keep it -up.’”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“H’m,” observed Grimshaw. “That’s sort of -puzzling. Now, what does it mean?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave shook his head vaguely.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I really don’t know,” he admitted.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram began to grin. Then he laughed outright.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='55' id='Page_55'></span>“Do you?” demanded Dave, glancing suspiciously -at his friend.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram slapped his knee emphatically, chuckling -the while. He began feeling in the outside pockets -of his coat.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I didn’t know at first,” he spoke; “but I think -I can guess it out now.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram drew out a folded newspaper, opened it -up, glanced over it, and refolded it so as to show -a half-column article with a display head.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“City evening paper, that just came down with -the mail,” he explained. “Look at that, Dave -Dashaway, and say you aren’t famous!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Our hero was a good deal surprised to find in -the newspaper a glowing article about the unselfish -heroism of a rising young aviator, who had -encountered vivid danger in doing a noble service -for a poor girl.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave saw at once that the enterprising newspaper -man at Easton had made a fine story of the -sensational episode. The <i>Gossamer</i> was lauded -for its handsome conduct in a storm, and the Interstate -Aero Company was commended for building -such a staunch aircraft. Dave was given -full justice, and the interesting little story was -told in a very pathetic way.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You understand now, I reckon, Dave?” -chuckled Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, in a way, yes.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='56' id='Page_56'></span>“I suppose the story has been telegraphed all -over the country,” said Hiram. “It’s a good one. -The Interstate people saw it, and wired you at -once.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Old Grimshaw read the newspaper article -eagerly in his turn. He gloated over the handsome -things said about Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’m proud of you, as usual, Dashaway,” he -observed.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave opened the letter Hiram had brought -him. He read it through with a face indicating -considerable satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Here’s a pleasant bit of news,” he announced -to his two friends.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“From Mr. King, isn’t it?” inquired Hiram. -“I noticed the handwriting and the postmark.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes,” replied Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Anything interesting about the giant airship?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“A whole lot,” answered Dave, briskly. “It -seems that Mr. Dale has been fortunate enough -to find a French aero man who spent several -years in foreign dirigible service. Mr. King -writes that he is something of an inventor and a -practical man in airship construction.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s famous, Dashaway,” voted Grimshaw, -with enthusiasm.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='57' id='Page_57'></span>“They are going to push the big craft towards -completion just as fast as they can,” reported -Dave. “Mr. King writes that they need me and -that he is financing the project on my account. -He wants me to get the Interstate people to release -us, and all of us get to Croydon soon as we -can.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then the trip across the Atlantic is a sure -thing!” cried the excited Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Mr. King thinks so.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hurrah!” shouted the delighted lad.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I hope they count me in,” spoke Grimshaw, -a flicker of the old professional fire and ardor in -his eyes. “Since I got knocked out of service by -my bad fall from a biplane, I’ve been pretty well -shelved. I’d like to figure in the biggest aero exploit -ever attempted, though.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You are going to, if the rest of us do,” said -Dave. “Mr. King settled that in my last talk -with him.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“He did?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes. He says you understand a dirigible -better than he does a monoplane.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’m pretty well posted on balloons, yes,” asserted -the veteran aeronaut, with a look of considerable -pride.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There was little else talked of by the friends -but the giant airship the rest of that evening. -Dave, later, devoted an hour to writing a long -letter to the Interstate people. He told them that -Mr. King needed him, and hoped they could find -it convenient to release him without delay from -his contract.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='58' id='Page_58'></span>Like the real business boy and faithful employe -that he was, however, Dave went through regular -routine duty the next day. The agent of the company -brought down his clients that afternoon, and -Dave showed off the <i>Gossamer</i> at her best paces.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The ensuing day and the one next following he -made the regular ascents for the resort people.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The expected reply to Dave’s letter finally arrived. -The Interstate people wrote that they -were sorry to lose so valued an employe, and -added a pleasant word concerning Grimshaw and -Hiram. They hoped that the giant airship exploit -would be a great success, and announced that at -any time a good position for Dave was open with -them.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A liberal check was enclosed in the letter, and -the statement made that a man to take charge of -the <i>Gossamer</i> would leave the works for Lake -Linden the next day.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave looked around for young Brackett whenever -he strolled about the lake resort and the village. -He did not, however, come across either -the youth or the man Vernon. He made some inquiries, -and was troubled to learn that the pair -had gotten into a fight at the town hotel, had -smashed up some furniture, and had left the place -with a pretty bad record.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='59' id='Page_59'></span>Dave gave a day to his successor, teaching him -the ropes. Monday afternoon he had everything -packed up ready to take the train for Croydon, -where the giant airship was under construction. -Hiram, who had been earning very good wages -of late, had ordered a new suit of clothes in the -village. It would not be done until the next morning.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You go ahead, Dashaway,” advised Grimshaw. -“There’s nothing to keep you here, and -Mr. King seems to need you. Hiram and I will -come on to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>This arrangement was agreed on. Dave took -the train, and reached Croydon about dusk. He -found it to be a busy little manufacturing city near -the coast. From what Mr. King had written him, -and through some inquiries, Dave was soon on -his way to the so-called aerodrome, where the -giant airship was being built.</p> - -<p class='c013'>An old roofless molding shop had been utilized -for the construction. It looked lonely and deserted -as Dave came up to it. The windows were -boarded up, apparently to keep out prying eyes. -The big front doors were closely padlocked, and -a temporary canvas roof was in place.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The street lamps of the city ran out to the -factory, and nearby were some houses. Dave felt -sure that Mr. King and the others had taken -living quarters in the vicinity. He had no doubt -that a little inquiry would result in locating them.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='60' id='Page_60'></span>Dave walked around the old plant, thinking a -good deal of the proud hopes that attached to -the big airship inside. The upper pair of windows -of the place were not boarded up. Dave’s -eyes chanced to be scanning these as he was about -to cross the street to where the houses were.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hello!” he cried out sharply, in a startled -way.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A sudden flash, bright and dazzling, shot across -the whole row of windows from the interior of the -building. It resembled the illumination made by -a sudden powder blast, but there was no report.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, what can that be?” exclaimed the bewildered -young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave bent his ear and listened. No sound -broke the stillness. He could not figure out the -circumstances for the moment. He was puzzled, -and yet reluctant to leave the spot without learning -what the mysterious flash portended.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Someone!” spoke Dave, suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Then he broke into a run. Mystery had become -suspicion. Against the light of a corner -lamp, he saw, away down the length of the building, -the outlines of a ladder. Its top rested on -the sill of one of the upper windows.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The window was open. Through the aperture -a form had quickly scrambled. Dave felt sure -that some underhand work was in progress.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='61' id='Page_61'></span>“Hey, there; who are you? What are you -up to?” he shouted.</p> - -<p class='c013'>As he challenged, Dave ran towards the ladder. -The person descending it hurried his progress, -leaped from it, cast a hurried look at the -approaching youth, and darted across the street.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Our hero noticed that he held in one hand a -small black case about ten inches square.</p> - -<p class='c013'>As the fugitive turned the street corner he -looked again to see how closely he was being -pursued. The lamp light fell full upon his face.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The mischief!” fairly shouted the amazed -young aviator. “It’s Jerry Dawson!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='62' id='Page_62'></span> - <h2 id='chapVII' class='c011'>CHAPTER VII<br /> <br />AT THE AERODROME</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>Dave Dashaway was greatly startled. All -along the line of his airship experience Jerry Dawson -had crossed his path, always in a threatening -and troublesome way. A quick thinker, the young -aviator traced a new menace in this unexpected -appearance of the scampish plotter.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It certainly means no good for either my -friends or myself,” reflected our hero. “What -mischief has he been up to inside the aerodrome? -That flash meant something. What?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave ran on for a bit, but soon discovered that -he was wasting time in striving to overtake the -fugitive. Jerry had made good his escape among -the scattered buildings beyond the street corner -where he had disappeared from view.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave hurried to the house nearest to the aerodrome. -He ran up its steps and knocked briskly -at its door. A woman appeared in response to -the summons.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='63' id='Page_63'></span>“I am looking for the people working in the -old factory over yonder,” explained Dave, hurriedly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, yes, the balloon folks, you mean? They -board at my sister’s house.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And where is that?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Second house from the next corner. Number -twenty-seven.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Thank you,” said Dave and was off like a -flash. “Oh, Mr. King!” he called out a moment -later, as he recognized the well-known figure of -the veteran airman crossing the street just ahead -of him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, Dashaway!” exclaimed Mr. King, in a -hearty way. “We’ve been expecting you, and -I’m glad you’ve come. Grimshaw and -Hiram——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ll tell you later,” interrupted Dave, rather -unceremoniously. “Mr. King, get right over -to the aerodrome. Something’s up.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, what do you mean, Dashaway?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Mischief is brewing, if I’m not mistaken.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Mischief? In what way?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young airman lost no time in briefly recounting -his discovery. He had Mr. King as -thoroughly stirred up as himself by the time he -had concluded his graphic recital.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“This is serious,” declared Mr. King, very -much disturbed. “Dawson again, eh? It’s easy -to guess trouble when that young scapegrace is -around. It fits in with—but that will keep. -There is no time to wait. Stay here for a minute.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='64' id='Page_64'></span>The expert aviator dashed into the house, while -Dave waited in the street. He kept his eye fixed -on the aerodrome, half expecting every moment -to see it burst into flames.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Here we are,” announced Mr. King, reappearing -on a run with two companions. One of -them was Mr. Dale, who grasped Dave’s hand -while hurrying along. The other man Dave had -never seen before.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That is Leblance, our new man,” explained -Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t delay!” called out Mr. King, excitedly, -leading the way, and the group reached the entrance -to the aerodrome in less than two minutes.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. King unlocked the door. As he opened it -he reached in and touched the button controlling -the electric lights. A blaze of radiance suddenly -illuminated the rambling place, making it as -bright as day.</p> - -<p class='c013'>In the center of the shop, supported on a working -frame and by the iron girders aloft, was the -skeleton of the giant airship. The young aviator -was eagerly ready for full attention to the object -so dear to him. All his faculties, however, were -for the instant enlisted in an effort to trace out -the significance of the surreptitious visit of Jerry -Dawson.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='65' id='Page_65'></span>“There does not seem to be anything out of -place,” said Mr. King, after a swift survey of the -dirigible balloon.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, but I smell powder,” observed Leblance, -sniffing.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Powder?” repeated Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes. There has been some kind of an explosion -here,” insisted the French engineer looking -around.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave hurried over to the window where he had -first discovered Jerry Dawson. There were a -number of tall, slim ladders all about the working -framework. He lifted one of these against the -sill of the window aloft. Then he ran up its -rounds nimbly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Aha!” suddenly exclaimed the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Found something, Dashaway?” called out -Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is it?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>For reply Dave quickly descended the ladder. -He held in one hand a sooted tin disc. Its center -showed a little heap of hard cinders.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I found this on the window sill,” he explained.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is it?” questioned Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I think I guess the motive of Jerry Dawson’s -visit now,” said Dave. “The little black box he -had under his arm was a camera. This is the -flashlight disc.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='66' id='Page_66'></span>“Hello!” exclaimed Mr. King, comprehendingly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“They have been photographing our balloon!” -cried Leblance.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Exactly,” asserted the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The engineer and Mr. Dale exchanged disturbed -looks. Mr. King was thoughtful.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We might have expected it,” he said, but to -Dave only.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How is that?” inquired our hero.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ll tell you soon as we reach the house. I -am glad they did no harm to the balloon. I -hardly think they will try that, Leblance,” he -said to the Frenchman, “but you had better get -one of your men to stay on watch here nights.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, yes,” responded Leblance earnestly. -“We have been warned, we must look out.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Come with me, Dashaway,” said Mr. King. -“I have a lot to talk over with you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. Dale remained at the aerodrome until -Leblance could hunt up one of his workmen and -place him on watchman’s duty. The aviator led -his young friend to the boarding house. Dave -declared that he was not hungry, but his host -would not consent to this impending talk until he -had dispatched a good meal. Then he took him -to his own room, locked the door to secure them -from interruption, and made him take a comfortable -armchair.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='67' id='Page_67'></span>“You have arrived in the nick of time, Dashaway,” -said Mr. King. “I’ve felt the need of you -for some days.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I can’t be of much assistance until the airship -is finished, I should think,” suggested the young -aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That is true so far as the <i>Albatross</i> is concerned,” -agreed Mr. King. “That end of the -proposition is in capable hands, I am glad to say. -We have been very fortunate in securing the services -of Leblance. He is an expert in airship construction, -helped to build several models in -Europe, and has some splendid new ideas. I am -now satisfied that the <i>Albatross</i> will be all that -we have hoped for.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That is good,” said Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It seems that our project has made quite a -stir in the aviation world,” proceeded Mr. King. -“All the clubs are interested, the central association -has taken the matter up, and there is a chance -of a bulk prize of at least fifty thousand dollars -being offered.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Grand!” commented Dave, with sparkling -eyes. “It’s worth trying for, isn’t it, Mr. King?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And we will get it, if there’s no miss in our -plans—and no trickery, Dashaway,” asserted the -veteran airman, confidently. “I have counted all -the risks and chances. Given fair conditions, I -believe our group will successfully make the first -<span class='pageno' title='68' id='Page_68'></span>airship voyage across the Atlantic. To-morrow -I will show you how far we have progressed, and -how carefully Leblance is planning to turn out -the finest dirigible ever constructed. It will make -you as hopeful and enthusiastic as myself.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’m that already,” insisted the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Very good, but I need your services for a certain -phase of the proposition that is worrying me.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is that, Mr. King?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, Dashaway,” answered the expert airman, -“I have reason to believe that we will not -be the only contestant in a race across the Atlantic. -In fact,” continued Mr. King, seriously, -“I am quite certain that the rival of the <i>Albatross</i> -is being built now.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='69' id='Page_69'></span> - <h2 id='chapVIII' class='c011'>CHAPTER VIII<br /> <br />THE RIVAL AIRSHIP</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“A rival in the field?” said the young -aviator, with a good deal of interest and curiosity.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes,” nodded Mr. King. “It isn’t that I -didn’t expect it. We have no exclusive patent on -building an airship and trying to cross the Atlantic. -We do want to know what we have to fight -against, though.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, it is always best to find out what your -competitors are doing,” agreed Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, there are several we have run down -and dismissed from our minds. Two-thirds of -them are cranks seeking notoriety. Some of the -others are inventors who know all about -mechanics, but nothing practical concerning aircraft. -It would amuse you to go over some of the -wild schemes they are getting up. One proposition -has kept me busy thinking.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is that, Mr. King?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You remember a man named Davidson?”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='70' id='Page_70'></span>“Why, certainly,” responded the young aviator -at once. “He is the fellow they ran out of the -Springfield aero meet.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s the man,” assented Mr. King, “an unscrupulous -trickster. He has been tabooed by all -legitimate airmen, but he has bobbed up again -with his old-time nerve and audacity. Look -there.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The aviator selected a bunch of newspaper -clippings from a drawer in his desk, and pushed -them over to his young friend.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave scanned them rapidly. An item hinted -mysteriously at a grand exploit in aeronautics -about to be undertaken by the “celebrated” airman, -Roger Davidson. A later article purported -to show the possibility of sailing a dirigible balloon -across the Atlantic.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A column story followed. It referred to the -great interest in the international exploit, and -named the rich prize ready for the successful -competitor. It was understood that Roger -Davidson was preparing to enter the race, and a -superb aircraft was being built for him at an -aero plant at Senca.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I suppose you remember that Jerry Dawson -and his father were in the employ of Davidson -for a time, Mr. King?” observed Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I recall it perfectly,” nodded the aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And Jerry being here to-night shows they are -together again.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='71' id='Page_71'></span>“It looks that way. As long as they only try -to steal our thunder I don’t so much mind,” remarked -the airman. “It may be the start for -something worse, you see. I am tied up here with -Leblance. I want you to ferret out the Davidson -crowd and find if they are really up to something.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I can do that,” assured the young aviator, -confidently.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“None better, I know. Get their line-up, Dashaway. -Find out if they are really in earnest, or -only jockeying for notoriety, or fleecing some -gullible promoter.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“All right,” agreed Dave; and that settled it -with Mr. King, who had full confidence in the -shrewd wits and fidelity of the boy he had taught -to fly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave was to start for Senca the next evening. -He passed a glorious morning at the aerodrome. -The French inventor was one of the most interesting -men he had ever met. Leblance was all -business, but very enthusiastic and optimistic in -his work. He took a fancy to Dave, and told him -things about transatlantic aircraft and airmen -that were part of an actual education to the young -aspirant for aeronautic honors.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The construction of the <i>Albatross</i> had progressed -far enough to show a practical form and -substance. No expense was being spared. The -<span class='pageno' title='72' id='Page_72'></span>men under Leblance were experts in their line, -and Dave was amazed at the details they were -working out.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s money well invested,” declared Mr. Dale, -“if it only serves to produce the most perfect airship -ever built.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, if they put all the things in the <i>Albatross</i> -they count on,” said Dave, “it will be like a -trip on a high-class ocean steamship!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Wait till she’s done, my friend,” observed -Leblance. “We shall see—and we shall cross -the Atlantic; oh, never fear.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Grimshaw and Hiram put in an appearance by -noon. The latter went wild over the <i>Albatross</i>. -He believed implicitly in Dave, and the young -aviator believed in the giant airship under construction.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“If they let me go on that trip,” said Hiram, -breathlessly, “I’ll be the proudest and the happiest -fellow in the world.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You are going, if any of us do,” promised -Mr. King, and the delighted Hiram moved about -as if he was treading on air.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. King went down to the train with Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t run into any danger, Dashaway,” he -advised. “You are going to deal with a wicked-tempered -crowd, remember that.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I shall remember,” promised Dave; “and -profit by your warning.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='73' id='Page_73'></span>Hiram was rather lonesome over the absence -of his friend the next day. The ensuing one he -got restless and anxious.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I tell you what,” he said, confidently to Grimshaw -the next afternoon; “if Dave don’t show up -soon, I’m going after him.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Dashaway knows how to take care of himself—trust -him for that,” insisted the old airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, I can’t stand this worry. If he don’t -come by to-morrow, I’m going to look him up.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Grimshaw said nothing to this. He was, in -fact, also a trifle disturbed over the prolonged -absence of Dave. His grim face relaxed into -genuine relief and gladness that evening, as, just -after dusk, the young aviator broke in upon the -airship group.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave was brisk and cheery as usual, and all -hands gave him a cordial greeting. Mr. King -and Leblance were eager to hear his report at -once.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well,” said Dave, “I’ve found out about all -there is to discover down at Senca.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Does it amount to anything?” inquired the -aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s for you and Mr. Leblance to say.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Run across that fine specimen of humanity, -young Dawson?” asked Grimshaw, in a kind of -a growl.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='74' id='Page_74'></span>“He had been sent to New York for some balloon -material,” explained Dave, “so I got along -finely, for Davidson doesn’t know me by sight. -Sure enough, they are building a dirigible balloon,” -continued Dave. “They’ve found a -backer who has put up several thousand dollars. -They talk big of how sure they are of reaching -Liverpool in a week’s time,” and Dave smiled.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What are you smiling at, Dashaway?” inquired -Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You would smile if you saw the craft they are -building,” declared Dave. “To tell you the -truth, I can’t get away from the suspicion that the -whole thing is what people call a fake.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, I had no trouble in getting into their -workroom. The way they act, the machine -they’re getting up—well, I almost made up my -mind that Davidson is doing all this to get some -of the promoter’s easy money. If the <i>Dictator</i> -ever sails a hundred miles, let alone a thousand, -it will be doing well.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What kind of a craft is this <i>Dictator</i>?” inquired -Leblance, with professional interest.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ll show you,” said Dave, feeling in his -pocket. “The fact is, I gave those fellows tit for -tat.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“As how?” questioned the curious Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='75' id='Page_75'></span>“Well, they stole a photograph of the <i>Albatross</i>. -I had the chance to draw a picture of -the Dictator, and here it is.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator produced a paper roll from -his pocket. Dave was a natural draughtsman. -As he spread out the paper a well-traced penciled -outline was revealed.