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diff --git a/old/10936-h/10936-h.htm b/old/10936-h/10936-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..41e4ef9 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/10936-h/10936-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8855 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=us-ascii"> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Girl Aviators' Motor + Butterfly, by Margaret Burnham. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times;} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 14pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + TD { vertical-align: top; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced; } + .toc { text-indent: 0em; margin-bottom: 0em; text-align: left; } + // --> + </style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's The Girl Aviators' Motor Butterfly, by Margaret Burnham + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Girl Aviators' Motor Butterfly + +Author: Margaret Burnham + +Release Date: February 4, 2004 [EBook #10936] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL AVIATORS' MOTOR BUTTERFLY *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Harry Jones, Lesley Halamek, David Garcia +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +</pre> + + <a name="image-1"><!-- Image 1 --></a> + <center> + <img src="ga01ill.png" height="598" width="400" alt= + "'What are you doing to this child?' demanded Roy indignantly."> + </center> + <h1> + THE GIRL AVIATORS'<br> + MOTOR BUTTERFLY + </h1> + <center> + <b>BY MARGARET BURNHAM</b> + <br> + 1912 + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + AUTHOR OF "THE GIRL AVIATORS AND THE PHANTOM AIRSHIP,"<br> + "THE GIRL AVIATORS ON GOLDEN WINGS,"<br> + "THE GIRL AVIATORS' SKY CRUISE," ETC. + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + <i>WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY<br> + CHARLES L. WRENN</i> + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + CONTENTS + </h2> + <table width="100%" border="0" summary=""> + <tr> + <td width="50%"> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH1">Chapter I. Preparations and Plans.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH2">Chapter II. Off on the Flight.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH3">Chapter III. Little Wren and the + Gipsies.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH4">Chapter IV. The Approach of the + Storm.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH5">Chapter V. Peggy's Thoughtfulness Saves + the Farm.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH6">Chapter VI. The Girl Aviators in Deadly + Peril.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH7">Chapter VII. A Stop for the Night.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH8">Chapter VIII. Roy Makes an Enemy.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH9">Chapter IX. Jimsy Falls Asleep.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH10">Chapter X. Peggy's Intuition.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH11">Chapter XI. A Mean Revenge!</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH12">Chapter XII. The Finding of the + "Butterfly"</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH13">Chapter XIII. Prisoners in the Hut.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH14">Chapter XIV. What's To Be Done with The + Wren?</a> + </p> + </td> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH15">Chapter XV. A Rambunctious Ram.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH16">Chapter XVI. An Invitation to Race.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH17">Chapter XVII. The Twisted Spark + Plug.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH18">Chapter XVIII. In Search of a New + Plug.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH19">Chapter XIX. The Trap.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH20">Chapter XX. An Attack in the Air.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH21">Chapter XXI. Peggy's Splendid Race.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH22">Chapter XXII. Peggy's Generosity.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH23">Chapter XXIII. The Moonshiners and the + Aëroplane.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH24">Chapter XXIV. Mr. Parker's Story.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH25">Chapter XXV. The Wren Disappears.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH26">Chapter XXVI. Captured by Gipsies.</a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#CH27">Chapter XXVII. Deliverance.</a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr> + <h2> + Illustrations + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#image-1">'What are you doing to this child?' + demanded Roy indignantly.</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#image-2">Both girls uttered a cry of terror as the + air craft fell like a stone hurled into space.</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#image-3">'Take me back to earth er I'll shoot,' + said a voice in his ear.</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#image-4">'I'd do anything for you.' said the child, + as she rapidly cut the ropes.</a> + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h1> + The Girl Aviators' Motor Butterfly + </h1> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH1"><!-- CH1 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <h3> + PREPARATIONS AND PLANS. + </h3> + <p> + "It will be another 'sky cruise,' longer and daintier and + lovelier!" exclaimed Jess Bancroft, clapping her hands. + "Peggy, you're nothing if not original." + </p> + <p> + "Well, there are automobile tours and sailing trips, and + driving parties—" "And railroad journeys and mountain + tramps—" interrupted Jess, laughing. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and there are wonderful, long-distance migrations of + birds, so why not a cross-country flight of motor + butterflies?" + </p> + <p> + "It would be splendid fun," agreed Jess eagerly; "we could + take the <i>Golden Butterfly</i> and the <i>Red Dragon</i> + and——" "Don't forget that Bess Marshall has a + small monoplane, too, now. I guess she would go in with us." + </p> + <p> + "Not a doubt of it. Let's go and find the boys and see what + they say to it." + </p> + <p> + "No need to go after them, here they come now." + </p> + <p> + As the golden-haired Peggy spoke, two good-looking youths + came round the corner of the old-fashioned house at Sandy + Bay, Long Island, where the two young Prescotts made their + home with their maiden aunt, Miss Sally Prescott. One of the + lads was Roy Prescott, Peggy's brother, and the other was + Jimsy Bancroft. + </p> + <p> + "Well, girls, what's up now?" inquired Roy, as both girls + sprang to their feet, their faces flushed and eyes shining. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, nothing particular," rejoined Peggy, with assumed + indifference, "except that we've just solved the problem of + what to do with the rest of the summer." + </p> + <p> + "And what's that,—lie in hammocks and indulge in + ice-cream sodas and chocolates?" asked Jimsy mockingly. + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed, you impertinent person; the young lady of the + twentieth century has left all that far behind her," was + Jess's Parthian shot, "for proof I refer you to our + adventures on the Great Alkali." + </p> + <p> + "Hello! what's this?" asked Roy, holding up a dainty + cardboard box, and giving vent to a mischievous smile. + </p> + <p> + "Chocolates!" cried Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "It <i>was</i> chocolates," corrected Peggy reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + "And yet shall be," declared Jimsy, producing from some + mysterious place in a long auto coat another box, beribboned + and decorated like the first. + </p> + <p> + "Jimsy, you're an angel!" cried both girls at once. + </p> + <p> + "So I've been told before," responded the imperturbable + Jimsy, "but I never really believed it till now." + </p> + <p> + Peggy rewarded him for the compliment by popping a chocolate + into his mouth. + </p> + <p> + Gravely munching it, Jimsy proceeded to interrogation. + </p> + <p> + "And how did you solve the problem of what to do with the + rest of the summer?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + For answer Peggy pointed to the sky, a delicate blue dome + flecked with tiny cloudlets like cherub's wings. + </p> + <p> + "By circling way up yonder in the cloudfields," she laughed. + </p> + <p> + "But that's no novelty," objected Roy, "we've been up 5,000 + feet already, and——" "But we're talking about a + tour through cloudland," burst out Jess, unable to retain the + secret any longer, "a sort of Cook's tour above the earth." + </p> + <p> + "Wow!" gasped both boys. "There's nothing slow," added Roy, + "in that or about you two. And, incidentally, just read this + letter I got this morning, or rather I'll read it for you." + </p> + <p> + So saying Roy produced from his coat a letter closely written + in an old-fashioned handwriting. It was as follows: + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + "My Dear Niece and Nephew: No doubt you will be surprised to + hear from your Uncle Jack. Possibly you will hardly recall + him. This has, in a great measure, been his own fault as, + since your poor father's death, I have not paid the attention + I should to my correspondence. + </p> + <p> + "This letter, then, is to offer what compensation lies in my + power for my neglect. Having read in the papers of your + wonderful flying feats in Nevada it struck me that you and + your young friends might like to pay me a 'flying trip,' + making the excursion via aëroplane. + </p> + <p> + "We are to have some flying contests in Marysville during the + latter part of the month, and you might care to participate + in them. Of course I expect your Aunt Sallie to accompany + you. Hoping sincerely to see you, I am + </p> + <p> + <br> + "Your affectionate uncle,<br> + "James Parker.<br> + "Marysville, North Carolina." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + As Roy concluded the reading the quartet of merry youngsters + exchanged delighted glances. As if by magic here was an + objective point descried for their projected motor flight. + </p> + <p> + "Well, that's what I call modern magic," declared Jimsy + glowingly; "consider me as having accepted the invitation." + </p> + <p> + "Accepting likewise for me, of course," said Jess, shaking + her black locks and blinking round, expectant eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Of course," struck in Peggy affectionately, "the Girl + Aviators cannot be parted." + </p> + <p> + Just at this moment came a whirring sound from high in the + air above them. Looking up, they saw a dainty green + monoplane, with widespread wings and whirring propeller, + descending to earth. An instant later the machine had come to + a halt on the lawn, alighting as lightly as wind-blown + gossamer. In the machine was seated a pretty girl of about + Peggy's age, though rather stouter. In harmony with the color + of the machine she drove, the newly arrived girl aviator wore + a green aviation costume, with a close-fitting motor bonnet. + From the beruffled edge of this some golden strands of hair + had escaped, and waved above two laughing blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Hello, people!" she hailed, as the porch party hastily + adjourned and ran to welcome her, "how's that for a novice + only recently out of the Mineola School?" + </p> + <p> + "Bess Marshall, you're a wonder!" cried Peggy, embracing her; + "the <i>Dart</i> is the prettiest little machine I've seen + for a long time." + </p> + <p> + "Isn't it a darling," agreed Bess warmly, "but, my! how I had + to beg and pray dad before he would buy it for me. He said + that no daughter of his should ever go up in an + aëroplane, much less drive one. It wasn't till I got him + down at Mineola and persuaded him to take a ride himself that + he consented to buying me my dear little <i>Dart</i>." + </p> + <p> + She laid one daintily gloved hand on the steering wheel of + the little monoplane and patted it affectionately. + </p> + <p> + "It's pretty enough, but it wouldn't fly very far," commented + Roy teasingly, "sort of aërial taxicab, I'd call it." + </p> + <p> + "Is that so, Mr. Roy Prescott? Well, I'd like you to know + that the <i>Dart</i> could fly just as far and as fast as the + <i>Red Dragon</i> or the <i>Golden Butterfly</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Well, if you wanted to take a trip to North Carolina with us + you'd have an opportunity to test that idea out," laughed + Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "A trip to North Carolina? What do you mean? Are you + dreaming?" + </p> + <p> + "No, not even day-dreaming." + </p> + <p> + Just then Miss Prescott, her gentle face wreathed in smiles, + appeared at the door. + </p> + <p> + "Children! children!" she exclaimed, "what is all this? + Adjourn your discussion for a while and come in and have + tea." + </p> + <p> + While the happy group of young fliers are entering the + pretty, old-fashioned house with its clustering roses and + green-shuttered casements, let us relate a little more about + the young personages to whose enthusiastic talk the reader + has just listened. + </p> + <p> + Roy and Peggy