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Let me see it,” spoke Leblance, eagerly. -“Ah, you have done well.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The keen eyes of the French inventor scanned -the drawing intently. Then, suddenly and with -great excitement of manner, he threw it upon the -table.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Preposterous!” he exclaimed. “Nonsense! -Absurd! My friend King, we have nothing to -fear. The <i>Dictator</i> is a botch, a farce. Whoever -constructed it is a novice, a dabbler! That -machine could not fly ten miles!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='76' id='Page_76'></span> - <h2 id='chapIX' class='c011'>CHAPTER IX<br /> <br />IN THE LEAD</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“Someone here to see you, Dave.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram greeted the young aviator with this announcement -one evening, two weeks after their -arrival at Croydon.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Is that so?” said Dave. “Who was it?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I can’t say, for he wouldn’t tell his name. I -was walking along the fence around the aerodrome, -and just as I neared the gates he popped -out from behind a pile of boards, just as if he -had been in hiding.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Did he ask for me?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes. I told him you were here quite regularly, -and always evenings at the boarding house. The -fellow looked peaked and scared, and backed -away as soon as he saw someone coming down -the street. He mumbled something about finding -you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young airman could not surmise who his -strange visitor might be. He ransacked his mind, -wondering if it could be some one of his old -friends from his home town. Then he said:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Describe him to me, Hiram, will you?”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='77' id='Page_77'></span>“Why,” explained Hiram, “he was a trifle -older than I am, and taller; yes, fully two inches -taller. Oh, by the way, he wore a false -mustache.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s that?” challenged Dave, half guessing -Hiram was joking. But the narrator looked -earnest enough. “You say he wore a false mustache?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Sure thing,” persisted Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How did you know it was false?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Because it came partly off just as the boy -turned his face away. Say, you couldn’t tell much -about him. His face and hands were all grimed -up, and he had his cap pulled way down over his -eyes. It was funny, though, one thing.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What, Hiram?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“For all his trampish looks, I noticed that his -linen was fine and white, and the necktie he wore -was one of those expensive ones you see in good -furnishing shops.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Is that so?” observed Dave, musingly. Then -a quick thought came to his mind. He put Hiram -through a rapid course of cross-questioning.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I am satisfied it is young Brackett,” said Dave, -to himself. “But why in that trim, and acting -like a fugitive? Hiram,” he added aloud, “keep -your eye out for that boy. I am sure he is in -some kind of trouble, and wishes to see me very -much.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='78' id='Page_78'></span>“All right,” nodded Hiram, carelessly. “He -won’t get away from me next time.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t use any force and scare him,” directed -Dave. “Tell him that I guess who he is, and -want to see him very much.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Very well. There’s Professor Leblance just -going into the aerodrome. Isn’t it famous what -he says about the <i>Albatross</i> being nearly finished -and just as perfect as money and skill could make -it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Both boys hurried their steps to overtake the -genial, accommodating Frenchman. For the time -being Dave’s recent visitor drifted from his -mind.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The past two weeks had been the busiest and -most engrossing in all the career of the young -airman. Dave’s report on the Davidson balloon -and the drawing of it he had showed to Leblance -had convinced the expert that the <i>Dictator</i> -could not make even a start in the race across the -Atlantic.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave had told him the gas bag of the <i>Dictator</i> -was conspicuously made of tri-colored fabric. -Its promoter, Davidson, had made a great claim. -The propelling power of the <i>Dictator</i>, he declared, -would be built on the monoplane principle. When -traveling the gas bag would collapse, except when -they wanted to float. A gas-generating machine -was among the adjuncts of the hull, and was -placed just above the framework attaching the -airplanes to the balloon.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='79' id='Page_79'></span>“It is nonsense, ridiculous,” insisted Leblance, -over and over again. “They are inviting sure -death if they venture a hundred miles away from -land.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“All the same, they are going to try it,” proclaimed -Hiram, a week later, holding up a newspaper. -“Here is a great account of the machine -and the plans, and Davidson and Jerry Dawson, -who are going to fly the <i>Dictator</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>These two latter individuals did not trouble -the <i>Albatross</i> people any further. A constant -guard, however, was kept on duty in the aerodrome. -There were a great many curious and interested -visitors. Day by day the giant airship -approached completion. Now, as Hiram had announced, -it was practically ready to essay its initial -flight.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Professor Leblance smiled indulgently at them, -as with considerable professional pride he walked -around the mammoth structure his skill and efficiency -had devised. Dave never tired of surveying -the splendid machine. To him it was a marvel -how Leblance had assembled the parts of the airship -so speedily. There were three engines, and -from the wooden ribs and metal bracing, socketed -to withstand collisions, to the passenger cabin almost -as sumptuously furnished as a Pullman -palace car, every detail fitted into a mammoth -scheme never before attempted in aeronautics.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='80' id='Page_80'></span>“The <i>Albatross</i> will do what no aeroplane -could accomplish,” said Leblance to his companions, -who were admiringly regarding the great -machine.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is that, Mr. Leblance?” inquired the -young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It can be perfectly handled in a storm exceeding -thirty-five miles an hour velocity. It is as -much of a ship as any that can travel the ocean. -An iron ship is sustained on the water by the air -inside of her hull, air being eight hundred times -lighter than water. The <i>Albatross</i> will be sustained -in the air by hydrogen gas, which is sixteen -times lighter than air.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And sixteen to one is as good as unlimited to -one,” remarked Dave, who had been studying -aeronautics.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s it. The <i>Albatross</i> is a ship sustained -by displacing more than its own weight on the air. -Its gas chambers are inflated to about three-fourths -of their capacity, to allow for the full expansion -of gas after the ship has been driven up -dynamically by the action of the engines and propellers, -the flat top and under surface of the hull -acting as an aeroplane.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='81' id='Page_81'></span>The <i>Albatross</i> was a flexible gas bag, just like -the ordinary drifting balloon, except that in shape -it was long and pointed, instead of round. Otherwise, -Leblance explained, it could not be driven -through the air. The gas was contained in -twenty-two separate chambers inside of the rigid -hull, which performed the same functions as the -air-tight compartments inside an ocean liner.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It will sink only if it leaks badly,” explained -Leblance. “The sustaining compartments are -always closed. Even if several compartments -should burst, the loss of the lift is compensated -by the aeroplane action of the hull whenever -driven at full speed. When thus driven it burns -its own fuel so rapidly that this, acting the same -as the casting of ballast, is continuously lightening -the ship. This is what is called balancing the ship. -The air balloonets maintain the rigidity of the bag -whenever it loses gas through the action of the -sun or change in elevation. The breeze passing -through the ventilators at the bow prevents the -gas from expanding on the hottest days of the -year. I tell you confidently, my young friends, -to my mind the <i>Albatross</i> is practically unsinkable.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Neither Dave nor Hiram had thus far been inside -the cabin and other living apartments of the -<i>Albatross</i>. They had, however, watched their -construction. The big airship could carry -twenty passengers, if necessary, and in providing -for the comfort of those making the first -<span class='pageno' title='82' id='Page_82'></span>trip no detail for their welfare had been overlooked. -There were washrooms, provision apartments, -a cook’s galley; and the engineer’s quarters, -Leblance explained, would be perfect in appointment -and equipment. The main point he had -striven for was to maintain absolute control of -the gas at all times. As this depended upon reliable -engines, motors had been built that ran for -thirty-six hours at full speed. The machinery -could not break down, as every part had been -duplicated.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That means,” said Leblance, “that if the -carburetor gets out of order, a duplicate enables -it to go right on working. The engine has a -great number of automatic devices, among them -two pumps which force the fuel to exactly the -right places, even if the ship is standing on its -beam ends, running up into the air or coming down -at an angle of forty-five degrees. You won’t -have to sit sandwiched in small quarters, my -young friends. You can walk up and down the -cabin and go all over the ship, without disturbing -the balance of the huge float overhead. To-morrow -the last touch will be put on the engine, and -then practically we will be all ready.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram went down to the post-office for the -mail after supper that day. Mr. King and his -party were downstairs in the living room of the -boarding house, entertaining two airmen who had -come to Croydon to look over the <i>Albatross</i> that -afternoon, when Hiram returned.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='83' id='Page_83'></span>The young aviator’s impetuous assistant burst -unceremoniously in upon the group, stumbled over -a rug and went flat, but flushed and breathless -tossed the evening newspaper to Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Read, read!” panted the excited lad.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, what’s all this commotion, Hiram?” -questioned the astonished veteran airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s all in—the paper,” gasped Hiram in -jerks. “The <i>Dictator</i>—has—got—ahead of us.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s that!” fairly shouted Mr. Dale, -springing to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes,” declared Hiram. “The <i>Dictator</i> -started from Senca this afternoon—on her trip -across the Atlantic!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='84' id='Page_84'></span> - <h2 id='chapX' class='c011'>CHAPTER X<br /> <br />THE HAUNTED AERODROME</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>The excitable Leblance was on his feet in an -instant. Dave reached the side of Mr. King and -glanced quickly at the paper he had opened out.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Impossible—so poorly equipped! Incredible—so -quickly!” almost shouted the Frenchman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The <i>Dictator</i> has sailed, just the same,” announced -the veteran airman, conclusively. “I’ll -read it to you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Every word of the article in the newspaper was -taken in absorbedly by the persons in the room. -According to it, the <i>Dictator</i> had made a splendid -ascent from Senca at two o’clock that afternoon. -The red, white and blue appearance of the great -gas bag had evoked the most patriotic enthusiasm, -and cheers and flag-waving had accompanied -the flight.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Dictator</i>, according to the report, would -float southward overland till a point near Baltimore -was reached. Here a descent would be -<span class='pageno' title='85' id='Page_85'></span>made to learn its condition, the machinery carefully -scanned, and the ocean course begun. Then -followed an interview given out by Davidson on -the superiority of his double monoplane apparatus. -There was, too, a portrait of Davidson -and one of Jerry Dawson. The article wound up -with a reference to the <i>Albatross</i>, which it stated, -would soon be hot on the heels of the <i>Dictator</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“They have got the lead,” observed Mr. Dale, -in an anxious tone, the one of the group most -disquieted by the newspaper article.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Professor Leblance shrugged his shoulders. -He waved his hand to express ridicule. His long, -waxed mustache curled up in disdain.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It is absurd,” he said. “Do I not know? -An egg shell like that—no science, no reserve -force. Bah! I laugh at it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>All the same the volatile Frenchman beckoned -Mr. King to the next room. In low, serious tones -they held quite an extended conversation. At its -end Leblance hurried from the house. Mr. King -returned to his friends with a serious face.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The ball has been set rolling,” he spoke, -“there is no doubt of that. No matter what we -think or guess about the <i>Dictator</i>, it seems certain -that the craft has made a start. Leblance -has gone to set his men at night work. The <i>Albatross</i> -must be gotten in trim for its flight within -forty-eight hours.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='86' id='Page_86'></span>“As quickly as that!” exclaimed Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Leblance assures me he will have the <i>Albatross</i> -all ready for its flight by day after to-morrow,” -said the airman. “Make preparations, my -friends. There must be no delay.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hurrah!” whispered Hiram, into the ear of -his young friend.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The guests of Mr. King saw that his mind was -seriously on his business, and arose to depart.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Some of our crowd will be here to give the -<i>Albatross</i> the right send-off,” one of them declared.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The airman saw the visitors to the door. When -he returned he snatched up his hat quickly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Come with me, Dashaway; you too, Hiram,” -he directed.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Where are you going?” inquired Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“To the aerodrome. There is going to be a -lot of rush work to do, and perhaps we can help.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Count me in,” said the old man, cheerily, “although -I haven’t been very useful so far outside -of gaping at the wonderful work of our gifted -friend, Leblance.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Day after to-morrow is the twenty-first,” -spoke up Grimshaw. “Two days’ start for the -<i>Dictator</i> crowd.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The group left the boarding house. They -crossed the street and walked along the fence of -the aerodrome enclosure. Dave and Hiram were -<span class='pageno' title='87' id='Page_87'></span>in the lead. They were chatting animatedly as -they turned the corner of the building, when Dave -was thrust violently to the side and Hiram was -knocked head over heels to the street.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A frenzied yell accompanied the collision with -them of a wild, scurrying form, which recoiled at -the unexpected impact, a hat bobbing from its -head.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hi! what’s all this?” challenged the astonished -Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, it’s the night watchman!” declared -Grimshaw.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, Mr. King!” panted the man, and then, -pale, shaking, and gasping for breath, he fell -against the wall of the building from sheer weakness.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Here, brace up,” ordered the aviator, seizing -the arms of the fellow and shaking him. -“What’s the trouble?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Ghost!” choked out the watchman, in thrilling -accents.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Where—what do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Aerodrome.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“A ghost in the aerodrome?” questioned Mr. -King, derisively. “Is that what you’re trying to -say?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Nonsense! Here, Grimshaw, help me get -this fellow back to his post of duty.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='88' id='Page_88'></span>Between them they forced the man along the -walk. He gurgled, quaked, and held back as they -neared the gates of the enclosure. They found -these locked, as also the door to the old factory, -when they reached it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I locked it in,” quavered the frightened watchman. -“Don’t—don’t let it out!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You’re a fine guardian of property, you are,” -censured the airman, severely. “Here we are,” -and as he opened the door, Mr. King snapped on -the electric lights. The watchman sank to a chair -and crouched as he directed a scared glance around -the place.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Where’s your ghost?” derided the aviator -quickly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I—I don’t see him now,” grunted the watchman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I guess you don’t,” scoffed Grimshaw. “You -must be a weak one to fly into a tantrum like this -over nothing.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Nothing!” fairly bellowed the watchman. -“I saw it plain as the nose on my face. See here, -I had the door ajar about a foot to let in a little -of the cool evening air. Here I sat in my chair -right near it. I must have half snoozed and woke -up suddenly. Not five feet away, right near that -oil tank yonder, was a horrible shape. It was all -white and unearthly. As I started up it let out an -unearthly scream and waved its arms. Say, it -was curdling! I bolted for the door, locked it, -and scooted.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='89' id='Page_89'></span>“Yes, you scooted all right,” grumbled Hiram, -rubbing a bump on his head.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. King, with a glance of impatience at the -great booby of a watchman, proceeded briskly the -length of the building, peering into every odd -nook and corner. When he came back he held -in his hand a long cotton sheet that had been used -to cover some of the machinery.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That is what you saw,” he declared. “Somebody -has been playing a trick on you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, how could that be,” chattered the -watchman, “seeing nobody was in the building -but me?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How do you know that?” demanded the -aviator; “when you say you had the door open? -I tell you some one slipped in, wrapped in the -sheet, and half scared the life out of you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then he must be here now,” insisted the -watchman, “for when I bolted I locked the door -after me.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It all looks rather queer,” remarked Mr. -Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hi!” suddenly shouted the watchman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s the matter now?” asked Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“My dinner pail—that I bring my night lunch -in.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What about it?”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='90' id='Page_90'></span>“Gone! It was right here near my chair. It’s -been taken.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave had followed the progress of the incident -of the hour with curiosity, ending in positive interest.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Come on, Hiram,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What for?” inquired his comrade.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“To do some investigating. Don’t you see that -if the watchman’s story is straight some one really -was here?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And if the door was locked when the watchman -ran away he couldn’t very well get out.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Exactly.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The two lads made more than one tour of the -length and breadth of the place. Their quest -proved a vain one. There was no one hiding -about the aerodrome, as far as they could discover.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We’ll have to give it up,” said Hiram at last, -“although it’s something of a mystery.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was, indeed, but a mystery soon to be explained -in a startling way to the young aviators.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='91' id='Page_91'></span> - <h2 id='chapXI' class='c011'>CHAPTER XI<br /> <br />A GRAND SUCCESS</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“All ready!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Robert King, seated in the pilot room of the -<i>Albatross</i>, spoke the words through a tube at his -side connecting with the cabin.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave Dashaway stood beside him, and behind -the young aviator was Hiram Dobbs. It was the -most impressive moment in all the boys’ lives. -Well might it be, for the next movement of the -expert airman meant the start of the giant airship -on a cruise but once before attempted by -mortal man.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Before the skilled sky rider was a great sheet -of glass punctured with knobs of metal. Each -bore a number. From practice, these indices to -guiding detail were as familiar to Mr. King as an -alphabet to a schoolboy. The operator was so -intent upon his work that his hand trembled, his -eyes were glued to the pilot board, and his face -was quite pale. Dave stood with every nerve tense -and strained. Hiram fairly held his breath. -<span class='pageno' title='92' id='Page_92'></span>There was a grind and a sway as Mr. King -touched a particular button. The huge gas bag -lifted its prow from the ground, then its body -cleared all earth of contact, and the next instant -was stretched out on an angle of forty-five degrees.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We’re started!” breathed Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s grand!” pronounced Hiram, in a gasp.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Both edged towards the open window. A -dizzying panorama greeted their sight.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The old factory was a wreck. One entire sidewall -and parts of the front and rear walls had -been torn out of place that morning, to allow for -the exit to level ground of the <i>Albatross</i>. Outside -of the enclosure over a thousand persons were -gathered. A band was playing, the crowd was -cheering, and from a neighboring roof a group -of reporters and a dozen airmen, friends of Mr. -King, joined in the tumult, waving hats, flags and -handkerchiefs.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Albatross</i> behaved splendidly. There was -not a jar as it ended a mile ascent in exactly five -minutes. Then, as the vast machine balanced to -its natural position, it began a straight, even glide -so graceful and buoyant that it imparted a positive -thrill to the passengers.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Say, it’s glorious!” burst out the irrepressible -Hiram, “I feel as if I had been taking laughing -gas!”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='93' id='Page_93'></span>Dave resumed his position near his friend and -patron, Mr. King. For the present he was to -take no active part in running the <i>Albatross</i>. He -had, however, sat up half the night listening to -the arrangements mapped out by Professor Leblance. -He realized, too, that as soon as he -learned all that the aviator had acquired he was -to relieve him. There was not a movement made -by the skilled hand of the airman that Dave did -not memorize. He had accompanied the professor -in a tour all over the craft two hours before -starting, and had been amazed at the simplicity -of the construction as a whole. He was lost in -admiration as he realized what a perfect mechanism -controlled the giant airship.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Frenchman had four skilled airship men -under his orders. They had been trained to their -duties in Germany and France. Each knew what -was required of him, and each understood that, -while they appeared to act as automatons, a single -miss in the programme might end their career in -mid-air, or in the ocean depths.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Outside of these men, who performed engineering -duties solely, a young and enthusiastic -Pole named Vacla assisted the professor in the -actual control of the craft. In the pilot room Mr. -King directed the course of the <i>Albatross</i> by -electric signals, or word of mouth through the -speaking tube.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='94' id='Page_94'></span>Passages ran past the cased-in balloonets to -every part of the airship. In the direct center of -the craft and above the airplanes and float attachments -was the roomy cabin. Two persons, -both foreigners, the cook and the cabin attendant, -had this department in charge. The cabin had -rows of windows on both sides, and was furnished -comfortably and even elegantly. Seated at one of -the windows, a passenger had a perfect view as -far as the eye could reach.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram found his way to the cabin, to come upon -Mr. Dale and Grimshaw viewing the fast-receding -earth. The good hearted old gentleman, -who had financed the proposition almost solely -on Dave’s account, was chuckling, with his fat -comfortable face crossed with a great smile of -delight. Grimshaw seemed more contented and -spirited than Hiram had ever seen him before.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We’ve made a famous start,” burst out -Hiram, waving his hand in glee.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s pleasant,” beamed Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And Mr. King says we’re going to keep it -up.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s natural,” joined in Grimshaw.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Everything has been provided for, and we’re -going ahead slick as grease.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s evident,” chuckled Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And we’re going to cross the Atlantic first!” -boasted the excited young airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='95' id='Page_95'></span>“That’s all!” roared Grimshaw—“all worth -working for and waiting for. I’ve dreamed it for -ten years. Now—hooray!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>In about half an hour Professor Leblance, Mr. -King and Dave came into the cabin. The Frenchman’s -eyes were shining with half-suppressed -excitement and satisfaction. Mr. Dale rushed at -him and grasped his hand fervently.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“My friend,” he said, “you’ve proven a genius, -a wonder! Hold out as you have begun, and I -double the fee originally agreed upon.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Ah, sir,” replied the gifted engineer, “let me -but see the land on the other side—then, undying -fame! I ask no more.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“See here,” broke in the ever-active and restless -Hiram, “is this all we’ve got to do—sit here and -let her drift?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“About that, for the present,” returned Mr. -King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Remember, we are still over land,” reminded -the professor. “It is calm and fair. It is a -pleasant beginning. When we get over the -ocean——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Frenchman here shrugged his shoulders -expressively, as if he thought it no child’s play -ahead.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then,” added Mr. King, “every man must -do his duty as on a ship in stress of weather.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='96' id='Page_96'></span>“The orders are for four hours drifting,” explained -Professor Leblance. “About nightfall -we will have reached what we call the approximate -air current. The right air course is just as established -as the ocean roads, and we aim to follow it -in our voyage.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And now, my friends,” came from Mr. Dale. -“I have something more to say about this wonderful -airship.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>All eyes were at once turned on the rich gentleman -who had made it possible to construct the -<i>Albatross</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Years ago Dave Dashaway’s father and I -were chums. He did me many a good turn. That -is why I have taken such an interest in my young -friend here. Now that this giant airship is an -accomplished fact, I wish to make it known to -all of you that I have had it built on his account——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, Mr. Dale!” interrupted our hero.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It is true, my boy, and from this moment on -I wish the <i>Albatross</i> to be known as Dave Dashaway’s -airship,” went on the rich gentleman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hooray!” cried Hiram and Grimshaw, in -unison.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“My airship?” cried Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, my boy, your airship,” answered Mr. -Dale. “And may she win her way across the Atlantic -without a mishap.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='97' id='Page_97'></span>“Amen to that,” put in Mr. King. “Dave, -my warmest congratulations,” and he held out his -hand.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave was so overcome he could scarcely speak. -But at last he thanked Mr. Dale heartily for his -great kindness. The thought that the giant airship -had been turned over to him filled his heart with -new enthusiasm.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ll do my best to make a success of the trip,” -he said, in a voice filled with emotion.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I know you will—I bank on you, my boy,” answered -Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They circled out toward the water for a few -miles, to ascertain the strength of some of the -ocean currents of air, and as they were turning -inward again Dave cried out:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Look, there’s a seagull trying to race with -us, I do believe!” He pointed upward and -there, in the air above them and off to one side, -was one of the graceful birds.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s what it is!” exclaimed Mr. Dale. -“And that reminds me of something I must do to -oblige a friend. But first let us watch that seagull.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>All eyes were now turned toward it. The swift -bird seemed to realize that one of its own kind, -or, more properly, a rival, was disputing the element -so long unconquerable by man. The seagull -would approach the giant airship as if to ascertain -what it wanted in the upper regions, to learn its -<span class='pageno' title='98' id='Page_98'></span>speed and power. Then, as if alarmed at the -noise of the propeller, or perhaps some of the -odors of the escaping gas, the bird would veer off, -only to return.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Look!” cried Dave again. “It’s going to -see how much faster it can go than we do. It’s -trying to double on us, I declare!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>And that is exactly what the seagull did. Darting -ahead it swung around a good distance in front -of the airship, and then, as if to prove how puny -was man, compared to nature, the bird darted -straight back toward the craft.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“He’s going to ram us—he’ll be killed, sure!” -yelled Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“No, he’s going to one side,” declared Mr. -Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>And that is what the bird did! Like an arrow -it shot along the side of the <i>Albatross</i>, almost -brushing the gas bags with its wing tips. To the -rear swung the big bird. Its purpose was now -plain. It was going to circle the airship.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Two can play at that game!” cried Dave. -“Let’s put on all speed! Can we beat the seagull?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We certainly can,” said Mr. King, in a quiet -voice. He walked over to some of the signal buttons -and pushed them. The effect was at once -apparent. There was an increased tremor -through the whole craft. It darted ahead and -<span class='pageno' title='99' id='Page_99'></span>cleaved the air as it had never done before. Once -more Mr. King pressed a small lever. Again the -trembling of the craft increased as if she would -shake apart. But she was staunchly built.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Can you see the gull?” demanded Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, here he comes!” cried Dave. “He’s been -to the stern, rounded it, and here he comes up -alongside like the wind. He’s trying to pass us!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“But he never will,” spoke Mr. King. “Here -goes for the final test. Perhaps it’s foolish to -use our greatest speed on a new motor before it’s -been warmed up and run longer than this has, but -we might as well know first as last just what the -<i>Albatross</i> will do. Now for the test!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>He pressed a button that communicated with -the motor room, and there came such a vibration -to the craft that one and all, who were not aware -of the reserve power, looked at one another in -some alarm.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How about it, Dave?” inquired Mr. King. -“Are we holding our own?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes! Yes!” eagerly answered the young -aviator. “The gull is straining every wing -feather, but he’s falling back. Look, no he’s -even with us now! He’s going ahead—see—see!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Was the <i>Albatross</i>, after all, to be beaten?</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='100' id='Page_100'></span>The gull was now flying alongside in such a -position as to be visible to all. Clearly the bird -was exerting every last ounce of strength. Its -wings were wildly beating the air, and its slender -head and hooked bill were stretched out like the -prow of some slave-galley—cutting the air.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s falling back—it’s falling back—we win!” -cried Dave exultantly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was so. The gull, unable to keep up the -terrific speed, was losing ground. The airship -kept on, its awful power forcing it forward. -Foot by foot the bird fell back until like some express -train passing a slow freight, the <i>Albatross</i> -shot ahead of the weary bird, and the creature, -as if humiliated by the test, folded its wings and -dropped downward like a shot, in order to rest. -Then spreading wide its pinions again, it floated in -the air, far below the rival craft.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We sure did go!” cried Dave in triumph, as -some of the terrific power was cut down. “But -what was it you said you wanted to do, Mr. Dale—something -that the sight of the gull reminded -you about?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, yes. Well, it’s nothing more or less than -to release a carrier pigeon I have on board.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“A carrier pigeon?” cried several.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, a friend of mine, who is interested in -aeronautics, and who published a magazine about -them, asked me to do this for him. He gave me -a carrier pigeon a few days ago, and requested -me to release it on our trial trip. I said I would, -<span class='pageno' title='101' id='Page_101'></span>and now I am going to send him a message of our -success. The bird will fly directly to his coop, -and later, when I give him the time we liberated -it, and he notes the time of arrival, he can figure -the speed.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Good!” cried Dave. “Where is the pigeon?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was brought out in the basket where it had -been held captive, and Mr. Dale, who understood -such matters, prepared a short message on thin -paper. The paper was put in a quill, sealed at -both ends, and then tied by silk thread to one of -the pigeon’s wings.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The bird was taken to the deck of the craft and -liberated. It soared high in the air, circled about -once or twice and, then even in that void, seeming -to get its bearings, it darted off to the south.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Later we will learn how my friend received -the message,” said Mr. Dale. “And now I -think we had better change our course.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Albatross</i> lined the coast a few miles to -the interior. Until dusk Dave and the others -viewed a constantly changing panorama. Then -there was supper, a bountiful meal, well prepared, -and immensely relished by all hands.</p> - -<p class='c013'>After that lights were set, the big headlights, -front and rear, sending out far-reaching shafts of -radiance that must have appeared to uninitiated -landsmen as streaming meteors.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='102' id='Page_102'></span>Mr. King was in the cabin when the electric -call bell took him to the speaking tube. He -dropped it as if some important message called -him instantly to the pilot room.</p> - -<p class='c013'>His manner and face indicated to the young -aviator that whatever message he had received -had urged him to seriousness and haste.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Something’s up; eh, Dave?” shot out Hiram, -as the airman hurried from the cabin.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It looks that way,” assented Dave. “I -wonder what?”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='103' id='Page_103'></span> - <h2 id='chapXII' class='c011'>CHAPTER XII<br /> <br />ADRIFT IN THE STORM</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>The two young aviators, alive to every motion -of the <i>Albatross</i> and the movements of its operators, -sat together on one of the observation -benches.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I don’t see any change in our course,” remarked -Hiram, glancing from the window.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Neither do I,” said Dave. “There’s a flash, -though.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, I saw it,” spoke Hiram, quickly. “Lightning, -wasn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I think so. In fact, I am sure of it. Yes, it -has all clouded up.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And a wind coming,” added Hiram. “What -is it, Mr. Grimshaw?” he questioned, as there -was a ring at the tube hook.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Orders to close everything up fast and tight,” -reported the veteran aeronaut.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then there’s a storm coming, sure enough,” -said Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='104' id='Page_104'></span>Even before they had all the windows closed -a change of atmosphere was noticeable. A blast -of wind roared around the giant airship.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Of course, this isn’t serious,” observed -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, I think not,” rejoined the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“If the <i>Albatross</i> can’t weather a little land -zephyr, she’s no good over the ocean.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Mr. King is simply taking all precautions,” -said Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Whew! did you feel that!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>There was a whirl that made the young airmen -think of their past experience in striking an -air pocket when aboard their monoplane.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Bang! went a pitcher of water from the table -in the center of the cabin.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We’re tipping,” exclaimed Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, upwards,” said Grimshaw.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Trying to strike a calmer upper current, I -fancy,” suggested Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram made his way to a window and tried to -peer out. The rain was beating in rattling -dashes against the thick panes.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Say,” he reported, “if you want to see a sea -of black ink, come here.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I call it a blaze of dazzling light,” submitted -Grimshaw, as there was a vivid flash of -lightning, followed by a tremendous crack of -thunder.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='105' id='Page_105'></span>“It’s all below us now,” reported Hiram, a few -minutes later.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We must be above the storm cloud, then,” -said Grimshaw.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There’s some wind yet, I’m thinking,” observed -Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There came a signal from the tube bell just -then. Grimshaw being nearest, took up the tube -and received the message.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You, Dashaway,” he spoke in his quick, -laconic way.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“From Mr. King?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“All right.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator left the cabin at once. All -over the hull of the great airship was an electric -light system. The lamps were placed at intervals -along the passages, and Dave found no difficulty -in threading them. He arrived at the pilot room -to find Mr. King at the glass table and Professor -Leblance holding his hand out through a small -porthole, the inside glass shield of which was -thrown back.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The airman looked serious and occupied with -the various buttons on the table. The Frenchman’s -face wore a somewhat anxious look.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He drew in his arm. As he did so Dave observed -that his hand held a little meteorological -instrument he had noticed before. It was a -barometric contrivance. The professor held it up -to the light and scanned its surface closely.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='106' id='Page_106'></span>“It won’t do at all,” he announced. “The index -is not broad enough to give exact conditions.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There is the aerometer, Professor,” suggested -Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Did I not tell you I found one of its tubes -shattered? Such carelessness! I would no more -start across the ocean without a perfect instrument -than without food.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then it’s a stop?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Somewhere.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And a descent?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Of course.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“When, and where?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Professor Leblance indulged in his accustomed -shrug of the shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I dare not descend, not knowing the exact -conditions below, as I stated. We are on a fair -level.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then why not continue till the situation -clears?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We can only run one way.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, with the storm, but we are not leaving -the coast line to any appreciable degree.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That is true, but we may get too far south.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, we can soon make that up. We will have -to land near some large city, I suppose, to get -what you want.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='107' id='Page_107'></span>“Not necessarily,” replied the Frenchman. -“All I need is some quicksilver. I have plenty -of surplus tubes.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, what is the programme?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Straight ahead, watching the wind gauge and -the grade guide.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Very good.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I will go to the engine room.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Come here, Dashaway,” ordered the expert -airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>His junior assistant was prompt to gain the -side of his superior.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You understand the guide?” inquired Mr. -King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It is on the same principle as the aeroplane -apparatus?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then—perfectly,” assented Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Watch it closely for variations, and the wind -record. If the mirror shows a deviation past the -fifteen mark, notify me.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And the wind?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Over fifty miles an hour is dangerous.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And we will have to descend?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Or ascend, that’s it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave seated himself in a chair at one end of -the table. The guide, a delicately adjusted instrument, -recorded every variation in the progress -of the airship. The wind gauge was connected -by wires with a vane on top of the gas -bag.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='108' id='Page_108'></span>Dave turned to his duty with interest and carefulness. -His monoplane experience stood him in -good stead. He felt a great deal of satisfaction -in realizing that he was actually sharing in operating -the <i>Albatross</i>, and in addition to that learning -something practical and of value.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Inside of five minutes he had mastered the requirements -of the occasion and was working in -entire harmony with the airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>For over three hours the <i>Albatross</i> was kept -on as perfectly straight a course as could be -mapped out.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We seem to have encountered a heavy southwest -storm of great extent,” Mr. King told him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Have we got to pass over its entire length -before we land?” asked the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Professor Leblance thinks that plan best,” replied -Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It must have been nearly midnight when the -Frenchman came back from the engine room.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Superb!” was his first commendatory word. -“The <i>Albatross</i> does not seem to have strained a -seam. I must congratulate you both.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The airman smiled pleasantly at this praise and -Dave bowed modestly. The professor again -took the barometric readings.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='109' id='Page_109'></span>“I think we have hit the tail of the wind,” he -announced a few minutes later. “As soon as we -are sure of it, we will make a descent.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s that?” suddenly called out the young -aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Boom! A great shock traversed the airship!</p> - -<p class='c013'>Boom—boom—twice in succession there followed -a muffled bang, and it was apparent that the -sounds were caused by some trouble in the airship.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Professor Leblance rushed from the room.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='110' id='Page_110'></span> - <h2 id='chapXIII' class='c011'>CHAPTER XIII<br /> <br />A FIRST LANDING</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>The young aviator was not unused to “thrills” -in his professional experience. He noted no deviation -in the straight progress of the <i>Albatross</i>. -Mr. King did not distract attention from the signal -plate. Still Dave awaited some explanation -of the detonation with curiosity and anxiety.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s all right,” reported Professor Leblance, -reappearing a few minutes later.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Explosions?” questioned the airman, simply.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes. Three of the balloonets blew up.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Which means?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Nothing,” replied the Frenchman, with his -accustomed shrug of the shoulders. “We must -have struck a warm current. Ah, yes, that is -true,” he added, as he made the thermometer test. -“You see, the sudden transition from cold caused -an expansion and affected the balloonets.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Does that weaken the lifting force, Professor?” -inquired Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='111' id='Page_111'></span>“Not perceptibly. I count on such accidents, -more or less. I can duplicate the balloonets, and -as to the gas—we have arranged for all necessary -replenishment in that direction. Mr. King, everything -is favorable for a descent.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“All right,” replied the airman. “Have you -any idea where we are?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I should say, south of Washington.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“In Virginia, then?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Or still farther south. I have measured the -distance covered since our start, but I do not know -how far we are inland.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. King left Dave in charge of the signal -table for a few moments. He went to the lookout, -meantime instructing the young aviator as to -what buttons he should operate. This brought -the <i>Albatross</i> on a lateral slant. The enormous -headlight at the prow of the airship cast a glow -far below. Mr. King was able to trace outlines -on the landscape. He returned to the pilot table, -and following his directions there were many -changes made in the course of the giant airship -during the next half hour.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Once more the aviator consulted the lookout. -Then, back again at his post, he ordered a slow-up -and a gentle, gradual drop.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Landed,” breathed Dave at last, intensely interested -in all the gentle and natural movements -of the descent.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='112' id='Page_112'></span>“Yes, and that was certainly easy,” replied his -patron, with a sigh of relief and satisfaction -“The professor understands his business.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Frenchman soon appeared, followed by -two of his assistants. The aviator and Dave accompanied -him to the cabin.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You people had better go to bed,” he directed -all hands. “My men will attend to securing the -machine safe and sound. We can do nothing now -until morning.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>This order was obeyed. Dave and Hiram had -what might be called a stateroom to themselves. -It was narrow, but cozy. It had a window opening, -and there the young aviator posted himself -for some time.</p> - -<p class='c013'>By the aid of the headlights Dave could make -out Leblance and his men securing the <i>Albatross</i>. -The craft seemed to have landed on flat land -rather bare of verdure and with no trees.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“An ideal spot for landing,” Dave reported to -his comrade.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, but where are we?” questioned Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“In some wild mountain district, I should say,” -responded Dave—“maybe Virginia, maybe North -Carolina.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, it has been a dandy cruise,” declared -Hiram. “Say, I’ve gone through so much excitement -I don’t believe I can sleep a wink.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='113' id='Page_113'></span>“Try it, anyhow,” recommended Dave. -“There may be a lot to do in the morning, and -we want to be rested and strong to take our share -in it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>How long he rested Dave Dashaway did not -know, but he was suddenly awakened by feeling -the <i>Albatross</i> moving. At first he imagined that -he must be dreaming, for certainly he did not think -they would start off again after making a landing -with such trouble.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“But she sure is moving,” decided the lad, -“though not in the air, if my senses are good for -anything. That is unless we’re bumping along a -cloud bank.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>He sat up in his berth, and could make out a -dim light in the room beyond. He listened and -heard Hiram breathing heavily.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“He’s fast asleep, anyhow,” decided the young -aviator. “It takes a good deal to disturb him. -But we sure are moving. I wonder——?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Such a strange thought came to him that he -hesitated to put it into form. But he decided to -reason it out.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Can it be?” he mused, “that I have slept -through a whole night and day without knowing -it, and that we are on the move again. Can anything -have happened—to me—or the others? -Have—I been unconscious—hurt—and not have -known what has happened? It doesn’t seem possible, -and yet——”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='114' id='Page_114'></span>His self-communing was interrupted by a more -violent motion of the airship. It seemed to careen -to one side, and then right itself. Dave -found himself clutching the sides of his bunk. -Then came a period of calm.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’m going to wake Hiram up,” decided Dave. -“He may not like it, but I want to talk to some -one about this, and if he gets mad, in case it isn’t -anything, he can easily get to sleep again. And -that’s what I won’t do unless I find out what’s going -on.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave cautiously got out of bed. As he did so -he again felt the lurch of the big craft. At the -same time he heard a voice speaking softly outside.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“By hickory!” came the tones. “I don’t -seem to be movin’ th’ ole shebang much. Guess -I’ll hev t’ go git another mule critter or two t’ -snake it away. Whoa there!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What in the name of sweet spirits of nitre is -going on?” murmured Dave. “Is some one trying -to steal the <i>Albatross</i>?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>He crossed softly to look out of one of the windows, -but could see nothing. The big headlights -had been extinguished, and, save for some few -incandescents here and there, which were only -dimly glowing there was no illumination inside -the ship. It had been decided to make it dark so -all hands would sleep better.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='115' id='Page_115'></span>“This is sure mysterious,” went on Dave. “I -can’t see anything, but I can hear, and I can—feel!” -he added a moment later, for again the -craft moved slightly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Once more the young aviator peered out, but -he could discern nothing. The night was very -black.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“If I thought——” he began, when a sleepy -voice from the adjoining berth inquired:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Whatsmatter, Dave? Time f’r brkfust?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hiram! Hiram!” whispered Dave shrilly. -“Wake up! Something has happened—it’s happening -now!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Instantly Hiram sat upright in his bed. He -was rather a slow chap, but on occasions could -move lively.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is it?” he inquired in a low voice. -“Burglars in here, Dave?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I don’t know. Maybe it is and maybe it isn’t. -Anyhow, I don’t think they’re in yet.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“All right, then; wait until they do get in an’ -we’ll nab ’em. Lay low!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s just what I don’t want to do,” replied -Dave. “Something may happen unless we get -busy. They may even get away with the <i>Albatross</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Get away with the <i>Albatross</i>?” cried Hiram. -“What are you talking about, Dave? How can -they——?”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='116' id='Page_116'></span>But he did not finish his sentence. At that moment -there came another lurch to the craft, and -it moved several feet.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There!” hoarsely whispered Dave. “What -did I tell you?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Are we going up—a night flight?” asked -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I don’t know. I was awakened by the movement, -and it’s been going on ever since. Someone -is outside, that’s sure. Listen now!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>There was silence for a moment, and then a -cautious voice could be heard saying:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I suah will have t’ done go an’ git another -mule critter t’ move this contraption. An’ I ain’t -got no mo’ of my own. I’ll have to borrow one -off Nate Jackson, an’ then he’ll want me t’ whack -up with him. Wa’al, there ain’t no help, fer as -I kin see!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There!” exclaimed Dave in triumph.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It sure is strange,” said Hiram. “I guess -we’d better wake up the others. Mr. King and -Mr. Dale ought to know about this.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>But there was no need for the boys to awaken -their companions. The next moment there came -such a violent motion to the ship that not a sleeper -continued to slumber. With one accord they tumbled -out of their berths.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Then from without came a chorus of excited -shouts.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='117' id='Page_117'></span>“Whoa, there! Consarn ye all, what d’ ye -mean by backin’ and fillin’ that a-way? Stand -still, pesky mule critters that ye be! Ye wouldn’t -pull this shebang when I wanted ye to, an’ now -ye’re tryin’ t’ run away with it. Whoa!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Who’s there?” cried Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is going on?” demanded Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Something has happened!” shouted Professor -Leblance.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s right!” agreed Dave, “and it’s going -on now.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Someone is trying to make off with the airship,” -added Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Make off with the airship!” repeated the -professor. “Can it be——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>He did not finish, but in a moment he had -switched on a number of lights, including the two -big ones outside the craft. Then, as they looked -from the windows, they saw a strange sight.</p> - -<p class='c013'>An unkempt man, with a team of sorry-looking -mules, had fastened a rope to the <i>Albatross</i> and -was evidently trying to drag it away. He started -back in alarm at the sudden illumination, and -hastily began taking off the rope.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Here! What are you trying to do?” cried -Mr. King, through an open window.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Good land! Is there folks in this shebang!” -asked the mountaineer. “Land a’massy! I -thought it was a balloon that had come down.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='118' id='Page_118'></span>“And you were going to haul it away and -claim a reward, I suppose,” put in the professor, -beginning to understand the situation.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s what I was, stranger” came the answer. -“But my mules wa’n’t strong enough. I -was goin’ arter another pair when yo’-all turned -up your kerosene lamps. She wouldn’t hardly -budge.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I should say not, with the way she is fastened,” -said the Frenchman. “But explain yourself, -monsieur.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That ain’t my name, but it don’t much matter,” -came the answer. “I was on my way home -from th’ settlement, with a load of stuff t’ keep -my wife an’ kids in bacon an’ flour, when I seen -ye come down last evenin’. I once went t’ a -county fair, an’ they had a balloon assent. Th’ -perfesser offered five dollars t’ whoever’d git his -balloon arter he jumped out of it, an’ she drifted -away.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Nate Jackson was th’ lucky man, an’ he found -th’ balloon in Black Cedar swamp. He hauled -it t’ town an’ got his five. When I seen this contraption -come down, I just laid low, aimin’ t’ git -th’ reward. I s’posed you folks would all go -home until mornin’ anyhow. But ye didn’t. I -onhitched my mules arter dark, an’ got a rope -from my wagon, an’ tried t’ haul th’ balloon away. -But she wouldn’t haul. I’m mighty sorry if I -disturbed ye’ an’ I’ll travel on now. This is th’ -<span class='pageno' title='119' id='Page_119'></span>most forsaken country I ever knowed, an’ it’s -hard t’ git money. I thought I saw an easy way -t’ make a five dollar bill.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s worth more than that to have our airship -let alone, my man,” said the professor. -“This is the kind of a balloon you never saw before. -Here are ten dollars for the wife and little -ones,” and he passed over a bill.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The man was overwhelmingly grateful and -apologized again for the trouble he had caused. -A hasty examination showed that he had not -damaged the craft any by his pulling and hauling, -and a little later he had disappeared in the darkness -with his “mule critters,” and soon the rumble -of his wagon over the road, that was hardly -more than a trail, came fainter and fainter to the -ears of the aviators.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, that sure was a scare!” exclaimed -Dave, when quiet was once more restored.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I should say yes!” agreed Hiram. “The -idea of trying to cart off the <i>Albatross</i>!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, his explanation was natural,” said the -professor. “These mountaineers, in this lonely -region, scarcely ever see money, I guess. But -now, boys, get to bed. We’ve got lots to do to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Everyone again retired after the lights had -again been turned low, and Dave and Hiram were -soon asleep again. It was two hours after daylight -when Grimshaw routed them out of their -berths.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='120' id='Page_120'></span>“Come, get up here,” he ordered; “if you -don’t want to miss breakfast.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I certainly don’t,” announced the active -Hiram. “I’m hungry as a bear.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, there’s a capital meal waiting for you,” -observed the old aeronaut.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The boys found this true as they came in at -second table in the cabin. They hurried through -with the meal, for outside on the ground Mr. King -and the others were assembled. From their actions -the young aviator concluded that some active -discussion was in progress.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Exit from the cabin was made through a trap -door and a balancing ladder.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hurrah!” piped Hiram, as he reached the -ground. “Here’s a chance to stretch our legs -and breathe some fresh air.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Let’s see what is going on with the others,” -suggested Dave, and they approached the group -made up of Professor Leblance, Mr. King, Grimshaw -and Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We are evidently in some remote spot,” the -Frenchman was saying. “All the better that, for -we shall have no troublesome visitors. My men -can attend to the balloonet and some other needful -repairs while we send for that quicksilver.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='121' id='Page_121'></span>“Which means the location of the nearest -town?” submitted the airman. “There was so -much excitement last night I forgot to ask that -old mountaineer. But we must locate a store.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Exactly.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And that may be somewhat difficult.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Perhaps,” agreed the Frenchman, “but once -down in the valley yonder it is to be supposed -there are some tokens of civilization.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Who is to go?” inquired Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I think you had better entrust the matter to -me, Professor,” said the aviator. “Here, let one -of the boys—you, Dashaway—go with me.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I shall be glad,” said Dave, eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hold on,” broke in Hiram; “give me a show -too; won’t you, Mr. King?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The aviator took a brief look at the earnest, -beseeching face of the willing and accommodating -young aeronaut, and smiled indulgently.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, you two make a hardy, useful team, so -make it so, if you like.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Arrangements were made for the departure at -once. It was understood that the <i>Albatross</i> -would remain at its present landing place until the -exploring party returned with the quicksilver, even -if they had to consume considerable time in locating -a town.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I think we can make it and return by nightfall,” -said the airman. “Don’t worry, though, -if we are longer away.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='122' id='Page_122'></span>“No,” spoke the professor. “We can’t leave -till we get that quicksilver, no matter how long -it takes.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>A plentiful lunch, a compass, and a gun were -gotten ready by the cabin man. Then, waving -a cheery adieu to their friends, the airman and -the boys started down the mountain side.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='123' id='Page_123'></span> - <h2 id='chapXIV' class='c011'>CHAPTER XIV<br /> <br />LOST</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“It’s no use, Dave.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We’ve shouted ourselves hoarse, and in this -still air and the way we have kept up the hollering, -anyone could hear us five miles away, it seems to -me.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then there is only one conclusion to arrive -at,” observed the young aviator quite seriously.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s that, Dave?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We are lost.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I reckon you’re right,” assented Hiram ruefully, -dropping to the ground and reclining on the -grass.</p> - -<p class='c013'>His companion followed his example. It was -six o’clock in the afternoon, the sun was descending, -and at the end of ten hours spent in persistent -search of a town or settlement, this had been the -result of their hard travel and laborious investigations.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='124' id='Page_124'></span>The trio who had left the <i>Albatross</i> had kept -together until about noon. Not a wagon track or -even a footpath had they come across, much less a -human habitation. The landscape seemed as wild -and untenanted as if it were a primeval wilderness.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I hardly know what to do,” said the old aviator, -about the middle of the afternoon, as they -concluded a rest and a lunch.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, we may go on for miles and miles and -not run across a human being,” returned Hiram, -who was tired out.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I have half a mind to return to the <i>Albatross</i> -while we are pretty sure to find our way,” remarked -Mr. King; “and advise that we make -an air flight for civilized territory.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We might try as far as the other side of that -big hill,” suggested Dave, pointing to a lofty -eminence in the distance.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That may not be a bad idea,” replied Mr. -King. “See here, we’ll make a circuit. It can’t -be over a few miles. I’ll trail the valley this way; -you boys take the other direction, and we’ll meet -on the other side of the hill.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s a good arrangement,” declared -Hiram; and the divided journey was begun.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It proved a very unwise experiment, the way -things turned out. The circuit was not so easy to -follow as it had seemed. Pursuing a ravine and -its branches, at the end of three hours the boys -found themselves inextricably mixed up as to location -or direction, with so many hills in view that -they could not tell which was the one they had had -in view when they separated from the aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='125' id='Page_125'></span>“Yes,” observed Hiram now, looking rather -hopelessly about them; “we’re lost, that’s sure.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then the thing is to find ourselves,” said -Dave, cheerily.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Worst of all, Mr. King has got all the -lunch,” mourned Hiram. “See here, Dave, when -are you going to make a start from here?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, when we get rested we’ll press right -forward and get to a town or back to the <i>Albatross</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s easily said; but not done.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, we can try; can’t we?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I suppose so.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram was out of sorts. His gloom somewhat -abated, however, and finally walking on, they came -across a big patch of wild raspberries. When, a -little later, Dave discovered a pecan tree, Hiram -quite recovered his spirits.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I hardly hope to rejoin Mr. King,” said -Dave. “I think I can keep the general direction -of the <i>Albatross</i> in view. What I say is to brace -up and keep steadily ahead for a few hours, and -see if we don’t come across something encouraging. -There’s a full moon, you know. Besides, -at night we could make out lights at a distance. -You see, even if we fail, we can surely get back -to the airship.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='126' id='Page_126'></span>“Not if we lose our reckoning.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, even then,” persisted Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How can we?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, I heard Professor Leblance tell Mr. -King that if we did not return by midnight, he -would have the big searchlight on the <i>Albatross</i> -at work.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s grand!” cried Hiram, bracing up -magically. “We can see the searchlight for a -good many miles, you know.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The wayfarers threaded several tortuous valleys. -They reasoned that if they could get out -of the mountains they were sure to come upon -some little farm. It was near dusk when Hiram, -who was a little in advance of Dave, shouted -suddenly:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Here’s something!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is it?” questioned our hero, hurrying -up to where he stood.</p> - -<p class='c013'>His companion held up what looked like a broken -tree branch, only the bark had been peeled off -from it, and one end had evidently been fashioned -into a handle with a pocket knife.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Someone driving live stock has been here—lately, -too,” declared Hiram, inspecting the whip. -“It broke, and he threw it away. Hold on. I -was long enough on a farm to trail a cattle track, -if there’s one around here. Yes, there is,” and -the speaker’s tone rose in volume as he bent over -and, running along, inspected the ground keenly.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='127' id='Page_127'></span>“Found it?” asked the young aviator, pressing -close after his comrade.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes. It’s plain enough, now. Come on, -Dave; we’re in luck, sure.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>They could now make out a beaten track, and -tell the irregularities in the ground made by the -trampling of many feet. The track finally ended -at the edge of a small stream.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Here’s where they forded the brook,” explained -Hiram. “We’ll take off our shoes and -stockings and wade over.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>This they did. The opposite bank gained, they -saw through a fringe of bushes what looked like -a level field. They could hear occasional bleatings.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, say, we’re all right now,” declared the -sanguine Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They hurried on their shoes, eager to pursue -their investigations.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The sheep are over yonder,” said Hiram, -pointing to a corner of the field. “We’re surely -near some farm now. I shouldn’t wonder if we -found some one guarding the sheep, too, for—hear -that!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was the echo of distant yelping and barking -to which Hiram called attention.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Wolves?” asked Dave, guessing quickly.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='128' id='Page_128'></span>“That’s what; I know them. Saw lots of them -when I was out West. Come ahead. We’re going -to find somebody right away, I’m sure.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The boys now noticed a little knoll. The bleating -sounds seemed to echo from behind it. As they -started up the incline, Hiram grabbed his companion -in some affright and dismay, and both fell -back startled.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A sudden flash split the air. It started a sweep -in a perfect circle, like a revolving searchlight. -Its bright rays sent out a glare a hundred yards -from its base. Then, the circle complete, as suddenly -it died out.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Now what do you think of that?” gasped the -bewildered Hiram. “Worse, and more of it!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Bang!</p> - -<p class='c013'>From the same spot, just as abruptly, some gun -or cannon belched out a sheet of flame, followed -by a report that awoke the echoes for miles in -every direction.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Facing a mystery they could not explain, the two -young aviators stood staring mutely towards the -spot from which flash and report had so unaccountably -come.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='129' id='Page_129'></span> - <h2 id='chapXV' class='c011'>CHAPTER XV<br /> <br />“THE TERRIBLE MACGUFFINS”</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“Now what do you think of that?” challenged -Hiram, after a long spell of wondering silence.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I don’t think it was intended for us,” responded -the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Because that revolving light, or whatever it -is, flashed in every direction, and that firearm -wasn’t aimed towards us.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s so,” agreed Hiram. “But what was it -done for at all?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We had better try and find out,” suggested the -young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The boys waited for some little time, expecting -a renewal of the strange manifestations, but it -did not come. Then Dave led the way, creeping -up the incline. As they reached the top of the -knoll, they paused and looked about them. -Sheltered in a kind of a dip of the ground, they -could make out half a hundred sheep huddled together. -No human being was visible.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='130' id='Page_130'></span>“There’s the contrivance that flashed and -fired,” announced Hiram, pointing to a small -raised platform at the edge of the knoll.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I guess it is,” assented the young aviator; “go -slow, Hiram. No need to run any risks.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Neither could refrain from satisfying his curiosity -as to the purpose of the device near to them. -As they neared it, proceeding cautiously, the -bright rays of the moon, just rising, showed clear -outlines of the platform and the object upon it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hark—listen!” ordered Dave, suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>As they waited a sharp tick—tick, regular and -prolonged, struck their hearing.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s a clock,” declared Hiram. “Look there—seven -or eight gun barrels. And wires running -to that box. There’s clock works in it. See, the -light is still burning, but shut in with a cover.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s so,” nodded Dave, surprised and still -puzzled.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, say!” cried Hiram, suddenly, “I’ve -guessed out the whole scheme.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Have you?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I think so.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is it?” asked the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, this is a contrivance for scaring away -wolves. It’s mighty cute, and it must be a smart -fellow who got it up. Don’t you see, probably -every hour the light flashes and one of those firearms -goes off. That would scare wolves good -and right.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='131' id='Page_131'></span>“I believe you have solved the problem,” said -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He was certain of it as they made a closer inspection -of the queer contrivance. Some backwood -genius had spent time and some money in -rigging up a wolf-scarer that kept up an alarm -and illumination through the night, serving as a -protection for the sheepfold.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Of course there’s a house somewhere near,” -said Hiram, as they started from the spot.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, look there—a light!” cried Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>What looked like a candle or lamp in a window -showed at a little distance. The young adventurers -hurried along with a good deal of satisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They finally reached a roomy log cabin with a -barn behind it. As they passed around the house -they were unable to discover anybody about the -premises. They knocked and then hammered at -the front door. There was no response, and -Hiram shouted, but no one appeared. Walking -around the house, they could see through the uncurtained -windows into every room.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There’s no one in the house, it seems,” said -the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Probably gone to some neighbor’s,” suggested -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is that?” suddenly exclaimed Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='132' id='Page_132'></span>Towards the southeast a growing glare showed -in the sky. It increased in brightness each -moment.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s a fire!” declared Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I think so, too. Let’s run for it,” spoke -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They had gone perhaps a quarter of a mile -when shots and then shouts rang out on the still -night air.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Someone is running this way,” said Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Against the radiance of the mingled fire glow -and the moonlight the boys saw a woman hurriedly -crossing a clear space beyond the trees. -She held a baby in her arms. A little girl she -clasped by the hand. The baby was crying, and -the woman, with many a fearful glance back of -her, was sobbing audibly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>She came directly towards the boys. Dave -stepped forward in her path. The woman drew -back with a shriek of alarm.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t be frightened,” said Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You do not belong to the raiders?” the -woman faltered, all in a tremble.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What raiders?” asked Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The MacGuffins—the terrible MacGuffins!” -almost wailed the woman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Who are they?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t you know?” asked the woman, incredulously.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='133' id='Page_133'></span>“We are strangers here, madam,” explained -the young airman. “What is the fire and what is -the trouble?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“All our men are away—hiding from the officers -down at Brambly Fork,” said the woman. -“The MacGuffins have made a raid and are burning -us all out! They may kill us if they catch us. -Oh, sirs, help me get our little ones in hiding,” -she pleaded.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“To your home, do you mean?” inquired -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, no, no,” dissented the woman instantly. -“That is the worst place in the world to go to -just now. They will burn our house next.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“They may not harm you,” suggested Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, they will. My husband is the man they -hate the most. It’s an old quarrel between the -MacGuffins and our people. They will harm you, -too, if they catch you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why should they?” asked Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Because no stranger is ever allowed in these -Carolina mountains. They are all moonshiners, -and will take you for detectives. They shot two -suspicious characters only a few days ago.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“H’m,” remarked Hiram under his breath. -“We’re in a nice country!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator comprehended the situation -at once. He had read and heard of these North -Carolina outlaws and their family feuds, sometimes -running through half a dozen generations.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='134' id='Page_134'></span>“How can we help you?” he said to the -woman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It isn’t safe for us anywhere around here,” -she declared. “I must get to my husband.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“At Brambly Fork, you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, that’s where he is, and his crowd.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Is it far from here?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“About fifteen miles. He ought to know about -the MacGuffins, so as to drive them away before -they steal our cattle and crops. I can manage to -get along with the baby, but the little girl is ready -to drop down from tiredness. See, oh, hide! hide! -They are coming this way!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Among the trees beyond the clearing the boys -could see men with torches and armed with rifles -coming in their direction.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“They are going to fire our house next!” cried -the woman, bursting into tears.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I am afraid it would be foolish for us to try -and prevent them,” remarked Dave. “They are -armed and in a dangerous mood.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You would simply risk your lives.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator snatched up the little girl -in his arms.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Help the lady, Hiram,” he directed, “and -follow me.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='135' id='Page_135'></span>Dave led the way to a thick copse. The woman -told the little girl to keep perfectly quiet. In a -few minutes the men they had seen passed by without -discovering them.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I must get to my husband at once,” said the -woman, eagerly, as soon as the horde of raiders -was out of sight and hearing.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You can’t go alone,” observed Dave. “Here, -we will go with you. Take turns at carrying the -little girl, Hiram.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The woman sobbed out her heartfelt gratitude. -Then Dave questioned her as to the -direction of Brambly Fork, and all were soon on -the way.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“This isn’t looking for Mr. King, Dave,” suggested -Hiram, after awhile.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Mr. King will take care of himself, Hiram,” -replied the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, but neither is this looking for a town -where we might get that quicksilver.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s on the way to it, isn’t it? When we get -to the place where this woman’s husband is, some -of the crowd can direct us to the nearest settlement, -that is sure.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was pretty hard traveling, after a day of -heavy tramping. The forlorn condition of the -woman, however, appealed to both the boys.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We are very near Brambly Fork now,” spoke -the woman at the end of four hours, during which -time they had rested frequently. “Another turn -in the valley and we will be there.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='136' id='Page_136'></span>“Sure enough!” cried Hiram with animation.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They had come upon a spot well shut in on three -sides with trees. A big campfire was burning, and -near it were gathered a dozen or more men. -Their interest was centered on a man who stood -with his arms bound behind him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why,” cried Dave, “it’s Mr. King!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='137' id='Page_137'></span> - <h2 id='chapXVI' class='c011'>CHAPTER XVI<br /> <br />IN FRIENDLY HANDS</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>The young aviator did not delay for a single -instant. So precipitately did he start for the -group about the tree, that he fairly knocked -Hiram off his footing.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The mischief!” gasped the latter, righting -himself and staring aghast at the scene a little distance -ahead of them.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Stop! stop!” shouted Dave at the top of his -voice, as he dashed across the open stretch, and -momentarily came nearer and nearer to the men -who surrounded the airmen.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave had a right to be urgent, for two men -had seized hold of Mr. King as if to handle him -roughly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Three rifles were aimed at Dave as he fearlessly -ran up to the group. One of the party, evidently -the leader, stared at our hero as he came -to a halt, with a suspicious and threatening scowl.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hello,” he challenged, “another one? Why, -strangers are getting thick as bees in swarming -time.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='138' id='Page_138'></span>“It’s another detective,” growled a man by his -side.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave faced the fierce-visaged, reckless-mannered -mob, all alive with anxiety and excitement.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You must not harm that man,” he declared, -dauntlessly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Know him, do you?” inquired the leader, -with a sinister look.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I should say I did. There’s some mistake.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Who is he?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“He is Mr. Robert King, the great aviator.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“H’m that’s what he said, but we don’t believe -him,” retorted the leader. “Look at that -badge on him.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, that is a trophy from an aero club,” -explained Dave. “Read what it says, and you’ll -see that I am telling the truth.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Say, sonny,” observed the man, with a derisive -laugh, “there ain’t any schoolhouses in this -district, and none of us know how to read. Now -then, who are you, and where did you come -from?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I am in the same line as Mr. King,” replied -Dave; “and I came from the spot where our airship -landed.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How did you find us?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, yes,” said Dave, quickly. “I ran across -the MacGuffins. They were making a raid, -and——”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='139' id='Page_139'></span>If the young aviator had thrown a firebrand -among the group he could not have caused more -excitement. At the mention of that dread name, -“the MacGuffins,” it seemed as though the men -before him uttered a fearful roar of hatred and -rage. The leader sprang forward and grasped -Dave’s arm.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t you fool me!” he shouted. “Where -did you run across the MacGuffins?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“About fifteen miles north of here. They were -burning houses, and——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave was interrupted by a cry. It proceeded -from the woman he and Hiram had helped. She -appeared now upon the scene carrying her babe, -and Hiram following with the little girl in his -arms.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Jared!” cried the woman, and then Dave -knew that the leader of the outlaw band was her -husband. The man stared at her in bewilderment.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Nance,” he spoke in a husky voice, “what -does it mean, you being here?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, Jared, the MacGuffins!” she wailed. -“They have burned us out! If it wasn’t for these -two brave boys, we might all have been killed! -They hid us and helped me get here with the children.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You did this?” spoke the man in a choked-up -tone, turning to the young aviator. “And that -fellow is your friend?”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='140' id='Page_140'></span>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Set him free,” ordered the man with a wave -of his hand towards Mr. King. “As to you, -young man, you’ve made some friends, let me tell -you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave and Hiram hurried eagerly to the spot -where two of the band began immediately to -liberate Mr. King, who had looked worn and -worried. A glad smile of relief now covered his -face.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You came just in the nick of time,” he told -his two young friends.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It looks so,” said Hiram, seriously.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There’s a bad nest of them,” cautioned the -airman. “I never met such stubborn, unreasonable -beings. They seem to have two objects in -life—to fight each other and dodge revenue officers.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Regular outlaws, aren’t they?” queried -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, and with little idea of the value of human -life.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The band grouped together about the woman, -who was reciting the incidents of the raid of the -MacGuffins. Wild shouts and threats followed -her story. The party split up, and half of them -ran to a thicket, to reappear with horses.</p> - -<p class='c013'>At a word from the leader they set off in the -direction the refugees had just come from. Then -the man approached the airman and his companions.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='141' id='Page_141'></span>“We’re rough fellows, maybe,” he said, “but -we stick like glue to a friend. You two young -fellows saved my Nance and the babies. There -isn’t much we fellows wouldn’t do for you in return.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, you can probably help us out a good -deal if you want to,” replied Dave promptly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Just name how, son.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Mr. King has told you how we are balloonists. -We need some quicksilver, and the three -of us had started out to locate some town where -we could get the article.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Quicksilver, eh?” repeated the outlaw, as -though dubious and puzzled. “Where would -you be likely to get it now?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Most hardware or drug stores keep it,” explained -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Nothing else you need?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“No, only to return to our balloon when we get -the quicksilver.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hi!” shouted the man, beckoning to two of -his men. “Mount and make a quick run for -Forestville. How much quicksilver do you -want?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It comes in iron tubes,” explained the airman. -“One will answer. If they keep it in some -other form, about thirty ounces.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='142' id='Page_142'></span>“Get back soon as you can,” the outlaw -ordered his messengers. “If the places are shut, -shoot up the town and get some action on the -case.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The speaker turned and proceeded to where a -tent stood. In a little while he reappeared to say -to his guests that they must be hungry and to follow -him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Seated on rude home-made camp stools, the -three friends enjoyed a meal of corn pone, sweet -potatoes and wild turkey, all cooked to a turn. -Then their host threw some blankets on the -ground outside. He invited them to be seated, -and for over an hour asked question after question -regarding their wonderful airship and the -great world beyond the wilderness of which he -knew so little.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We’re perfectly safe to sleep here,” remarked -Mr. King, as the man left them finally.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“More than safe,” declared Dave. “These -people would protect us with their lives, the way -they feel about us.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The wayfarers were pretty well tired out. All -three were soon asleep. It must have been two -hours later when Dave felt himself roughly -shaken. The outlaw leader and two others were -standing near, staring up into the sky in an awed, -puzzled way.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='143' id='Page_143'></span>“What’s that?” asked the outlaw leader of -the young aviator. “It’s strange to us, and I -thought you’d know.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Across the sky in the direction of the airship a -broad sweeping pencil of light swept the heavens -from zenith to horizon, and back again.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Ah, that?” said Dave; “it’s the great -searchlight of the <i>Albatross</i>.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='144' id='Page_144'></span> - <h2 id='chapXVII' class='c011'>CHAPTER XVII<br /> <br />A TRUSTY GUIDE</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>The young aviator had to do some explaining -for the benefit of the outlaw leader before the -latter could understand what a searchlight was.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Reckon there’s no spot safe for a free and -easy fellow with all these new-fangled contrivances,” -remarked the man.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’d like to see that balloon, all the same,” -observed one of his band.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We’d better keep close to the safety line,” -advised the leader. “There’s a good deal of -hubbub around, and we’d better watch out for the -MacGuffins.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was an hour later when the two men sent to -Forestville came galloping back into camp. They -were hot, tired and dusty. Their steeds were -reeking, and dropped their heads in an exhausted -way as their riders drove up to the campfire and -dismounted.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Did you get the stuff?” inquired the leader.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s what you sent us for, wasn’t it?” -queried one of the horsemen. “Well, there it -is,” and he handed out a package.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='145' id='Page_145'></span>“We had some trouble making the drug clerk -understand how badly and quickly we needed it,” -remarked the other horseman, with a chuckle. -“When we told him that Forestville would be off -the map in a few days if he didn’t act lively, he -produced results double quick.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. King examined the package. It contained -two large glass tubes filled with quicksilver. He -thanked the men heartily. His hand went to his -pocket and his purse was half withdrawn to offer -a reward, when he noted a warning flash in the -eyes of the leader.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t try to pay for what money wouldn’t -get you if you weren’t friends,” said the man, -tersely.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We are anxious to get back to the airship,” -suggested the airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Want to start right away?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, if possible.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That searchlight signal will guide you?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, surely. Besides, I think we could find -our way without its aid.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Maybe. Just the same, I’ll go with you as -far as the gap. That’s hard to cross unless you -know it pretty well, or hit a trail by accident, as -you seem to have done in getting here. Hi, there, -saddle up four fresh horses,” ordered the speaker -to one of his men.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='146' id='Page_146'></span>“This is pretty fine treatment,” declared the -young aviator, as his friends and himself found -themselves in the saddle and the outlaw leader -piloting the way from the camp.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It will take my wife a long time to forget all -we owe you,” the leader remarked more than -once.</p> - -<p class='c013'>At the end of two hours’ travel, the latter -stages of which were taken through dark and -sinuous windings along a densely-verdured ravine, -their pilot ascended a long slope.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There’s your searchlight still going,” he said, -pointing to the broad waving flare in the sky. “I -dare not go any farther with you for two reasons,” -he explained. “In the first place I’m over what -we call the safety line. In the next place I want -to get back in time to start a daylight hunt after -those MacGuffins.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I feel sure we can find our way to the <i>Albatross</i> -now,” said the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Say, that was a queer adventure, wasn’t it -now?” spoke Hiram, as their recent guide waved -his hand in a friendly way and disappeared like a -flash back the route they had come.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“These rough fellows are true blue when you -touch the right spot,” declared the airman. “We -seem to be on higher level ground than before. -Let us get along as fast as we can, so we can send -the horses back.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='147' id='Page_147'></span>The outlaw leader had insisted that they retain -the steeds. He had instructed them to simply -head them back homewards when they were -through with them.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t fret,” he had said, confidently, “they’ll -be sure to find the camp feeding trough before -breakfast time.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“This has been quite an adventure, as you say, -Hiram,” remarked Mr. King, as they trotted -single file on account of the narrow course.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“With probably a lot more of it waiting us -along the line,” added Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes,” assented Hiram, “I can guess it will -be pretty lively if we cross the Atlantic. Say, -we’re getting near to the <i>Albatross</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>This was apparent from the clearer radiance -from the searchlight glow. They rode on about -two miles further.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We can do the rest on foot, I fancy,” said -Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The party dismounted, arranged the bridles so -they would not trail, turned the heads of the -horses homewards for them, and, giving each a -slap on the flanks, watched them dart away, -rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The searchlight faded out before they had proceeded -a mile. In fact, day was breaking. The -sun came up as they reached the bottom of a high -hill.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I remember this spot,” said the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='148' id='Page_148'></span>“Yes, we left the camp this way,” agreed Mr. -King, casting a look about and recognizing some -landmarks.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I suppose Professor Leblance has been mighty -anxious about us,” said Hiram. “I’ll have a -great story to tell Mr. Grimshaw.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Despite the arduous rigors of their all-day -tramp and all-night adventures, Dave and Hiram -felt fresh and ambitious.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We’re pretty near the top,” spoke the young -aviator. “I’ll race you to see who arrives first.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“All right,” agreed Hiram. “Here we go.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave showed the most endurance. He reached -the summit, paused and waved his hand triumphantly -at his toiling rival.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hold on,” called Hiram. “Wait for Mr. -King.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ll take a look first,” answered Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator climbed over a low ledge of -boulders. Beyond them was a fringe of high -bushes. Dave knew that, these passed, the <i>Albatross</i> -would be in view.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He pressed his way through the bushes and -cleared the last obstruction at a leap. Then the -young aviator took one look, uttered a dismayed -cry, and fairly dived back in among the undergrowth, -startled beyond expression.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='149' id='Page_149'></span> - <h2 id='chapXVIII' class='c011'>CHAPTER XVIII<br /> <br />IN A BAD FIX</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“Keep back!” shouted the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He accompanied the words with a spring and -a roll that took him through and past the fringe -of bushes and brought him directly against Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hold on, I say. The mischief!” blurted out -Hiram, tipped clear off his balance.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hush!” warned Dave, regaining his feet. -“Don’t go ahead, don’t make any disturbance. -Stop Mr. King.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave spoke the words in a hurried and urgent -tone. Then, cautiously, he crept on all fours -through the shrubbery. He took a second more -comprehensive look over the plateau. Then he -worked his way back to the bewildered Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“See here, Dave Dashaway,” challenged the -latter, “you’re acting mighty strange.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s the trouble here?” inquired Mr. -King, coming up to the boys, pursuant to mysterious -gestures from Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It is trouble, I am very much afraid,” replied -Dave, seriously.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What do you mean—about the airship?”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='150' id='Page_150'></span>“Yes, Mr. King. The <i>Albatross</i> seems to be -all right, but about twenty men, all armed with -guns, have our entire party cornered near some -rocks.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You don’t say so!” cried the airman. “Let -me have a look.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Be careful, then,” advised Dave. “It looks to -me as if another band of these wild outlaws probably -traced the searchlight, and have managed to -catch our friends away from the airship. Anyway, -our folks are helpless, and the strangers -look fierce and dangerous.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>All three of the adventurers crept through the -fringe of underbrush and took a look across the -plateau. They found the situation as Dave had -described it to be. The strangers held Professor -Leblance, Mr. Dale, Grimshaw and the others at -bay. A big, rough-looking fellow, evidently the -leader of the band, was talking animatedly to the -Frenchman. The others of the intruders held -their rifles in a way that threatened an attack if -the captives showed any resistance.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“They may be the MacGuffins,” whispered -Hiram, intensely wrought up with excitement.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I shouldn’t wonder,” said Dave. “Mr. King, -let us try to get nearer to them.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, we may learn what is going on and give -our friends some help, if they need it,” replied the -airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='151' id='Page_151'></span>They had to cover half a mile in a cautious detour. -This finally brought them to a thicket not -thirty feet distant from their friends and enemies. -Mr. King lay flat on the ground behind some high -bushes, and his companions followed his example. -Dave bent his ear keenly, to catch what the leader -of the invading party was saying.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That don’t go with me,” the man said. -“How do we know that you ain’t here to spy on -us? We fine trespassers here and we charge rent -for the use of our property.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You must own the whole state, you fellows -must,” snapped out Grimshaw.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We run this district, if you want to know it,” -retorted the outlaw. “Usually we just string up -spies.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“But we are no spies,” declared the professor, -earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We don’t take your word for that. Come, -you’ve got to pay your reckoning. You scrape us -up as much as two hundred dollars among you, -or——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The speaker waved his hand significantly in the -direction of the <i>Albatross</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes,” growled one of his fellows. “It -wouldn’t take us long to make a sieve of that contrivance.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='152' id='Page_152'></span>“I resent this outrage!” cried the Frenchman, -hotly. “We are under international protection. -Our mission is in the interests of science. If you -interfere with us, you will rouse the entire community. -It will be the worse for you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hear him, boys,” rallied the outlaw leader. -“Say, stranger, who’s going to tell what we did -or didn’t do to you, hey?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The speaker grinned in a cold-blooded way that -made Hiram Dobbs shiver.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Say, Mr. King,” he whispered hoarsely, -“shoot them.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“One gun against twenty wouldn’t count for -much,” responded the airman, with a shake of his -head.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I will pay no ransom, I will give you not one -cent of blackmail,” declared the doughty Frenchman, -thoroughly indignant.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“All right, then we will ransack your old gas -bag and take what we want,” boasted the outlaw.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I warn you,” cried the professor. “The airship -is one mass of devices you do not understand. -You may find trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What do you bother with him for?” cried -the man beside the last speaker. “We’ll cover -the rest of the crowd. You make him take you -over the machine and get what’s lying around -loose.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Can’t we do something, Mr. King?” inquired -the young aviator, in an anxious tone.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='153' id='Page_153'></span>“I fear not, Dashaway,” was the reply. -“These are desperate men and bound to have -their own way. We can only hope that our being -free will help our friends somewhere along the -line.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You come with me,” ordered the outlaw -leader, roughly seizing Professor Leblance by -the arm and pulling him along. “Keep your eyes -on those others,” he added, to his men.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Frenchman held back with resolute face -and force. The outlaw, however, was a great, -bulky fellow of enormous strength.</p> - -<p class='c013'>They had proceeded less than twenty feet towards -the airship, when a quick word cut the air, -clear and startling as a pistol shot.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Halt!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='154' id='Page_154'></span> - <h2 id='chapXIX' class='c011'>CHAPTER XIX<br /> <br />A MYSTERIOUS FRIEND</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>In an instant of time the whole complexion of -affairs had changed. The young aviator and his -two companions crouched, staring at the scene before -them, which now seemed the stage setting to -some intense drama.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hello!” gasped the excitable Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What does that mean?” echoed Mr. King, -in a truly astonished way.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave was quite as fully amazed and puzzled. -Suddenly and unexpectedly a form had sprung -into view just beyond one of the floats of the -<i>Albatross</i>. It was that of a lithe person, young -and energetic. To all appearance he was a negro, -for hands and face at that distance were of seeming -ebony hue.</p> - -<p class='c013'>This extraordinary person, a stranger to all who -looked upon him, held leveled a short but heavy -rifle. At once the watchers from the underbrush -recognized it as one of several weapons provided -for the arsenal of the giant airship before the -<i>Albatross</i> had left Croydon.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='155' id='Page_155'></span>“It’s the magazine rifle Mr. Dale showed us!” -exclaimed Hiram. “Who’s the fellow holding it, -and how did he get it?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Who is he, indeed?” murmured the airman, -staring hard at the person who had so startlingly -pronounced that mandatory word—“Halt!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The outlaw leader had come to a dead stop. -He dropped the arm of the professor, who took -in this last strange incident of the moment in a -very bewildered way.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Stand still or I will fire,” rang out now in -clear, vibrant tones.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Those of the band guarding the rest of the crew -of the <i>Albatross</i> stood mute and staring, taken -aback by the determined and threatening attitude -of the person near the balloon.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“If one of your men so much as raises a -weapon, I will shoot,” came floating distinctly on -the still mountain air. “I hold a magazine rifle -in my hand loaded for one hundred rounds, that -will shoot eighty times in a minute. Order your -men to put down their guns.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The outlaw leader hesitated. Bang! ten times -in incredibly rapid succession at a light pressure -the formidable magazine rifle rang out, aimed, -however, at the boughs of a nearby tree, some of -the leaves of which fell in scraps and ribbands -under the destructive effect of the powerful fusillade.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='156' id='Page_156'></span>“One, two, three—I can pick them off before -they can raise a trigger!” shouted the sable -champion of the airship crew. “I’ll do it, too, if -that order is not given double-quick.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The outlaw leader quailed. Then he turned -and made a sign to his men. The last one of them -placed his gun on the ground.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“March,” came the inflexible order. “Down -that path to the left, so we can keep you in view. -You will find your weapons safe when you return -and we are gone. Go!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The menace of the powerful magazine rifle -cowed the outlaw gang. The breathless spectators -from the brush saw them join their leader unarmed, -take the path as directed, and file away -from the plateau.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The person who had so marvellously accomplished -all this never lowered his weapon. Still -holding it ready for instant use, he walked over -to where a ledge of rocks rose like a sentinel -tower above the level of the plateau. There posting -himself, he held the discomfited retreating foe -in constant sight. He swung his hand towards -the stupefied crew of the airship. He spoke some -order or suggestion to them that Dave did not -overhear. The party, however, at once possessed -themselves of some of the abandoned rifles of -the outlaws and stood ready for attack and defence.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='157' id='Page_157'></span>Mr. King arose and hurried over to where Professor -Leblance stood, and Dave and Hiram followed -him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Professor!” cried the airman. “Here are -some strange happenings. Who is that person—not -one of the crew?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I never saw him before,” replied the dazed -Frenchman. “He has saved us.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And the <i>Albatross</i>. We have the quicksilver. -This is a dangerous ruffian-infested district. Let -us leave as soon as possible.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, yes,” said the Frenchman, in a hurried -tone. “After what has happened we cannot be -too quickly nor fast on our way.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The animated engineer of the <i>Albatross</i> bustled -about into immediate action. He ordered two of -his men to join their rescuer on the rocks. All -the others were impressed into service in assisting -to get the giant airship ready for a new and longer -flight.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It did not take fifteen minutes to accomplish -this. One by one Professor Leblance told off his -expert assistants to their duties. Dave and Hiram -had been kept busy, but more than once the young -aviator had glanced in the direction of the heroic -figure on the rocks.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He saw the Frenchman say some quick words -to Mr. King, and the latter then approach the -stranger. Some conversation took place between -<span class='pageno' title='158' id='Page_158'></span>them. As a signal for starting was sounded from -the engine room, Mr. King turned towards the -airship. He was accompanied by the person with -the magazine rifle.</p> - -<p class='c013'>All hands got quickly aboard. When the young -aviator reached the cabin he found their mysterious -friend seated in a shaded corner of the place. -Then the activity and excitement of the ascent -engrossed all minds.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The magnificent <i>Albatross</i> arose in the air like a -bird. It attained a high altitude. All the recent -troubles of its crew faded away like light feather -down.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. King came into the cabin inside of half an -hour, quickly followed by Professor Leblance. -Both looked intensely curious. The <i>Albatross</i> -safely started on a steady course, they had evidently -hastened to explore the mystery of the -strange friend who had aided them in their sorest -need.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The airman approached the silent, timid-appearing -figure in the corner of the cabin. He extended -his hand warmly, grasping that of the shrinking -stranger.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“My friend,” he said, “come up to the table. -We want to have a talk with you. You asked to -be taken aboard, and said you would then explain -your being here.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='159' id='Page_159'></span>The stranger somewhat reluctantly took a chair -at the cabin table. For all his recent heroic attitude, -he acted rather embarrassed and frightened -now.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He looked down. Then he trembled visibly. -And then he made the remarkable statement:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I am a stowaway.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='160' id='Page_160'></span> - <h2 id='chapXX' class='c011'>CHAPTER XX<br /> <br />THE STOWAWAY</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>The young aviator took a long, earnest stare at -the mysterious person who had just stated that he -was a stowaway. In a flash Dave seemed to get -hold of one end of a long chain of circumstances -and mysteries.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“A stowaway?” repeated Professor Leblance, -incredulously. “You mean aboard the <i>Albatross</i>?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“From the time when she first started?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And before.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You amaze me!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I am amazed at myself,” came the words, in -rather a depressed way. The speaker dropped -his head, and both of his interlocutors looked -troubled and more puzzled than ever. “I’ll tell -you, gentlemen, I’d rather not say much till I am -sure your airship is out of the country. You know -you promised I should stay aboard if I wanted to,” -he added to Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I surely did,” assented the airman, heartily.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='161' id='Page_161'></span>Dave had been studying the profile of the stowaway. -He had noticed that his ebony hue was -due entirely to soot or greased lampblack smeared -over face and hands. Further, the keen glance of -the young aviator had scanned closely the clothing, -even down to the necktie of the stranger, and -then—he was a stranger no longer to Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Mr. King, may I speak to you for a moment,” -said Dave, moving out of the cabin into a passageway. -In some surprise the airman followed him -there.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is it, Dashaway?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The stowaway. I know him, Mr. King,” declared -Dave, hurriedly. “There is a certain -mystery about him he dares not explain just now, -and you are embarrassing him dreadfully. Don’t -ask him any more questions. Tell him to come -to my stateroom. Later, I will explain everything -to you about him.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, well,” commented the airman; “you -seem to have the faculty for preparing surprises -for your friends, I must say. I’ll do what you -suggest, but I’m curious to understand what it all -means.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You shall soon know,” promised the young -aviator, and he went to the little partitioned-off -space where he and Hiram slept. He sat down -on one of the berths, placing a stool in the middle -of the room for his expected guest.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='162' id='Page_162'></span>“You will find a friend in there,” reached -Dave’s ear, a little later, in the tones of the airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Did—did you want to speak to me?” rather -falteringly asked the stowaway, entering the stateroom. -Mr. King retired and closed the door -after him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, yes,” replied Dave pleasantly. “Say,” -and he grasped the hand of his guest in a hearty -way, “I am glad to see you, and doubly glad because -you have made good, just as I knew you -would. I once told a friend you were of the right -kind. You’ve proved it, Elmer Brackett, and I’m -proud of you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, I see you know me. Made good! Proud -of me?” repeated the boy in a dazed, half-stunned -way.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, you saved the <i>Albatross</i>, didn’t you?” -cried the young aviator, in a spirited tone, bound -to rouse and buoy up his guest. “The lives, -too, probably, of every person aboard. What are -you crying for—joy?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Sure enough, young Brackett was crying. He -acted like a boy in such a tangle of circumstances -that he was fairly crushed. Finally he blurted -out:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Joy? None of that for me, ever again, I -guess.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why not?” challenged Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='163' id='Page_163'></span>“Oh, you don’t know, you don’t know!” cried -the young man. “It seems as I sit here, in the -strangest position a fellow ever was in, I reckon, -that I’m in some terrific dream. There’s only one -clear idea I can cling to—to get out of the country, -away—away——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Away from that villain, Vernon? Am I -right?” spoke Dave, quickly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, that’s it,” assented Brackett, in a lost -tone of voice.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I thought so. Now then, see here, you are -among the best friends any fellow ever had. You -have just been the best kind of a hero ever was. -Forget everything else for the present. Make up -your mind that whatever your troubles may be, -there’s a combination aboard the <i>Albatross</i> strong -enough to help you fight your way clear out of -the last one of them, and—tell me all about it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>There followed the most interesting hour of -Dave Dashaway’s life. The friend of everybody, -he had been the confidant and helper of many a -lad in difficulties. As bit by bit the strange history -of Elmer Brackett came out, however, Dave conceded -that it was the most remarkable case he had -ever handled.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Briefly, the reckless, impetuous son of the big -man in the Interstate Aero Company had become -the helpless victim of the schemes of Vernon. -Young Brackett did not tell Dave everything. He -hinted that while in a muddled condition he had -been induced by Vernon to forge a number of -notes.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='164' id='Page_164'></span>Once completely in the power of the schemer, -the latter showed no mercy. He appalled -Brackett by claiming that he could send him to the -penitentiary, disgrace his family, and almost ruin -his father’s business. These claims were, in a -measure, exaggerations.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Elmer Brackett then lost his head completely. -His one thought was to escape from Vernon. He -disguised himself, after sending a letter to his -father, warning him against the forgeries, and -saying he was going to seek some foreign country -where he could lose himself and be forgotten.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I had no money, I dared not appeal to friends, -for Vernon was seeking for me everywhere to -tighten the chains of his power around me,” related -the youth, bitterly. “I thought of you, and -while tracing down the <i>Albatross</i> I ran across -Davidson and young Dawson and their <i>Dictator</i>. -Maybe it was a wild idea, but I thought how it -would just suit me to get away from this country -by airship, for Vernon had claimed that if I left -him he would have the detectives looking out for -me everywhere. Well, I hung around Senca. -Then, as I didn’t think much of the way the <i>Dictator</i> -showed up, I went to Croydon.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It was you, then, who asked my friend, -Hiram Dobbs, about me, and wore a false mustache?”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='165' id='Page_165'></span>“Yes, I was disguised,” admitted Brackett.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And you were, too, the ghost who scared the -watchman at the <i>Albatross</i> aerodrome nearly into -fits!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That was me, too,” admitted Brackett. -“The night before you started I sneaked aboard -the airship. I stowed myself away behind the big -boxes of provisions near the cabin here. I heard -and saw what was going on. Then that crowd of -outlaws came, I got the magazine gun from the -arsenal, and—here I am.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And here you wish to stay till we get across -the Atlantic?” said the young aviator. “Good! -Now, then, take my advice; forget all this -wretched fear and trouble that is part of your -past. Help us win the great prize, and when this -trip is over trust to it that Mr. King and Mr. -Dale will find time and money to squelch this -miserable Vernon, straighten out your affairs, and -start you on a new career.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Elmer Brackett, minus the lampblack and encouraged -by Dave, was soon quite another person -in appearance and spirits to the refugee stowaway. -Dave imparted to his friends only as much of -Brackett’s story as was necessary.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The following morning the boys awoke to find -the <i>Albatross</i> out of all sight of land, fairly -started on the great trip across the broad Atlantic.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='166' id='Page_166'></span> - <h2 id='chapXXI' class='c011'>CHAPTER XXI<br /> <br />THE HAUNTED AIRSHIP</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“Say, fellows, this is life on the ocean wave -worth seeing, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram Dobbs spoke the words, and his auditors -and jolly companions were the young aviator and -Elmer Brackett. It was the second evening out of -sight of land. The <i>Albatross</i> had made splendid -speed, and the machinery had acted like a charm. -Just about dusk, however, Professor Leblance -had ordered a drop to lower level.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There is a low barometric pressure,” Dave -Dashaway had heard him say to Mr. King. -“There is bound to be a change in the air currents -shortly, and I want to determine our course -from the way they act. There are some repairs -to make, also, and we will slow down for at least -two hours.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The boys were immensely interested in the -manœuvers of their craft under the direct manipulation -of the professor. The <i>Albatross</i> was -brought to the surface of the water, resting on its -<span class='pageno' title='167' id='Page_167'></span>floats as easily and gracefully as the great ocean -bird it was named after. A hint from the cook -sat Hiram thinking. Fresh fish would come in -very acceptably for breakfast next morning, he -told Dave, and the trio decided to take the lighter -of the two boats and see what they could catch.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. King warned them to keep within hailing -range of the airship and provided them with trolling -lines. The young aviator and Elmer plied -the oars and Hiram did the fishing. He was -gloating over the occasion with satisfaction, and -made the enthusiastic remark which heads the -chapter as he deposited a final catch, a fat codfish, -in the bottom of the boat.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That will do, Hiram,” directed Dave. “We -have got more fish already than we can use -in a week, and some of them look as if they -were not in the eating class. The cook will -know.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, and see, we are quite a distance from the -<i>Albatross</i>,” put in Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A weird warning wind sang about them just -then. The boys had been so engrossed in their -sport they had failed to notice that some scudding -clouds had obliterated the stars.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Get to work, Elmer,” ordered Dave, picking -up the oars. “We must be a full mile from the -<i>Albatross</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='168' id='Page_168'></span>“Yes, and maybe that storm Professor Leblance -told about is going to catch us,” remarked -Elmer, he too getting in shape for a row back to -the airship.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The minor headlight of the <i>Albatross</i> guided -them, and for this, a dim spark in the distance, the -little yawl was headed. The water had become -choppy, but the oarsmen felt equal to the task of -the moment.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Just see that!” shouted Hiram, as a phosphorescent -streak crossed their course. “It’s -like a streak of fire.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There’s another one ahead,” said Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, and look! look!” exclaimed Hiram. -“It’s a shoal of fishes. Big fellows, too. Say, -see them leap out of the water.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was a stimulating sight and a novel one to -the boys. They were now within less than a -quarter of a mile of the airship. As Hiram -spoke, the big searchlight of the <i>Albatross</i> suddenly -flared up. It signalled the boys to return, -as Dave understood it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Say, I’m going to make a throw for one of -those big fellows,” declared Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Don’t do it. Whew!” exclaimed Elmer. -“They are big fellows. Did you feel that?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Some object had landed against the side of the -yawl, nearly tipping it.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='169' id='Page_169'></span>“It’s a big fish, almost as big as a shark!” -shouted Hiram. “They’re chasing the smaller -ones. Whoop! I’ve caught something. Hurrah! -Slow down! Oh, the mischief!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>All in a fleeting second the excited lad shouted -out, tugged at the trolling line, bracing his feet -against the bottom of the boat, and then—flop! -splash!</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Stop the boat!” rang out the voice of the -young aviator, sharply, for Hiram, his hand -tangled in the trolling line, had been pulled clear -over the end of the yawl. His startled comrades -saw him disappear, and strove staunchly to put -the boat about. As the craft half turned, there -was a shock and a crash.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A giant fish, perhaps a shark, had struck the -boat amidships. The craft was splintered in half -as quick as a flash. The next minute the young -aviator and his companion were struggling in the -water.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The big marine monster had apparently gone -straight on its way in pursuit of a disappearing -phosphorescent mass. Dave grabbed out at the -one floating half of the wrecked yawl.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“This way—Hiram! Elmer!” he shouted at -the top of his voice.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’m here,” panted Elmer, as he reached -Dave’s side and grasped the edge of the floating -wreck.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Where’s Hiram?”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='170' id='Page_170'></span>“U-um! Thunder!” puffed the individual in -question. “I’m safe, but my big catch got away, -line and all.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Never mind that now,” replied Dave. -“We’re in a serious fix, fellows.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And all the fish in the boat gone, too,” -mourned Hiram, dolefully.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“See here, both of you,” ordered Dave, decisively, -“don’t waste any time. We don’t know -what kind of danger hovers about us. Yell!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Good and loud!” agreed Hiram, letting out -a terrific warwhoop. The others chorused in. -Dave believed that their forlorn hail might have -some effect.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“They’ve heard us,” cried Hiram, joyfully.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, here she comes,” added Elmer, in a relieved -tone.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The searchlight on the <i>Albatross</i> was suddenly -shifted. Its broad, groping rays were focussed on -the sea, searching for the castaways. The glowing -pencils of light came nearer and nearer. Finally -the full dazzling gleam swept the wreck and those -clinging to it, and rested on it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“They have seen us,” declared the young -aviator, as the searchlight maintained a full focus -directly upon them.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And what next?” inquired Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We will have to wait and see,” replied Dave.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='171' id='Page_171'></span>Relief and rescue came almost magically quick. -The larger yawl of the <i>Albatross</i> glided across the -broad path of light, the veteran airman, the anxious -Grimshaw and two others its occupants.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“This ends all experiments in the fishing line,” -declared Mr. King. “It is a wonder some of -those sharks did not attack you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The searchlight probably scared them away,” -suggested Grimshaw.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The adventure furnished a fruitful theme for -discussion when the boys were once more back in -the comfortable cabin of the airship. Hiram, -however, continued to expatiate on his great catch -and greater loss.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’ll bet it was a dolphin pulled me out of the -boat,” he declared. “Just think of it, fellows—catching -a dolphin! That’s something to brag -about.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>A storm set in within the hour and the <i>Albatross</i> -speedily sought a higher level. All the boys knew -about it was what Mr. King told them the next -morning. The pleasing swaying motion of the -giant craft had lulled them to sound and refreshing -slumber.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was again after dark the next evening when -the cook came into the cabin, and looked at Mr. -King in a manner that made the airman inquire -curiously:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s on your mind, Demys?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, I found a window broken in the room -just beyond the larder,” reported the cook.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='172' id='Page_172'></span>“Hailstone, maybe,” said Mr. King, casually; -“you know we had some last night.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, I know that,” replied the man. “Later -to-day I noticed two more panes of glass cracked -right across.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Perhaps the big strain of the wind in the -storm last night weakened them,” suggested the -airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Maybe,” assented the cook, vaguely. -“Funny thing, though. I set a pan of beans in -the room to cool before supper. When I went -after them just now I found nearly half of them -gone.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Is that so, now?” questioned Mr. King, beginning -to get interested.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Say, don’t you suppose it was rats?” propounded -the quick-thinking Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“No, sir!” declared the cook definitely. “I -have never noticed a trace of rats in the <i>Albatross</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then I’ll bet it’s another stowaway—say, -just like Elmer here was.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>All hands laughed abruptly at this unique piece -of guesswork.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I reckon I was the only intruder aboard, -Hiram,” remarked Elmer, good-naturedly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, the beans are gone and somebody ate -them,” said the cook. “It couldn’t be anybody -of the crew, for no one has passed through the -galley but myself, and the room I speak of is -beyond it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='173' id='Page_173'></span>“Suppose we investigate?” suggested the -young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s it,” agreed the impetuous Hiram. -“Come on, fellows.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>All hands followed the cook to his quarters. -They inspected the galley and then entered the -room beyond it. Sure enough, there was the -dish of beans, nearly half its original contents -missing.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram and Elmer explored every nook and -corner of the place where there was the least opportunity -for a stowaway to hide. Their search -was without results.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s certainly something of a mystery,” decided -the young aviator. “Those cracked windows, -too. Why,” he added, examining them -closely, “it looks as though some one had deliberately -hammered on them until they gave way, -as you see.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>There was another sensation the next evening. -The cook came rushing into the cabin. Mr. -King happened to be on hand.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I’m getting superstitious and scared,” declared -the cook.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s up now?” interrogated the airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Enough for anybody’s nerves,” reported the -man. “Sounds, scrapings, sort of low groans. -I’m beginning to believe the airship is haunted.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='174' id='Page_174'></span>“Nonsense!” said Mr. King. “When did -you hear these strange noises you describe?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Just now. See here, some of you come with -me and see if you can figure this thing out.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The boys were ready enough for the investigation. -The cook led them to the galley, and they -sat down as he put out all the lights.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Now keep perfectly quiet and listen patiently,” -directed the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There’s something,” spoke Hiram in a -hoarse whisper, as a queer cooing sound came -from the watched room. “Gently, now,” he -added and crept through the doorway.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There was a fluttering sound. Dave traced -it to a corner of the room where there were some -boxes. The noise came from behind them. -He groped with his hand, and his fingers finally -grazed a feathery, shrinking object.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Flare a light,” he called out instantly. “I’ve -caught the stowaway.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Who is it? what is it?” cried Hiram, rushing -forward as the electric lights were turned -on.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, it’s a bird—a pigeon,” announced -Dave, dragging into view a ruffled, timid dove. -“Here’s your mystery explained. The bird must -have been driven through the broken window -during that storm the other night. The poor -<span class='pageno' title='175' id='Page_175'></span>thing was famished and ate the beans. Then it -cracked the window panes trying to get out -again.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You’ve got it, Dave,” declared Hiram, -“only, say, what is that fastened under its -wing?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, sure enough,” said Dave, observing -what looked like an oilskin package fastened -with silk cord under the wing of the bird. “Fellows, -this must be a carrier dove. We must see -Mr. King about this.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The airman inspected the oilskin package. He -read a written enclosure it contained.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“This is a trained passenger pigeon,” he said. -“Started from Rio de Janeiro and carrying a -message to its former home in Washington. -Feed up the bird, boys, and we’ll send the brave -little thing again on its journey.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The next morning when the carrier pigeon was -set free, started landwards, it bore a second message. -This told the world that the giant airship -was eight hundred miles on its trip across the -broad Atlantic.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='176' id='Page_176'></span> - <h2 id='chapXXII' class='c011'>CHAPTER XXII<br /> <br />FIRE AT SEA</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“Well, Dave, they stole a march on us last -night.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How is that, Hiram?” questioned the young -aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Landed. Yes, sir, the <i>Albatross</i> made a -landing about midnight on the beach of some -island—Bermuda or Bahama, or something like -that. Last point of land this side of Europe, the -professor says. Took on a fresh supply of water. -Mr. King visited the town nearby and got some -papers, and sent a message to the aero association.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Hiram had just come from the cabin, preceding -his comrade in waking up by a few minutes. -When the two friends went to the cabin they -found young Brackett waiting to take breakfast -with them.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A few days had made a marked change in the -new passenger of the <i>Albatross</i>. Everybody was -pleasant and encouraging to him. He had become -greatly interested in the workings of the -<span class='pageno' title='177' id='Page_177'></span>airship. Dave had suggested to him that, owing -to the fact that his father was a foremost manufacturer -in the aeroplane line, he had a splendid -opportunity to begin business life in the same -field.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Albatross</i> had started out on its real voyage -in fine shape, weather conditions being perfect. -So far, except for the adventure among -the mountain men of North Carolina, not one -adverse incident had marred the flight.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The three friends chatted and joked buoyantly -while dispatching their appetizing meal. Young -Brackett had picked up one of the newspapers -brought to the airship from the island just after -midnight. He was looking it over casually, when -he uttered a quick cry as of startled amazement.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It’s not true!” he almost shouted, and he -brought his fist down upon the table to emphasize -the remark with such force that the dishes -rattled.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s not true, Brackett?” inquired the -young aviator, in some surprise.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Listen!” called out the lad in considerable -excitement, and then he read from the newspaper:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Another red, white and blue float was picked -up three hundred miles from land by the steamer -<i>Royale</i>. It proved to contain a dispatch with the -readings: ‘Aug. 21, altitude one thousand feet, -<span class='pageno' title='178' id='Page_178'></span>course due east, making splendid time. Airship -<i>Dictator</i>: Signed, Roger Davidson, Perry Dawson, -on board.’”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That sounds like business,” exclaimed -Hiram. “The twenty-first. That’s the day we -started. They were forty-eight hours ahead of -us.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Not true!” again declared young Brackett, -sharply.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You mean?” asked Dave, in wonder.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Davidson and Dawson are not aboard of the -<i>Dictator</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, pshaw, now how can you say that,” -challenged the impetuous Hiram, “when here is -the clear evidence?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You seem to know something we don’t -know,” remarked Dave, with a close glance at -Brackett. “The public prints announced that -Davidson and Dawson started with the <i>Dictator</i> -on the trip across the Atlantic on the afternoon -of the nineteenth.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“They did,” nodded Brackett. “I saw them. -But they came back.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What’s that?” cried Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, they did.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“In the <i>Dictator</i>?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, no, and that’s the queer part of it. They -may have lost their nerve—it looks that way. -They may have hired someone else to take the -<span class='pageno' title='179' id='Page_179'></span>risk of the trip. Anyhow, they got out of the -<i>Dictator</i> after leaving Senca, and came back there -at midnight. I slept that night in the place where -they had built the <i>Dictator</i>. I saw them come, -I saw them go away.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Brackett, you astonish me,” said Dave, -bluntly. “Are you sure of what you say?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Perfectly,” declared the lad, with positiveness. -“Davidson and Dawson came secretly to -the old aerodrome. They had a big automobile, -and loaded into it a long box. Both were disguised, -and I recognized them only by their -voices. I heard them speak of getting to the -steamer. How to explain these dispatches, apparently -dropped from the <i>Dictator</i> into the -ocean, I don’t know. I’ve only told you what I -do know.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Mr. King must know of this,” said Dave, -thoughtfully.</p> - -<p class='c013'>No plausible solution of the tangle was arrived -at, however. Amid the sheer exhilaration and -activity of their own superb flight, the crew of -the <i>Albatross</i> soon forgot the incident surrounding -the rival airship with new mystery.</p> - -<p class='c013'>For two days and nights the giant airship made -an even, steady run, true as a needle to a set -course. There was a slight mist over the waters -the next evening. So fair and promising was the -weather, that Professor Leblance had deviated -<span class='pageno' title='180' id='Page_180'></span>from the route he had first laid out. He had -made an aerial short cut. The result was that -they were somewhat out of the regular path of -ocean travelers.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was always a pleasure for the boys to watch -out nights for the steamers far beneath them. -That night, Grimshaw, seated at one of the windows, -remarked in his usual laconic way:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Light ahoy!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Where away?” chirped the active Hiram, -who was priding himself on becoming quite -nautical.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Just ahead, somewhat to the southeast.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I see it,” said the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“So do I,” joined in Hiram. “Why, say,” -he added, excitedly a minute or two later, “that’s -no light. It’s a fire.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>As they progressed and the radiance became -plainer, all hands decided that Hiram was right. -Nearer and nearer they came to the growing -light. Flames became visible, then the fire -fringed the outlines of hull and rigging.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave ran to the pilot room and quickly advised -Mr. King of the circumstance. Professor Leblance -was summoned from the engine room.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Slow down and focus the searchlight on the -ship,” he ordered.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='181' id='Page_181'></span>This was done. It was a vivid and exciting -scene. The great fingers of radiance went groping -all about the craft. No one seemed aboard. -No one seemed struggling in the waves about the -ship.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Fast to its stern, however, by a long cable and -thus held in position, was a rude raft. The -searchlight showed a man standing upon this and -viewing the blazing ship. At his feet, covered -over with a tarpaulin, there seemed to be another -human form.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We cannot leave those people to their fate,” -said the Professor. “Mr. King, we will drop -the floats and stop, while you and the boys take -the emergency yawl and go after whoever may be -aboard of that raft.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Albatross</i> rested its floats lightly upon the -water and skimmed it slowly at an even height, -like the royal bird after which it was named.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The handling of the yawl was of a piece with -the operation of all the perfect utilities of the -airship. The three boys took the oars and the -airman acted as pilot.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Just as they got near to the raft they saw the -man standing upright upon it, sever the cable -holding it to the burning ship. The heat from -the flames had evidently become too intense for -him to bear. Then he posed in an attitude of -suspense and eagerness, a wiry, keen-eyed little -man. He had a long, oval metal box strapped -across his shoulder, and was dripping wet.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='182' id='Page_182'></span>“Good for you!” he hailed, as the airman -grappled the raft with a boathook.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Ship caught fire, did it?” remarked Mr. -King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“No, I set it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The yawl crew stared almost unbelievingly at -the man as he made this statement, but he went -on calmly:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I had to. She’s water logged, and bound to -sink the first capful of breeze that hits her.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Where are the passengers and crew?” asked -the airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Abandoned her early this morning. I was -down in the cabin getting this”—and the speaker -tapped the tin box as though it contained something -precious. “They missed me, and were -away in the boat before I knew it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“But the fire?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I made this raft ready against the ship scuttling. -Thought I’d fire the ship for a signal for -help. You see it did some good.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, get aboard,” ordered the airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What about him?” inquired the shipwrecked -man, and he pointed to the tarpaulin on the raft.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Someone there?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Who is it?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“A man I rescued not an hour ago. He lay -across a wooden grating, floating along past the -ship. His head is bleeding, and he is unconscious.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='183' id='Page_183'></span>Mr. King directed Dave and Hiram to assist -in lifting the insensible man to the yawl. The -latter was limp and lifeless as some water logged -rat. They placed him in the bottom of the yawl -and resumed their oars.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“See here,” spoke the man with the tin box, -“the best you can do for me is a sky sailor, is -it?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That, or nothing,” replied the airman.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Where are you bound for?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Across the Atlantic, for Europe.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I knew it would come some day,” observed -the rescued man quite coolly. “You see, I’m an -inventor myself. I’ve got in that tin box patents -for a new kind of color photography that will -make me millions. I’m not altogether poor just -now, either, and if you set me and my patents -safe on <i>terra firma</i> almost anywhere, I’ll pay a -handsome reckoning.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Within the hour the rescued men were hoisted -safely into the airship and the yawl replaced in -position. The unconscious man had been carried -into one of the staterooms. Professor Leblance -had quite a smattering of medicine. He examined -the patient, prepared some remedies -from a medicine chest the craft carried, and came -into the cabin to report to Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='184' id='Page_184'></span>“A very sick man. What water and exposure -have not done, a bad cut on the head has. He is -delirious and in a weak and feverish condition. -I would suggest that you in the cabin here take -turns in caring for him.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>All hands were agreeable to this. In the excitement -and bustle of the rescue, Dave and the -others had not particularly noticed the sufferer. -Dave had scarcely entered the place where the -patient lay, however, with Hiram, when he gave -a great start. He stood with his eyes fixed on the -man, as he spoke hurriedly to his comrade.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Go to Mr. King and tell him to come here -at once.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What is it, Dashaway?” inquired the airman, -appearing a few minutes later.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Look, Mr. King,” said the young aviator, -pointing to the prostrate man; “who is he?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Impossible!” ejaculated Mr. King, starting -back. “Why, it’s Roger Davidson!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>There was no doubt of the fact. In turn Grimshaw, -young Brackett and even Hiram confirmed -the identification.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Here’s a new mystery for you,” admitted Mr. -King, coming into the cabin an hour later. “The -clothes that man wore show little adaptability -to airship work. In one of his pockets I found -the main stub of a steamship ticket. He never -fell from any airship. I can account for his extraordinary -appearance upon the scene in one way -only.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='185' id='Page_185'></span>“And that?” questioned Mr. Dale.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Is that he was lost off some ocean steamer. -One thing certain—the <i>Dictator</i> never started -across the Atlantic with this man in charge.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>For three days Davidson lay insensible most of -the time. Meanwhile the <i>Albatross</i> coursed its -way without accident or delay. All hands were -delighted over the success thus far of their -wonderful enterprise. They passed the three-quarters -distance mark with every prospect of -reaching goal in splendid trim.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was a cool, cloudy and misty night, and both -the professor and airman were on close guard on -account of the changed weather conditions. The -boys were reading in the cozy cabin. Grimshaw -and Mr. Dale had gone to bed, and everything -seemed proceeding smoothly in engine and pilot -rooms. Finally Hiram looked up from his book.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We are surely going to make it,” he remarked. -“The professor says that it will be a -clean shoot ahead for land first thing in the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I can hardly realize that there is every chance -of reaching the goal and winning the prize,” observed -the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Say, what was that?” abruptly interjected -young Brackett.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='186' id='Page_186'></span>There had come a sudden shock. It resembled -a wrench, a shiver; as if some vital part of the -giant mechanism had met with disaster.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Something wrong!” cried Dave, springing to -his feet.</p> - -<p class='c013'>At that moment a blood-curdling yell echoed -through the airship.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='187' id='Page_187'></span> - <h2 id='chapXXIII' class='c011'>CHAPTER XXIII<br /> <br />THE FORLORN HOPE</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>Hiram and Brackett joined the young aviator -in a rush for the passageway leading to the pilot -room. It was from that direction that the cry -had echoed.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A sharp, double danger signal rang out from -the engine room. There were sounds of distant -shouts. The yell was repeated. Some keen intuition -drove Dave to the stateroom which had -served as invalid ward for the man rescued from -the raft.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hiram,” cried the young aviator, “Davidson -is gone!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, it can’t be! Say—whew! suppose he’s -gone wild, and is rambling all over the ship among -that machinery!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Snap—crack! Following upon the echoes of -that second terrific cry, a disturbing thing had -happened—every electric light in the <i>Albatross</i> -went out!</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='188' id='Page_188'></span>To add to the confusion and terror of the -moment, in the direction of the engine room there -rang out a thumping, crashing sound, as if some -disjointed part of the machinery was beating -things to pieces like a steel flail.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Stand still,” ordered Dave, sharply, “don’t -try to grope about in the dark. It’s no use.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The young aviator felt his way out into a corridor -leading to the supply room. It was a fortunate -thing that he had familiarized himself with -everything about the place. Dave located a certain -cabinet, and opening one of its drawers, took -out what he was after—an armful of electric hand -lights carrying their own batteries.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Here, Hiram, Brackett,” he called, flashing -one of the tubes. “Take some of these. Follow -me. I don’t know that the people in the engine -rooms have any way of getting a light. Let us -hurry to them.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Hold on!” shouted a new voice, and Grimshaw -bolted upon the scene. “What’s the -trouble?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We don’t know, but something pretty serious, -I imagine,” replied Dave, quickly. “Take these.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>He furnished Grimshaw with two of the electric -tubes. Then Dave led the way to the pilot room. -He found Mr. King lighting matches to get some -kind of illumination, and as ignorant themselves -as to the condition of affairs. The aviator at once -led a rush in the direction of the engine room. -They arrived at the ante-chamber leading to it to -come upon a stirring scene.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='189' id='Page_189'></span>A small hand lamp only illuminated the apartment. -It contained four men, the professor, two -of his assistants, and these latter were holding to -the floor and battling with and binding hand and -foot a wild, struggling maniac—Roger Davidson.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“He got loose!” cried the aviator, at once -reading the situation.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And in his frenzy has done terrible damage to -the <i>Albatross</i>,” exclaimed Professor Leblance, -pale, disturbed and anxious-faced. “It is very -serious, I fear. Get him away to the cabin as -speedily as you can, and watch him every minute. -You, Mr. King, resume your post at the pilot -table. Dashaway, hurry all the spare light tubes -here.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>There was a shivery, uncertain wobble to the -giant airship now. The prodigious construction -resembled some monster machine that had received -a vital wound. Dave hastened on his mission. -As he returned to the engine room he passed -Hiram, Brackett and one of the assistants, carrying -Davidson back to the stateroom.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Mr. King was at his post at the pilot table, and -looked worried and helpless. The electric apparatus -of the airship having been destroyed, he -could only sit and use the speaking tubes.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='190' id='Page_190'></span>Dave found the engine room in hideous disorder. -The engine was not in operation, and -parts of it were all out of order. The professor -and his men were getting a reserve engine in -shape. For over an hour, silently, and deeply engrossed -in all that was going on, the young aviator -placed the light tubes as directed, and brought -this and that tool and machine-fitting to the workmen -as Professor Leblance ordered.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave saw the new engine started up. The professor -held a long, whispered conversation with -one of his men. Then he beckoned to Dave and -led the way to the pilot room.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The Frenchman sank into a chair there, his face -gray and careworn. They were three anxious -ones. Leblance passed his hand over his eyes -wearily, as if he had gone through a terrible -ordeal.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well?” said the aviator simply.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That maniac threw an iron bar into the -machinery. He has ruined everything,” announced -Leblance.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“But the new engine?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Can only operate the rudder control. The -entire mechanism is practically destroyed, my -friends. I must not conceal from you that the -situation is desperate, dangerous, almost hopeless!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“But we are still running, Professor?” submitted -the aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='191' id='Page_191'></span>“With one forlorn hope in view.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Of reaching the end of our voyage?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That we can never hope for,” declared the -Frenchman, in a gloomy tone.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Then—what?” bluntly demanded the aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Leblance arose to his feet, running one hand -over his eyes with a swift movement as if to restore -impaired vision or brush away tears. He -proceeded to a map attached to the wall just above -the pilot table. His fingers traced the course already -traversed by the <i>Albatross</i>.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We are here,” he said, halting the faltering -index. “Ahead, observe, is an island. It is two -hundred miles southwest of the coast of France. -We may possibly reach it by exhausting every -utility we possess. If we do not, within the next -forty-eight hours——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The professor shrugged his shoulders slowly, -sadly this time. An expression of ineffable -solemnity crossed his noble face.</p> - -<p class='c013'>He pointed down as if indicating unknown -depths waiting to swallow them up. Then he -again ran his finger across the map, pausing at that -little dark speck that marked the island.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“A change of wind,” he said, “a single break -in the apparatus, a trifling leak, and we are at the -mercy of the mishap of our lives! That island—it -is our last forlorn hope!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='192' id='Page_192'></span> - <h2 id='chapXXIV' class='c011'>CHAPTER XXIV<br /> <br />GOAL!</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“It’s too bad,” said Hiram, and the young -aviator’s assistant was very nearly at the point of -tears.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We can only make the best of it,” returned -Dave, trying to be philosophical. “At any rate, -we made a grand run.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Yes, it’s something to beat the world’s record, -even half the way,” agreed Hiram. “But think -of it—only for that awful break of Davidson we’d -have won the day!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The two young airmen sat outside of a wretched -little hotel, a part of a remote fishing town on the -island that had been “the forlorn hope” of the -<i>Albatross</i>. The giant airship had succeeded in -reaching it.</p> - -<p class='c013'>As Dave sat rather gloomily reviewing experience -and prospects, he could not help but think of -the past two nights and a day with a thrill. That -had been a desperate, hair-breadth dash of the -crippled airship. Without knowing all the technical -details of their situation, Dave had read from -the tireless, feverish actions of Professor Leblance, -that he was rushing the <i>Albatross</i> under a -fearful strain of risk and suspense, momentarily -dreading a new and final disaster.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='193' id='Page_193'></span>Before daylight, with a flabby gas bag and with -the reserve engine barely able to work the propellers, -the <i>Albatross</i> had settled down on a desolate -stretch of beach, practically a wreck.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The mechanism has played out completely,” -Leblance had asserted. “According to the regulations -of the international society, the flight must -end on the French or English mainland. We are -two hundred miles short. We might as well be -two thousand.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Is there no possible chance of getting new machinery, -of making temporary repairs that will -tide us over?” suggested Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Impossible, under days, even weeks,” replied -the Frenchman. “On the rule schedule a stay at -any point over twelve hours cancels the right of -entry.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was, indeed, too bad—so near to success, so -very close to goal! A profound gloom had spread -over every member of the airship crowd. The -islanders had viewed the strange craft with excited -curiosity at first, and had then gone back to -their fishing. Davidson had been removed to a -room at the little hotel, young Brackett in charge -as his nurse, and all the others had taken up their -quarters as well.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='194' id='Page_194'></span>The young aviator and his comrade had been -discussing the situation seated on an overturned -boat. Hiram at length arose with a dreary kind -of sigh and strolled aimlessly back towards the -hotel. Dave sat thinking deeply. He started -up, however, as he saw Brackett coming towards -him.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Dashaway,” he said quite excitedly, “I’ve -got to get back to my charge, don’t dare to leave -him alone, you know but I wanted you to read -something,” and the speaker extended some -folded sheets of paper.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, what is this?” inquired the young -aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You know I understand shorthand—humph! -it’s about all I am good for, I reckon,” added -Elmer, in his usual deprecating way. “Well, for -the past hour or two my patient has been saying -some strange things.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“What about?” asked Dave—“the <i>Dictator</i> -and Jerry Dawson, I suppose?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You’ve guessed it. I’ve written out his -ramblings in long hand. I fancy your quick mind -will weave a pretty startling story out of it all.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There’s the professor,” said Dave abruptly, -“I’ll read your notes later, Brackett,” and he -thrust the sheets into his pocket, and started towards -the beach as he saw Professor Leblance -leave the hotel, bound in the same direction.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='195' id='Page_195'></span>The failure of the ambitious Frenchman had almost -crushed him. Dave felt sorry for him as he -noted the drooping head and dejected manner of -the scientist. He did not approach him closely, -but followed him at a distance. As they rounded -some rocks the <i>Albatross</i> came into full view.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Professor Leblance, walking slowly, gazed -with sadness upon the inert monster of the air. -Then he looked up at a hail. A fisherman was -running towards him. Dave noticed the professor -brace up magically at the first words of the -native. The latter pointed to the air and the sea. -His pantomime was expressive and energetic.</p> - -<p class='c013'>There came a sudden blast of wind, and then -Dave understood. He noticed the professor start -on a keen run for the <i>Albatross</i>. He was up the -trailing rope ladder sprightly as a lad, shouting -some orders to the fisherman, who ran towards -the guy cable attached to a great tree trunk.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“It can’t be possible,” almost gasped the -startled young airman, “that Professor Leblance -is thinking of trusting to the wind alone to finish -the flight. It’s true! I won’t be left behind!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave caught at the ladder just as the propeller -began to whir. By the time he was in the cabin -the earth was fading away. He threaded the corridors -in the direction of the engine room.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Dashaway!” shouted the professor in amazement, -as the young airman burst in upon him.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='196' id='Page_196'></span>“Yes, Professor, I am here,” said Dave. -“You are going to make a try to reach the mainland? -I am with you.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>There was no time for compliments, explanations -or delay. In two minutes’ time the professor -had made his assistant aware of what was -required of him. Practically only as a balloon -could the <i>Albatross</i> now act, and only provided -the strong wind maintained in precisely the direction -it was now set.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“See, my friend,” spoke Leblance, eagerly, -“we have no control whatever over the planes. -The steering apparatus, too, is useless. The engine -will barely take care of the propellers. If -you know how to operate them, take my seat here. -Keep the rudder locked firm. That is all we can -do. For the rest—it is a risk, a perilous risk.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Anything to get there!” cried Dave; and -then the professor left him alone.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The <i>Albatross</i> had risen to a good altitude at -her first spurt. She drove with the wind at a -wonderful rate of speed. At the end of an hour, -however, the young aviator noticed a gradual -drop. The buoyancy of the gas bag was lessening.</p> - -<p class='c013'>After that Dave heard the professor working -with tools below the cabin. He was quite startled -as there was a jerk. Then he saw first one and -then the other of the aeroplane attachments go -hurtling down to the water, engulfed by the ocean.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='197' id='Page_197'></span>Relieved of such an incubus the airship regained -a higher level. Two hours went by, then -three. The professor appeared in a great state -of excitement and hopefulness.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“She’s dropping again, but don’t let up for an -instant,” he ordered. “I see the land ahead—two -hours more, and we’ve made it.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Will the gas last?” inquired the young -aviator, seriously.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I am about to free our final reserve—one -tank. That will do for a spell. Then—if I -have to explode the balloonets into the main gas -chamber, we must keep aloft till we are over -land.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Up—down—up—down—that was the progress -for the next two hours. Once it was nearly -a volplane drift, and the dauntless young pilot -of the <i>Albatross</i> fancied they were headed for a -dive straight into the ocean’s depths.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A final rise, and Dave’s heart cheered as he -saw land not two miles distant. Professor Leblance -rushed into the engine room.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Drift!” he ordered—“let her drop as she -likes now—we have arrived!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The brave old scientist tottered from excitement -and exhaustion as he spoke. A great, thrilling -cheer seemed to lift from the lips of the young -aviator, and ten minutes later the <i>Albatross</i>, a -wobbling, flabby, weather-worn wreck, landed on -a great dock in the sight of waiting thousands.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='198' id='Page_198'></span>“Boy,” spoke Professor Leblance, in a ringing -tone and with sparkling eyes, “we have reached -goal! The giant airship has crossed the Atlantic!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='199' id='Page_199'></span> - <h2 id='chapXXV' class='c011'>CHAPTER XXV<br /> <br />CONCLUSION</h2> -</div> -<p class='c012'>“This is Professor Leblance, I believe? We -have been expecting you, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And this is my friend and co-worker, David -Dashaway,” spoke the French scientist, proudly.</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was thirty-six hours after the giant airship -had landed on French soil. Within that space of -time rapid and interesting events had been -crowded into the experience of the young American -aviator.</p> - -<p class='c013'>At once after the landing, the professor had -sought out the nearest resident representative of -the French Aero Association. This individual -had officially verified the arrival of the <i>Albatross</i>. -Armed with the necessary credentials, Leblance -and his young assistant had started at once for -London.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Their destination, now reached, was the International -Aero Institute, with whom trans-Atlantic -negotiations had been made before the <i>Albatross</i> -started on its trip. The French official had wired -about the coming of the distinguished visitors.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='200' id='Page_200'></span>Now Dave Dashaway, like the professor, arrayed -in a handsome new suit of clothes, stood in -the office of one of the most noted organizations -in the aero world.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The first flush of the recent triumph still dwelt -with Dave. Then there flashed over his mind the -marvelous contrast between the present moment -and less than six months previous. Then he had -been the obscure down-trodden ward of a cruel -guardian. Now through a mist of grateful tears -the young aviator thought tenderly of the right -royal friends who had assisted in crossing the Atlantic -in the giant airship and who had loyally -helped him to become the honored guest of men -famous the world over for science and intelligent -adventure.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The secretary of the club who had greeted them -stood aside with a courteous bow to usher them -into the reception room of the club. As he did -so he said:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“We are proud to greet you, Professor. Your -exploit will live in history, notwithstanding that -you are second in the remarkable feat of crossing -the Atlantic in an airship.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>The sensitive Frenchman recoiled as though -dealt a blow.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“How?” he cried sharply. “Second? what -does this mean?”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='201' id='Page_201'></span>“You had not heard? Ah, yes, the <i>Dictator</i>, -pilot J. E. Dawson, landed near Plymouth day before -yesterday. After a terrible trip, clinging -to the mere rag of a gas bag, Dawson was found -nearly drowned on the seashore.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Professor Leblance sank to a chair stupefied. -He stared like a man stunned into vacancy. He -was completely overcome.</p> - -<p class='c013'>A strange expression crossed the face of the -young aviator. Impulsively his hand went to a -certain document that Elmer Brackett had given -him two days before. His eye grew more steady, -his lips more firm.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Will you kindly give me a few details of the -<i>Dictator</i> flight,” he requested, “while Professor -Leblance recovers from his surprise?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>It was a brief story. The red, white and blue -gas bag had landed near Plymouth. The daring -pilot was discovered clinging to it, drenched to -the skin. He had been feted, honored, brought -to London. He was even now in the next room, -relating his wonderful adventures to the president -and directors of the club.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Come, Professor Leblance,” said Dave, in a -clear, steady tone, “I have something to say to -this wonderful J. E. Dawson.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Professor Leblance and Mr. Dashaway, of -the <i>Albatross</i>,” introduced the secretary, a minute -later.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='202' id='Page_202'></span>Lolling in a luxurious armchair in the midst of -some braggadocio recital, with a startled jerk -Jerry Dawson came upright as though electrified.</p> - -<p class='c013'>The eye of the young aviator rested upon him -with a fixedness that made him squirm.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Happy to meet you, Professor Leblance,” -greeted the club official. “You share a most -glorious exploit with our guest.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“One word first,” interrupted Dave, amazed -at his own firmness of voice and nerve. “So -there may be no later misunderstanding, does -that young man, whom I recognize as a Mr. Dawson, -claim to have arrived first in the race across -the Atlantic?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Most assuredly,” responded the club president.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“His claim is unfounded,” declared the young -aviator in a calm, even tone, but with great positiveness. -“He is an adventurer, a fraud. He -crossed the Atlantic on the steamer <i>Alsatia</i>. The -balloon found on the Plymouth coast is a duplicate -of the <i>Dictator</i> which he brought along with -him, and the original <i>Dictator</i>, after a brief land -run, was purposely burned up fifty miles from -New York city.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Who says so?” shouted Jerry Dawson, getting -excitedly to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Roger Davidson,” replied the young aviator, -simply.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='203' id='Page_203'></span>Jerry Dawson grew white to the lips. He foresaw -the losing game, but still he blurted out:</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The proofs?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Gentlemen,” said Dave, “a cablegram will -serve to order an investigation of the ashes of the -<i>Dictator</i>. A living witness as to the shipboard experience -of this young romancer can be brought -to London as soon as our friends are reached.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why, if this is true, the club will be the laughing -stock of the world,” observed the president, -bending a dark look on Jerry.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I—I think I’ll go and consult a lawyer about -this insulting charge,” ventured Jerry. “Let me -out.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“No, we will kick you out, if this is all true!” -shouted an angry director.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“You will remain here,” said the president, -firmly. “Your story, sir, the truthful one; or we -shall hold you criminally for false representation.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>Jerry was scared. Dave’s resolute face -daunted him most of all. He trembled and -shivered. By degrees he confessed. He was taken -to the office of the club to furnish a signed -statement. Then he was turned loose on the -streets of London—exit ingloriously Jerry Dawson!</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='204' id='Page_204'></span>The invalid wanderings of Davidson had supplied -his nurse, Elmer Brackett, with a pretty -clear history of the plot to impose a duplicate -<i>Dictator</i> on the public. While under the influence -of a drug, Davidson had fallen from the -steamer, and Jerry had thrown a grating after -him. Perhaps the hope of securing all the international -prize money for himself, had led Jerry -to say nothing further about the accident.</p> -<hr class='c014' /> -<p class='c013'>There was a great celebration at a noted London -hotel the week following. The most humble -member of the crew of the <i>Albatross</i> was present.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Money and fame had come to them all. Dave -Dashaway was the central figure with the public. -Professor Leblance seemed to take most pride in -the construction of the <i>Albatross</i>. Young, enterprising, -popular, Dave, as the last man at the -helm of the ill-fated <i>Albatross</i>, was the real hero -of the event.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Well, lads,” said the happy Professor Leblance -across the table to Dave, Hiram and -Elmer, “you have now reached so high a notch -in aeronautic science that you can go no further.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Mistake,” piped up the irrepressible Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, yes, a grave mistake, Professor,” insisted -young Brackett.</p> - -<p class='c013'>Dave Dashaway only smiled.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Come, what’s up with you young people?” -challenged the good-natured Mr. King.</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='205' id='Page_205'></span>“Why,” spoke the young aviator, “when we -go back home, and you have put that promised -quietus on that rascal Vernon, we are going to -Elmer’s father and have him build for us a -magnificent aeroplane that will beat anything ever -before constructed.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“And the purpose?” inquired old Grimshaw, -with a hopeful twinkle in his eye.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Why,” replied Dave, “our idea is to get up -a great international race around the globe.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“That’s it,” jubilated the veteran airman. “I -knew it would be something grand and original.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Canada, Alaska, Siberia, Russia—finishing -where we began,” explained Dave Dashaway.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Can it be done?”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I think so.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“But the danger——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“There was danger in crossing the mighty Atlantic.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“I know that. But to go around the world. -You will meet all sort of strange people and get -in many a tight situation, and——”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“But Dave Dashaway can do it, trust him,” -said Mr. Dale, proudly. “He is the son of his -father—you can trust him.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Oh, you can’t beat Dave,” cried Hiram. -“His enemies have tried it, and failed, every -time.”</p> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' title='206' id='Page_206'></span>So we leave our young airmen, full of ardor -and hope, with their wonderful plans. How the -same were carried out in a most remarkable -aviation exploit, will be told in a succeeding -volume, to be entitled, “Dave Dashaway Around -the World; Or, A Young Yankee Aviator Among -Many Nations.”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Only one Dave Dashaway in this world,” said -Hiram, to young Brackett.</p> - -<p class='c013'>“The best friend I ever had!” murmured the -other. “One boy in a million!”</p> - -<p class='c013'>“Right you are!”</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c015'> - <div>THE END</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE BASEBALL JOE SERIES</span></div> - <div>By LESTER CHADWICK</div> - <div class='c003'><i>12mo. Illustrated. Price 50 cents per volume.</i></div> - <div><i>Postage 10 cents additional.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='figad01' class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/airship_ad1.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='lg-container-b c002'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>1. BASEBALL JOE OF THE SILVER STARS</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Rivals of Riverside</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>2. BASEBALL JOE ON THE SCHOOL NINE</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Pitching for the Blue Banner</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>3. BASEBALL JOE AT YALE</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Pitching for the College Championship</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>4. BASEBALL JOE IN THE CENTRAL LEAGUE</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Making Good as a Professional Pitcher</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>5. BASEBALL JOE IN THE BIG LEAGUE</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or A Young Pitcher’s Hardest Struggles</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>6. BASEBALL JOE ON THE GIANTS</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Making Good as a Twirler in the Metropolis</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>7. BASEBALL JOE IN THE WORLD SERIES</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Pitching for the Championship</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>8. BASEBALL JOE AROUND THE WORLD</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Pitching on a Grand Tour</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>9. BASEBALL JOE: HOME RUN KING</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Greatest Pitcher and Batter on Record</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>10. BASEBALL JOE SAVING THE LEAGUE</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Breaking Up a Great Conspiracy</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>11. BASEBALL JOE CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Bitter Struggles on the Diamond</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>12. BASEBALL JOE CHAMPION OF THE LEAGUE</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Record that was Worth While</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>13. BASEBALL JOE CLUB OWNER</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Putting the Home Town on the Map</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>14. BASEBALL JOE PITCHING WIZARD</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Triumphs Off and On the Diamond</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>Send for Our Free Illustrated Catalogue.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c006' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE JEWEL SERIES</span></div> - <div class='c003'><span class='sc'>By AMES THOMPSON</span></div> - <div class='c003'><i>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in colors</i></div> - <div class='c003'><i>Price per volume, 65 cents</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='figad02' class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/airship_ad2.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<p class='c016'><i>A series of stories brimming with hardy -adventure, vivid and accurate in detail, and -with a good foundation of probability. They -take the reader realistically to the scene of -action. Besides being lively and full of real -situations, they are written in a straightforward -way very attractive to boy readers.</i></p> -<p class='c012'><span class='large'>1. THE ADVENTURE BOYS</span> <span class='fss'>AND THE</span> <span class='large'>VALLEY OF DIAMONDS</span></p> -<p class='c017'>Malcolm Edwards and his son Ralph are adventurers with ample -means for following up their interest in jewel clues. In this book -they form a party of five, including Jimmy Stone and Bret Hartson, -boys of Ralph’s age, and a shrewd level-headed sailor named Stanley -Greene. They find a valley of diamonds in the heart of Africa.</p> -<p class='c017'><span class='large'>2. THE ADVENTURE BOYS</span> <span class='fss'>AND THE</span> <span class='large'>RIVER OF EMERALDS</span></p> -<p class='c017'>The five adventurers, staying at a hotel in San Francisco, find that -Pedro the elevator man has an interesting story of a hidden “river -of emeralds” in Peru, to tell. With him as guide, they set out to find -it, escape various traps set for them by jealous Peruvians, and are -much amused by Pedro all through the experience.</p> -<p class='c017'><span class='large'>3. THE ADVENTURE BOYS</span> <span class='fss'>AND THE</span> <span class='large'>LAGOON OF PEARLS</span></p> -<p class='c017'>This time the group starts out on a cruise simply for pleasure, but -their adventuresome spirits lead them into the thick of things on a -South Sea cannibal island.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><i>Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c006' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, PUBLISHERS New York</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE WEBSTER SERIES</span></div> - <div class='c003'>By FRANK V. WEBSTER</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='figad03' class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/airship_ad3.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<p class='c018'>Mr. WEBSTER’S style is very much like -that of the boys’ favorite author, the late -lamented Horatio Alger, Jr., but his tales are -thoroughly up-to-date.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><i>Cloth. 12mo. Over 200 pages each. Illustrated.</i></div> - <div><i>Stamped in various colors.</i></div> - <div class='c003'><i>Price per volume, 50 cents.</i></div> - <div><i>Postage 10 cents additional.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c002'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Only a Farm Boy</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Dan Hardy’s Rise in Life</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>The Boy from the Ranch</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Roy Bradner’s City Experiences</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>The Young Treasure Hunter</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Fred Stanley’s Trip to Alaska</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>The Boy Pilot of the Lakes</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Nat Morton’s Perils</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Tom the Telephone Boy</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Mystery of a Message</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Bob the Castaway</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Wreck of the Eagle</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>The Newsboy Partners</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Who Was Dick Box?</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Two Boy Gold Miners</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Lost in the Mountains</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>The Young Firemen of Lakeville</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Herbert Dare’s Pluck</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>The Boys of Bellwood School</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Frank Jordan’s Triumph</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Jack the Runaway</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or On the Road with a Circus</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Bob Chester’s Grit</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or From Ranch to Riches</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Airship Andy</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Luck of a Brave Boy</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>High School Rivals</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Fred Markham’s Struggles</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Darry the Life Saver</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Heroes of the Coast</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Dick the Bank Boy</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or A Missing Fortune</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Ben Hardy’s Flying Machine</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Making a Record for Himself</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Harry Watson’s High School Days</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Rivals of Rivertown</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Comrades of the Saddle</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Young Rough Riders of the Plains</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Tom Taylor at West Point</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Old Army Officer’s Secret</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>The Boy Scouts of Lennox</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Hiking Over Big Bear Mountain</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>The Boys of the Wireless</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or a Stirring Rescue from the Deep</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Cowboy Dave</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Round-up at Rolling River</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>Jack of the Pony Express</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Young Rider of the Mountain Trail</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>The Boys of the Battleship</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or For the Honor of Uncle Sam</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c006' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE MOTOR BOYS SERIES</span></div> - <div class='c019'>By <i>Clarence Young</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='figad04' class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/airship_ad4.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>12 mo. illustrated</i></div> - <div><i>Price per volume, 50 cents.</i></div> - <div><i>Postage, extra, 10 cents</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c016'><i>Bright up-to-date stories, full of information -as well as of adventure. Read -the first volume and you will want all -the others written by Mr. Young.</i></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c002'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>1. THE MOTOR BOYS</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Chums through Thick and Thin</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>2. THE MOTOR BOYS OVERLAND</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or A Long Trip for Fun and Fortune</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>3. THE MOTOR BOYS IN MEXICO</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Secret of the Buried City</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>4. THE MOTOR BOYS ACROSS THE PLAINS</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Hermit of Lost Lake</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>5. THE MOTOR BOYS AFLOAT</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Cruise of the Dartaway</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>6. THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE ATLANTIC</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Mystery of the Lighthouse</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>7. THE MOTOR BOYS IN STRANGE WATERS</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Lost in a Floating Forest</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>8. THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE PACIFIC</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Young Derelict Hunters</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>9. THE MOTOR BOYS IN THE CLOUDS</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or A Trip for Fame and Fortune</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>10. THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE ROCKIES</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or A Mystery of the Air</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>11. THE MOTOR BOYS OVER THE OCEAN</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or A Marvelous Rescue in Mid-Air</i></div> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>12. THE MOTOR BOYS ON THE WING</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Seeking the Airship Treasure</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c006' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE BOYS’ OUTING LIBRARY</span></div> - <div class='c003'><i>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full color.</i></div> - <div><i>Price, per volume, 50 cents. Postage 10 cents additional.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='figad05' class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/airship_ad5.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>THE SADDLE BOYS SERIES</span></div> - <div class='line'>By CAPT. JAMES CARSON</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Saddle Boys of the Rockies</div> - <div class='line'>The Saddle Boys in the Grand Canyon</div> - <div class='line'>The Saddle Boys on the Plains</div> - <div class='line'>The Saddle Boys at Circle Ranch</div> - <div class='line'>The Saddle Boys on Mexican Trails</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line c004'><span class='large'>THE DAVE DASHAWAY SERIES</span></div> - <div class='line'>By ROY ROCKWOOD</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Dave Dashaway the Young Aviator</div> - <div class='line'>Dave Dashaway and His Hydroplane</div> - <div class='line'>Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship</div> - <div class='line'>Dave Dashaway Around the World</div> - <div class='line'>Dave Dashaway: Air Champion</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line c004'><span class='large'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES</span></div> - <div class='line'>By ROY ROCKWOOD</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Speedwell Boys on Motorcycles</div> - <div class='line'>The Speedwell Boys and Their Racing Auto</div> - <div class='line'>The Speedwell Boys and Their Power Launch</div> - <div class='line'>The Speedwell Boys in a Submarine</div> - <div class='line'>The Speedwell Boys and Their Ice Racer</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line c004'><span class='large'>THE TOM FAIRFIELD SERIES</span></div> - <div class='line'>By ALLEN CHAPMAN</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Tom Fairfield’s School Days</div> - <div class='line'>Tom Fairfield at Sea</div> - <div class='line'>Tom Fairfield in Camp</div> - <div class='line'>Tom Fairfield’s Pluck and Luck</div> - <div class='line'>Tom Fairfield’s Hunting Trip</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line c004'><span class='large'>THE FRED FENTON ATHLETIC SERIES</span></div> - <div class='line'>By ALLEN CHAPMAN</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Fred Fenton the Pitcher</div> - <div class='line'>Fred Fenton in the Line</div> - <div class='line'>Fred Fenton on the Crew</div> - <div class='line'>Fred Fenton on the Track</div> - <div class='line'>Fred Fenton: Marathon Runner</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>Send for Our Free Illustrated Catalogue.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c006' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE BOY RANCHERS SERIES</span></div> - <div class='c003'>By WILLARD F. BAKER</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='figad06' class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/airship_ad6.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full colors</i></div> - <div class='c003'><i>Price 50 cents per volume.</i></div> - <div><i>Postage 10 cents additional.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'><i>Stories of the great west, with cattle -ranches as a setting, related in such a style -as to captivate the hearts of all boys.</i></p> -<div class='lg-container-b c002'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>1. THE BOY RANCHERS</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Solving the Mystery at Diamond X</i></div> - <div class='line'>Two eastern boys visit their cousin. They</div> - <div class='line'>become involved in an exciting mystery.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>2. THE BOY RANCHERS IN CAMP</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or the Water Fight at Diamond X</i></div> - <div class='line'>Returning for a visit, the two eastern lads learn, with delight,</div> - <div class='line'>that they are to become boy ranchers.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>3. THE BOY RANCHERS ON THE TRAIL</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Diamond X After Cattle Rustlers</i></div> - <div class='line'>Our boy heroes take the trail after Del Pinzo and his outlaws.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>4. THE BOY RANCHERS AMONG THE INDIANS</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Trailing the Yaquis</i></div> - <div class='line'>Rosemary and Floyd are captured by the Yaqui Indians but the</div> - <div class='line'>boy ranchers trailed them into the mountains and effected the</div> - <div class='line'>rescue.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>5. THE BOY RANCHERS AT SPUR CREEK</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Fighting the Sheep Herders</i></div> - <div class='line'>Dangerous struggle against desperadoes for land rights brings</div> - <div class='line'>out heroic adventures.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>6. THE BOY RANCHERS IN THE DESERT</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Diamond X and the Lost Mine</i></div> - <div class='line'>One night a strange old miner almost dead from hunger and</div> - <div class='line'>hardship arrived at the bunk house. The boys cared for him and</div> - <div class='line'>he told them of the lost desert mine.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>7. THE BOY RANCHERS ON ROARING RIVER</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Diamond X and the Chinese Smugglers</i></div> - <div class='line'>The boy ranchers help capture Delton’s gang who were engaged</div> - <div class='line'>in smuggling Chinese across the border.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='large'>8. THE BOY RANCHERS IN DEATH VALLEY</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Diamond X and the Poison Mystery</i></div> - <div class='line'>The Boy Ranchers track Mysterious Death into his cave.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><i>Send for Our Free Illustrated Catalogue.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c006' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c020'> - <div><span class='large'>Transcriber's Notes</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>Punctuation has been standardized. -Minor spelling and typographic errors have been corrected silently, -except as noted below.</p> -<p class='c021'>"some one" and "someone" are used interchangeably throughout the book, -and all occurrences have been left as printed.</p> -<p class='c021'>On the second page (unnumbered), "12" added before "mo. Cloth. Illustrated."</p> -<p class='c021'>"Imposter" left as is on page 6 (instead of being changed to "impostor") -as it was sometimes spelled "imposter" in the time period.</p> -<p class='c021'>Three instances of "stop cock" changed to "stop-cock" to be internally -consistent and consistent with contemporary (1910's) usage.</p> -<p class='c021'>Several instances of "employe" left as is, as it appears that way -three times in the book and was written -that way occasionally in the time period.</p> -<p class='c021'>The word "distinguished" has been changed to "extinguished" on -page 114.</p> -<p class='c021'>On page 117, "a-way" has been left as is, as it appears in -dialectic speech.</p> -<p class='c021'>On page 118, "bulge" has been changed to "budge", as "bulge" doesn't -make sense, even as dialect.</p> -<p class='c021'>One sentence near the bottom of page 134 -("Dave led the way to a thick copse. The woman") -was in the text twice (several paragraphs apart), -and the first instance has been removed.</p> -<p class='c021'>On page 202, "Rodger" has been changed to "Roger" -to be consistent with other usage in the book.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship, by -Roy Rockwood - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP *** - -***** This file should be named 50070-h.htm or 50070-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/0/7/50070/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson, Rick Morris and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -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. 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