Prescott were orphans living in the care of + their aunt, Miss Prescott, the location of whose home on Long + Island has already been described. At school Roy had imbibed + the aërial fever, and after many vicissitudes had built + a fine monoplane, the <i>Golden Butterfly</i>, with which he + had won a big money prize, besides encountering a series of + extraordinary aërial adventures. In these Peggy + participated, and on more than one occasion was the means of + materially aiding her brother out of difficulties. All this + part of their experiences was related in the first volume of + this series, "The Girl Aviators and the Phantom Airship." + </p> + <p> + In the second volume, "The Girl Aviators on Golden Wings," a + combination of strange circumstances took our friends out to + the Great Alkali of the Nevada desert. Here intrigues + concerning a hidden gold mine provided much excitement and + peril, and the girls proved that, after all, a fellow's + sisters can be splendid companions in fun and hardship. An + exciting race with an express train, and the adventure of the + "Human Coyote," provided stirring times in this story, which + also related the queer antics of Professor Wandering William, + an odd character indeed. Space does not permit to relate + their previous adventures in more detail, but in "The Girl + Aviators' Sky Cruise" still other interesting and unusual + experiences are described,—experiences that tested both + themselves and their machines in endurance flights. + </p> + <p> + Of Roy and Peggy's devoted friends, Jess and Jimsy Bancroft, + it is enough to say that both were children of Mr. Bancroft, + a wealthy banker, who had a palatial summer home near to the + Prescotts' less pretentious dwelling. Since we last met Jess + and Jimsy their father had allowed them to purchase an + aëroplane known as the <i>White Flier</i>. It was in + this craft that Jimsy and Roy had flown over for mail when + they made their entrance at the beginning of this chapter. Of + the letter they found awaiting them we already know. + </p> + <p> + Jolly, good-natured Bess Marshall had taken up aviation as a + lark. She was a typical specimen of an American girl. + Light-hearted, wholesome and devoted to all sorts of sports, + tennis, swimming, golf, motoring and finally aviation had, in + turn, claimed her attention. + </p> + <p> + And now, having introduced our heroes and heroines of the sky + to those who have not already met them, we will proceed to + see how Miss Prescott receives the startling plans that her + young charges are about to lay before her. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH2"><!-- CH2 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <h3> + OFF ON THE FLIGHT. + </h3> + <p> + "But, my dear children, do you realize what such a trip + means?" + </p> + <p> + The gentle-voiced Miss Prescott leaned back in her easy-chair + and gazed at Peggy and Roy with an approach to consternation. + </p> + <p> + "It means fun, adventure, and—oh, everything!" cried + Peggy, clapping her hands. + </p> + <p> + "You can't have the heart to refuse us," sighed Jess. + </p> + <p> + "If it were only the boys it might be different, but two + young ladies—" "Three," corrected Bess. + </p> + <p> + "Three, then. For three young ladies, supposedly of sound + mind, to go flying across country like, like—" + "Butterflies," struck in Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Wait a minute," cried Jess, "there'd have to be four + ladies—" "Of course; a chaperon," breathed Peggy, with + a mischievous glance. + </p> + <p> + Miss Prescott dropped her knitting. + </p> + <p> + "Peggy Prescott, you mean me?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course; who else could go?" + </p> + <p> + "My dear child, do you actually contemplate taking me flying + through the air at my time of life?" + </p> + <p> + "Why not? It isn't as if you'd never been up," urged Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "You said you liked it, too," struck in Jess. + </p> + <p> + "Um—well, I may have said so," admitted Miss Prescott, + visibly weakening from the stand she had taken, and she went + on: "I would like to see James again." + </p> + <p> + "And here is your opportunity ready to hand, as the + advertisements say," declared Bess, her blue eyes shining. + </p> + <p> + "But how could I go?" + </p> + <p> + The question was an outward and visible sign of capitulation + on Miss Prescott's part. + </p> + <p> + "Why, I was thinking we could use that big biplane I was + building for Mr. Bell's use out in Nevada," spoke up Roy; "it + will seat three, and is as steady as a church, thanks to that + balancing device Jimsy and I figured out." + </p> + <p> + "I'd fly my little <i>Dart</i>," declared Bess. + </p> + <p> + "And you and I would take the <i>Golden Butterfly</i>," cried + Peggy, crossing to Jessie and placing her arm round the + dark-haired girl's neck. + </p> + <p> + "Jimsy can fly the <i>Red Dragon</i>, and that leaves Roy and + auntie for the biplane," she went on, bubbling over with + enthusiasm as her plans matured and took form. + </p> + <p> + "Goodness gracious, an aërial circus!" cried Miss + Prescott. "We would attract crowds, and that wouldn't be + pleasant." + </p> + <p> + "I was planning to make it a sort of picnic," declared Peggy, + who appeared to have an answer for every objection that could + be interposed to her project. + </p> + <p> + "What, camp out every night? Well, you are a wonder," + exclaimed Jimsy, "if there's one thing I love it's camping + out." + </p> + <p> + "How long would it take us to get to Marysville?" asked Bess. + </p> + <p> + "I'll get the atlas," cried Peggy, "but if we have good + weather not more than three or four days." + </p> + <p> + "I hardly think it would take as long as that," declared Roy, + as five eager heads were bent over the atlas. + </p> + <p> + "But camping out!" exclaimed Miss Prescott, "think of colds + and rheumatism, not to mention snakes and robbers." + </p> + <p> + "Tell you what," cried Jimsy suddenly, "what's the matter + with Miss Prescott going along in an automobile? We can map + out the route, arrange our stops and meet every evening at + some small town where we won't attract too much of a crowd." + </p> + <p> + "Jimsy, I always said you were a genius," cried Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "Behold the last objection swept away," struck in Bess. + </p> + <p> + "Surely you can't refuse now?" urged Jess. + </p> + <p> + "Please say yes," came from them all. + </p> + <p> + "But—but who would drive the car?" asked Miss Prescott, + in the voice of one who is thinking up a feeble last + objection. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Jake Rickets, of course," declared Roy, referring to + the man who helped the boys in the machine shop in which the + aëroplanes for the desert mines were manufactured. + </p> + <p> + After this Miss Prescott could make but a poor stand against + the united urgings of five impetuous, enthusiastic young + people. The air was filled with plans of all sorts. Jimsy was + for going at once, but it was finally decided to meet again + and set a definite date for a start. In the meantime there + were parents' consents to be obtained, plans laid for the + route to be followed, and various things purchased for the + aërial trip. + </p> + <p> + All this occupied some time, and it was not till a week later + that the last difficulty in connection with the motor flight + had been straightened out and the three aëroplanes stood + ready, in Roy's hangar, for a tour that was to prove eventful + in more ways than one. + </p> + <p> + It was just after dawn on the day of the start that Roy and + Jimsy for the last time went over every nut and bolt on the + machines and declared everything in perfect readiness for the + trip. Breakfast was a mere pretence at a meal; excitement got + the better of appetites that morning. + </p> + <p> + Beside the winged machines sputtering and coughing as if + impatient at the delay, was a large and comfortable red + touring car. At the driver's wheel of this vehicle was seated + a small, "under-done"-looking man, in a chauffeur's uniform + of black leather. This was Jake Rickets. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Jake, we're all ready for a start," announced Roy, at + last. + </p> + <p> + The small man, whose hair was fair, not to say pale, glanced + at the glowing boy with an expression of deep melancholy. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, if something don't happen," he declared, in tones of + deep pessimism. + </p> + <p> + "Jake's never happy unless he's foreboding some disaster," + explained Roy to Bess, who happened to be standing by drawing + on her gloves. + </p> + <p> + "It don't never do to be too sure," murmured the melancholy + Jake, "'cos why? Well, you can't most generally always tell." + </p> + <p> + "Everything ready?" cried Peggy at last, as Miss Prescott got + into the car. + </p> + <p> + "As ready as it ever will be," merrily called back Bess, who + was already seated in the little green <i>Dart</i>. + </p> + <p> + The chorus of engine pantings and explosions was swelled by + the roar of Roy's big biplane and the rattling exhaust of + Jimsy's fierce-looking <i>Red Dragon</i>. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Golden Butterfly</i>, which was equipped with a + silencing device, ran smoothly and silently as a sewing + machine. Peggy sat at the wheel, while Jess reclined on the + padded seat placed tandemwise behind her. It made a wonderful + picture, the big white biplane with its boy driver, the + scarlet and silver machine of Jimsy Bancroft and the delicate + green and gold color schemes of the other two flying + machines. + </p> + <p> + "The first stop will be Palenville," announced Roy, "the + biplane will be the pathfinder." + </p> + <p> + Despite the earliness of the hour and the efforts that had + been made to keep the motor flight a secret, the information + of the novel experiment had, in some way, leaked out. Quite a + small crowd gave a loud cheer as Roy cried: + </p> + <p> + "Go!" + </p> + <p> + "We're off!" cried Peggy, athrill with excitement. + </p> + <p> + Propellers flashed in the sunlight and the next instant the + biplane, after a short run, soared aloft toward a sky of + cloudless, clean-swept blue. In rapid succession the <i>Dart, + Golden Butterfly</i> and <i>Red Dragon</i> followed. + </p> + <p> + "Come on," cried Bess to Jimsy, waving her hand + challengingly. + </p> + <p> + "Ladies first, even off the earth," came back from Jimsy + gallantly, as he skillfully "banked" his machine in an upward + spiral. + </p> + <p> + Then upward and outward soared the gayly colored sky racers, + like a flock of wonderful birds. It was the greatest sight + that the crowd left behind and below had ever witnessed, + although one or two shook their heads and prophesied dire + results from young ladies tampering with them blamed "sky + buggies." + </p> + <p> + But not a thought of this entered the heads of the + aërial adventurers. With sparkling eyes, and bounding + pulses they flew steadily southward, from time to time + glancing below at the touring car. Even though they were + flying slowly it was plain that the big auto had hard work to + keep up with them. The unique motor flight was on, and was + about to develop experiences of which none of them at the + moment dreamed. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH3"><!-- CH3 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <h3> + LITTLE WREN AND THE GIPSIES. + </h3> + <p> + They flew on, keeping the motor car beneath them in constant + sight till about noon. Then, from the tonneau of the machine, + came the waving of a red square of silk. This had been agreed + upon as a signal to halt for a brief lunch. + </p> + <p> + Shouting joyously, the young adventurers of the air began + circling their machines about, dropping closer earthward with + every sweep. Beneath them was a green meadow, bordered on one + side by a country road and on the other by a small brook of + clear water and a patch of dark woods. It was an ideal place + to halt for a roadside lunch, and as one after the other the + machines dropped to earth Miss Prescott was warmly + congratulated on her choice of a halting place. + </p> + <p> + The car was left in the road, and the melancholy Jake Rickets + set to work getting wood for a fire, for it was not to be + thought of that Miss Prescott could go without her cup of + tea. In the meantime the girls spread a cloth and set out + their fare. There were dainty chicken sandwiches with crisp + lettuce leaves lurking between the thin white "wrappers," + cold meat and half a dozen other little picnic delicacies, + which all the girls, despite their aërial craze, had not + forgotten how to make. + </p> + <p> + The boys set up a shout as, returning from attending to the + aëroplanes, they beheld the inviting table. + </p> + <p> + "This beats camping out by ourselves," declared Roy, "girls, + we're glad we brought you." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you for the compliment," laughed Jess. "I suppose you + mean that you are glad <i>we</i> brought all this." + </p> + <p> + She waved her hand at the "spread" dramatically. + </p> + <p> + "Both," rejoined Jimsy, throwing himself on the grass. By + this time Jake's kettle was bubbling merrily, and soon the + refreshing aroma of Miss Prescott's own particular kind of + tea was in the air. The boys preferred to try the water from + the brook, despite Jake's dire hints at typhoid and other + germs holding a convention in it. It was sweet and cool, and + the girls voted it as good as ice-cream soda. + </p> + <p> + "At any rate as we can't get any we might as well pretend it + is," declared Bess. + </p> + <p> + So the meal passed merrily. After it had been concluded, amid + gay chatter and fun, Peggy proposed an excursion to the woods + for wild flowers which grew in great profusion on the + opposite side of the stream. Crossing it by a plank bridge, + the young people plunged into the cool woods, dark and green, + and carpeted with flowering shrubs and vines. + </p> + <p> + For some time they gathered the blossoms, and were just about + to return to the aëroplanes and resume their journey + when Peggy uttered a sudden sharp exclamation: + </p> + <p> + "Hark! What's that?" she cried. + </p> + <p> + They all listened. Again came the sound that had arrested her + attention; a sharp cry, as if some one was in pain or fright. + </p> + <p> + Then came definite words: + </p> + <p> + "Don't! Please; don't hit me again!" + </p> + <p> + "It's a child!" exclaimed Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "A girl!" cried Peggy, "some one is ill-treating her." + </p> + <p> + "We'll soon find out!" cried Roy hotly. It infuriated the boy + to think that a child was being subjected to ill-treatment, + and the nature of the cries left no doubt that such was the + case. + </p> + <p> + "Stand back here, girls, while we see what's up!" struck in + Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Indeed we'll do no such thing!" rejoined the plucky Bess, + bridling indignantly. + </p> + <p> + "At any rate let us go in advance," advised Roy; "we don't + know just what we may run up against." + </p> + <p> + This appeared reasonable even to Bess, and with the boys + slightly in advance the little group pressed rapidly forward. + After traveling about two hundred yards they found themselves + in a small clearing where a most unusual sight presented + itself; a sight that brought a quick flash of indignation to + the face of every one of them. + </p> + <p> + Cowering under the blows of a tall, swarthy woman was a small + girl, so fragile as to appear almost elfin. The woman wore + the garb of a gipsy, and the presence of some squalid tents + and tethered horses showed our young friends at once that it + was a gipsy encampment upon which they had happened. + </p> + <p> + The woman was so intent on belaboring the shrieking child + that at first she did not see the newcomers. It was not till + Roy stepped up to her, in fact, that she became aware of + their presence. + </p> + <p> + "What are you doing to this child?" demanded Roy indignantly. + </p> + <p> + "That's none of your business," was the retort, as the woman + for an instant released her hold on the child. + </p> + <p> + Instantly the little creature darted to the sheltering arms + of Peggy, sobbing piteously. + </p> + <p> + "Oh! Save me from her, she will kill me," the child cried, in + a broken voice. + </p> + <p> + "There! there!" soothed Peggy tenderly, "don't cry. We won't + let her harm you any more." + </p> + <p> + But like a fury the woman flew at the girls. Before she could + lay hands on them, however, Roy and Jimsy had seized her arms + and held them. At this the crone set up a hideous shriek and, + as if it had been a signal, two swarthy men, with dark skins + and big earrings in their ears, came running from behind the + tents. + </p> + <p> + "What's the trouble?" they cried, as they ran up, regarding + the boys malevolently. + </p> + <p> + "It's the Wren; they're trying to steal the Wren!" shrilled + out the woman. + </p> + <p> + At this the men rushed at the boys, one of them waving a + thick cudgel he carried. + </p> + <p> + "Let go of that woman," they shouted furiously. + </p> + <p> + Another instant and the boys would have been in a bad + position, for both the gipsies were powerful fellows, and + appeared determined to commit violence. But Roy, releasing + his hold of the struggling gipsy woman, put up his fists in + such a scientific manner that, for an instant, the attack + paused. This gave Jimsy time to rush to his side. The instant + she was released the woman darted to the side of the men. + </p> + <p> + "Beat them! Kill them!" she cried frantically. + </p> + <p> + The men resumed their rush, and the next moment the boys + found themselves fighting to escape a furious assault. + Neither of the lads was a weakling, and good habits and + constant athletic exercise had placed them in the pink of + condition. + </p> + <p> + But the two gipsies were no mean antagonists. Then, too, the + one with the cudgel wielded it skillfully. Time and again + Jimsy avoided a heavy blow which, if successful, must have + injured him seriously. The girls, screaming, rushed off, + carrying "the Wren," as the woman called her, with them. They + dashed at top speed back to the spot where the + aëroplanes had been left, and summoned Jake. + </p> + <p> + "I knew something would happen," declared that worthy, as he + picked up a monkey wrench, the only weapon at hand, and + started off for the woods. + </p> + <p> + The girls followed him, Miss Prescott not having been + vouchsafed anything but a most hurried explanation of what + was going on. Just as Jake appeared on the scene Jimsy had + received a terrific blow on the arm from one of the gipsy's + cudgels. The boy's arm dropped as if paralyzed. With a howl + of triumph the ruffian who had dealt him the blow rushed in + on the injured lad. In another instant it would have looked + bad indeed for Jimsy, but Roy, landing a hard blow against + his assailant, hastened to his chum's rescue. + </p> + <p> + "You look after that fellow. I'll take care of this one," + cried Jake, rushing into the mêlée, whirling his + monkey wrench in a formidable manner. + </p> + <p> + The girls, huddled in a group, gazed on in frank alarm. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, they'll be killed!" shrilled Jess. + </p> + <p> + "Roy! Roy! Be careful!" cried Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I wish we could get a policeman," cried Bess, clasping + her hands nervously. But as it happened a policeman, even if + such a personage had been within a dozen miles, was not + needed. A clever blow from Roy laid the cudgel wielder low, + and the other man, not liking the look of Jake's monkey + wrench, capitulated by taking to his heels. The woman cowered + back among the tents. + </p> + <p> + "Come on, let's be going," cried Roy, as he saw that the + battle was over. + </p> + <p> + "Ouch! my wrist!" exclaimed Jimsy, wringing his left hand; "I + believe that fellow has broken it." + </p> + <p> + "Let's have a look," said Roy, as the two boys made their way + to the huddled group of girls. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing but a nasty whack," he pronounced, after an + examination. "Well, girls, was it an exciting battle?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, it was terrible," cried Jess; "we thought you'd be badly + beaten." + </p> + <p> + "But as it is we appear to be future 'white hopes,' not + forgetting Jake," smiled Roy, who was still panting from his + exertions. + </p> + <p> + "You were awfully brave, I think," cried Bess admiringly, + giving the three "heroes" a warm glance. + </p> + <p> + "Well, there wasn't anything to do but fight, unless we'd run + away," laughed Roy, "and now what about the cause of all the + trouble?" + </p> + <p> + He glanced at the little girl clinging to Peggy's hand. The + child was pitifully emaciated, with drawn features and large, + dark eyes that gazed about her bewilderedly. Her clothing was + a red gingham dress that fitted her like a sack. She was + shoeless and stockingless. Her brown hair, unkempt and + ragged, hung in elf locks about her sad little face. + Certainly, as regarded size and general appearance, her name, + "The Wren," fitted her admirably. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know what to do about her," admitted Peggy; "suppose + we ask Aunt Sally? I don't want to let the gipsies have her + again, and yet I don't see how we can take her." + </p> + <p> + At the words the little creature burst into a frantic + outbreak. + </p> + <p> + "Don't let those people have me back; don't," she begged; + "they'll kill me if you do." + </p> + <p> + She clung passionately to Peggy's dress. Tears came to the + girl's eyes at the pitiful manifestation of fear. + </p> + <p> + "There! there, dear," soothed Peggy, stroking the child's + head, "you shan't go back if we can help it. Come with us for + the time being, anyway." + </p> + <p> + "But we have no legal right to take her," objected Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Don't say another word," snapped the usually gentle Peggy, + whose indignation had been fully aroused, "come on. Let's get + back to where we left Aunt Sally, then we can decide what to + do." + </p> + <p> + "Incidentally, we'll do well to get out of this vicinity + before any more of those fellows come up. There must be + several more somewhere close at hand," exclaimed Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; and I'll bet the others, the two who ran off, have gone + to call them," put in Roy; "that woman has disappeared, too." + </p> + <p> + No time was lost in getting back to the aëroplanes, "The + Wren," as the gipsies called her, keeping tight hold of + Peggy's hand. The boys walked behind and, with Jake, formed a + sort of rear guard to ward off any possible attack. But + either the other members of the band were far off, or else + they did not care to attempt an assault, for the party + reached the aëroplanes without further incident or + molestation. + </p> + <p> + Miss Prescott's consternation may be imagined as she listened + to the tale they had to tell. From time to time during its + relation she glanced pityingly at the Wren. + </p> + <p> + "Poor child!" she exclaimed, gazing at the wizened little + creature's bruised arms. They were black and blue from rough + handling, and bore painful testimony to the life she had + lived among the gipsies. + </p> + <p> + "What is your name, dear?" she asked, motioning to the child + as Peggy finished her story. + </p> + <p> + "The Wren, that's what they always called me," was the + response, in a thin little wisp of a voice. + </p> + <p> + "Have you no other name?" asked Miss Prescott kindly. + </p> + <p> + The child shook her head. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know. Perhaps I did once. I wasn't always with the + tribe. I remember a home and my mother, but that was all so + long ago that it isn't clear." + </p> + <p> + "Then she's not a gipsy," declared Peggy emphatically. + </p> + <p> + "I'll bet they kidnapped her some place," exclaimed Roy. + </p> + <p> + "That doesn't solve the problem of what to do with her," + struck in Jess. + </p> + <p> + "We can't send her back to those people," declared Bess, with + some warmth. + </p> + <p> + "On the other hand, how are we to look after her?" said + Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "It's a problem that will have to solve itself," said Miss + Prescott, after a few moments of deep thinking. + </p> + <p> + "How is that?" asked Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "Because she goes with us no matter what happens. It may not + be legal, but humanity comes above the law sometimes," + declared Miss Prescott, with emphasis. + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah for Aunt Sally!" cried the boys, "she's as militant + as a newly blossomed suffragette. Cheer up, Wren, you're all + right now." + </p> + <p> + "Then I'm to stay with you?" questioned the child. + </p> + <p> + "Of course," came from Aunt Sally. + </p> + <p> + The child buried her head on the kind-hearted lady's lap and + burst into a passion of weeping that fairly shook her frail + frame. + </p> + <p> + It was at this juncture that Jake set up a shout and pointed + toward the woods. From them a group of men had burst, armed + with sticks and stones. They came rushing straight at the + little group, uttering ferocious shouts. + </p> + <p> + "We're in for it now," exclaimed Roy; "girls, you had better + get in the machine and drive a safe distance. Those fellows + mean mischief." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH4"><!-- CH4 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <h3> + APPROACH OF THE STORM. + </h3> + <p> + It was apparent enough that mean mischief they did. Their + dark eyes gleamed fiercely out of their swarthy faces. One or + two wore a vivid red or blue handkerchief knotted about + sinewy necks, this means of adornment only adding to their + generally sinister look. + </p> + <p> + "I knew we wouldn't get far without running into trouble," + moaned Jake dejectedly. + </p> + <p> + Roy turned on him sharply, almost angrily. + </p> + <p> + "You get the ladies in that machine and drive off down the + road a bit," he said; "I'll attend to this thing. Jimsy, come + here." + </p> + <p> + Jake hesitated a moment and then strode off to the auto. + </p> + <p> + "Can't we stay and help?" asked Bess. + </p> + <p> + "No; we can help Roy best by doing what he; wants us to. He's + got some plan in his head," rejoined Peggy firmly, "come + along, Wren; Jess, help me with her, she's terrified to + death." + </p> + <p> + This was no exaggeration. At sight of the gipsy band, the + child so recently taken from their clutches shrank and + cowered against her young protectress. + </p> + <p> + "Don't let them take me—don't!" she kept wailing. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind; don't be scared, Wren," Peggy comforted, "they + won't get you." + </p> + <p> + A flash of determined fire came into Peggy's eyes as she + spoke. + </p> + <p> + "Peg! You're magnificent," exclaimed Jess, as, headed by Miss + Prescott, they hastened toward the car which Jake had already + cranked. + </p> + <p> + The gipsies had paused for an instant. Evidently the sight of + the aëroplanes bewildered and amazed them. Expecting to + come on a camp of young folks they had suddenly encountered a + group of machines which, to them, must have savored of the + supernatural. But as the auto drove off they were due for an + even greater surprise. + </p> + <p> + Following a swift whisper from Roy both boys had jumped into + the <i>Red Dragon</i>. In an instant came the sharp barking + of the engine. The flying machine dashed forward almost + simultaneously. Straight at the angry nomads Roy headed it. + It was as if a war chariot of old was charging into a group + of defiant barbarians. + </p> + <p> + For a few moments the gipsies stood their ground. But as the + machine rose from the ground, skimmed it, as it were, Roy + thrust on full power. The machine darted over the spot where + the gipsies had stood but an instant before; but they had + gone. Scattering with wild cries of fear, they could be seen + running for their lives toward the wood. + </p> + <p> + "I don't think they'll trouble us again in a hurry," declared + Roy grimly, as he brought the <i>Red Dragon</i> round in a + circle and headed back for the rest. + </p> + <p> + From the machine came a cheer, Miss Prescott's voice ringing + out as loudly as any. + </p> + <p> + "The idea just came to me in a second," explained Roy + modestly, in answer to the ladies' congratulations and + praise, "it worked, though, didn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "Like a charm," they all agreed. + </p> + <p> + "Hadn't we better be getting on?" asked Jimsy, a minute + later. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; there's no knowing if those fellows won't try a flank + attack, although I think they've had a big enough scare + thrown into them to last them quite a while with economy," + laughed Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Who is going to take care of Wren?" asked Bess. + </p> + <p> + "She'll ride right in the car with me," declared Miss + Prescott positively, "you don't think I'm going to risk her + in one of those things of yours, do you?" + </p> + <p> + They all laughed. As a matter of fact, there was not one of + the party that was not more at home in the air than on a + road. Then, too, Roy's balancing device had about removed the + last peril of air traveling. It was agreed to stop at + Meadville, which the map showed was about thirty miles to the + southeast, and purchase a dress and other necessities for + their new ward. As to what was to be done with her after that + nobody had any very definite plans. And so the journey was + resumed, with congratulations flying over the way in which + they came out of what, for a time, looked like a really + serious scrape. + </p> + <p> + The weather had held fair till a short time after the start + was made from the scene of the encounter with the gipsies. It + was Peggy who first observed a change in the sky. + </p> + <p> + From the southwest billowy masses of slate-colored clouds + came rolling on, obscuring the sunlit landscape beneath with + an effect of lights turned down on a stage. Turning to Jess, + who occupied the seat behind her, she remarked: + </p> + <p> + "We're going to have some bad kind of a storm, girlie." + </p> + <p> + Jess nodded. + </p> + <p> + "Wonder how far we are from Meadville?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "Quite a way yet. I'm afraid that we can't make it before the + storm breaks." + </p> + <p> + "Look, there's Roy coming back, and Jimsy, too. I guess they + want to talk about it." + </p> + <p> + This turned out to be the case. As Roy came swinging by he + held a small megaphone to his mouth with one hand, while the + other gripped the steering wheel tightly. + </p> + <p> + "We're in for a storm, girls, and a hummer, too, from the + look of it." + </p> + <p> + "Better drop down," counseled Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + Jess nodded, and, as at this moment Bess, who had seen the + boy's maneuver, came by, the news was communicated to her. + </p> + <p> + The next thing to do was to look about for a suitable place + to land. The country over which they were passing was heavily + wooded, and seemingly sparsely populated. Beneath them wound + a road, along which, but at some distance behind, the touring + car could be seen coming in a cloud of yellow dust. + </p> + <p> + The wind began to grow puffy, and it required all the skill + of the young aviators to keep their flock of motor-driven + birds on even wings. Before long, just as the distant, but + fast approaching, cloud curtain began to be ripped and + slashed by vivid scimitars of lightning, Roy espied, beneath + them, a field, at one end of which stood a prosperous-looking + farmhouse, surrounded by buildings and hay stacks. + </p> + <p> + It was an ideal spot in which to land, and as the road was + near by they would have no difficulty in attracting the + attention of Miss Prescott when she went by. In graceful + volplanes the aëroplanes lit in the field like an + alighting flight of carrier pigeons. But hardly had they + touched the ground when from the farmhouse a man came running + in his shirtsleeves, his lower limbs being garbed in overalls + and knee-boots. On his chin was a goatee, and as he drew + closer they saw that his face was thin and hatchet shaped and + anything but agreeable. + </p> + <p> + "You git out of thar! You git out of thar!" he kept shouting + as he came along, stumbling over the stubble, for the field + had been newly reaped. + </p> + <p> + "Why, what's the matter? We're not hurting anything," + objected Roy; "surely you don't mind our occupying the field + for an hour or so till the storm blows over?" + </p> + <p> + "I daon't, hey? Wa'al, I do, by heck. I own all the way daown + and all the way up frum this farm, and thet's ther law." + </p> + <p> + "If we didn't have these ladies with us we'd be only too glad + to leave your field," rejoined Jimsy, "but you can see for + yourself a nasty storm is coming up." + </p> + <p> + "What bizness hes gals riding round in them sky-buggies," + stormed the farmer; "ef any darter uv mine did it I'd lock + her up on bread an' water, by Jim Hill." + </p> + <p> + "I don't doubt it in the least," smiled Peggy sweetly. + </p> + <p> + "Humph!" grunted the cantankerous old agriculturist, not + quite sure if he was being made fun of or if his resolution + was being admired; "all I got to say is thet ef you want to + stay here you gotter pay." + </p> + <p> + "That can be arranged," spoke Jimsy, with quiet sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + "An' pay wa'al, too," resumed the farmer tenaciously. + </p> + <p> + "How much do you think the lease of your field for an hour or + so is worth?" asked Roy. + </p> + <p> + The farmer considered an instant, and then, with an + avaricious look in his pin-point blue eyes, he looked up. + </p> + <p> + "'Bout ten dollars," he said, at length. + </p> + <p> + "We don't want to buy it, we just want to rent it for a very + short time," struck in Bess, with her most innocent + expression. + </p> + <p> + "Wa'al, it's ten or git off!" snapped the farmer. + </p> + <p> + "I'll pay you a fair price for it," spoke up Roy, "and not a + cent more." + </p> + <p> + "Then I'll drive you off with a shot-gun, by chowder." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no, you won't." + </p> + <p> + "Won't, hey? What'll stop me?" + </p> + <p> + "The law." + </p> + <p> + "Ther law? Thet's a good one." + </p> + <p> + "I think it is, a very good one," struck in Jimsy, who now + saw what Roy was driving at. + </p> + <p> + "Humph! wa'al, if yer a'goin' te talk law I'll jes' tell yer + quick thet this is my land and thet you're all + a-trespassing." + </p> + <p> + "You are not very well up on aërial law, it seems," + replied Roy, in an absolutely unruffled tone. + </p> + <p> + "Don't know nuthin' 'bout this air-ile law," grumbled the + fellow, but somewhat impressed by Roy's calm, deliberate + exterior. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, for your information I'll tell you that under + the laws of the country recently enacted aviators are + entitled to land in any safe landing place in times of + emergency. If they do any damage they must pay for it. If not + the owner of the land is not entitled to anything for the + temporary use of his place." + </p> + <p> + "Five dollars or nothing," spoke Jimsy, "and if you try to + put us off you'll get into serious trouble." + </p> + <p> + "Wa'al, yer a-robbin' me," muttered the man, much impressed + by Roy's oratory, "gimme ther five." + </p> + <p> + It was quickly forthcoming. The old fellow took it without a + word and shuffled off. As he did so there was a vivid flash + of lightning and the growl of a big crash of thunder. While + it was still resounding the auto came puffing up. Jake had + put up the storm top and made it as snug and comfortable as a + house. + </p> + <p> + "Come on, boys and girls," urged Roy, "let's get the engines + covered up and then beat it for the car. The rain will hit in + in torrents in a few minutes." + </p> + <p> + Indeed they were still making fast the waterproof covers + constructed to throw over the motors in just such emergencies + when the big drops began to fall. + </p> + <p> + There was a helter-skelter race for the car. In they all + crowded, and none too soon. The air was almost as dark as at + dusk, and there was a heavy sulphurous feeling in the + atmosphere. But within the curtains of the car all was fun + and merriment. The case of the old farmer was discussed at + length, and Jimsy convulsed them all by his clever imitation + of the way the bargain was driven. + </p> + <p> + He was in the midst of his description when a fearfully vivid + flash lit up the interior of the car as brightly as day. As + it did so The Wren uttered a sharp cry. + </p> + <p> + "What is it, dear? Afraid of the lightning?" asked Miss + Prescott, while a thunder volley boomed and reverberated. + </p> + <p> + "No, no," shivered the child, drawing closer to her, "but + when I see a flash like that I sometimes remember." + </p> + <p> + "Remember what?" asked Miss Prescott tenderly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I don't know," wailed the child, "people and places. + They come for a moment and then disappear again as quickly as + they came." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH5"><!-- CH5 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <h3> + PEGGY'S THOUGHTFULNESS SAVES THE FARM. + </h3> + <p> + Flash after flash, roar after roar, the lightning and thunder + crashed and blazed as the full fury of the storm struck in. + Miss Prescott, who was in deadly fear of lightning, covered + her eyes with a thick veil and sank back in the cushions of + the tonneau. + </p> + <p> + But the rest of the party regarded the furious storm with + interest. The rain was coming down in sheets, but not one + drop penetrated the water-proof top of the big touring car. + </p> + <p> + "It's grand, isn't it?" asked Peggy, after a particularly + brilliant flash. + </p> + <p> + "Um—ah, I don't just know," rejoined Jess, "it's rather + too grand if anything. I——" Bang! + </p> + <p> + There was a sharp report, like that of a large cannon. The + air was filled with an eye-blistering blaze of blue fire. + Stunned for an instant, and half blinded, not one of the + young folks in the touring car uttered a word. + </p> + <p> + The storm, too, appeared to be "holding its breath" after + that terrific bombardment. + </p> + <p> + "That struck close by," declared Roy, the first to recover + his speech. + </p> + <p> + "Oh! oh!" moaned Miss Prescott, "then the next will hit us!" + </p> + <p> + "Don't be a goose, Aunt Sally," comforted Peggy; "don't you + know that lightning never strikes twice in the same place?" + </p> + <p> + Miss Prescott made no answer. In fact she had no opportunity + to do so. + </p> + <p> + From close at hand shouts were coming. Loud, frightened + shouts. + </p> + <p> + "Fire! fire!" + </p> + <p> + "Gracious! something's on fire at that farmhouse!" cried + Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "That's what!" came in excited tones from Roy as he peered + out through the rain. + </p> + <p> + "Look at them running about," chimed in Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "It's from that haystack! See the smoke roll up!" cried Bess. + </p> + <p> + "The lightning must have struck it. Say, we'd better go and + help," exclaimed Roy anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "I don't see that the old man who was so mean to us deserves + any help," murmured Bess, rather angrily. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Bess, for shame!" reproved Peggy. "Go on, boys, the + rain's letting up, maybe you can help them." + </p> + <p> + "All right, sis. Come on, Jimsy!" + </p> + <p> + The boys dived out of the car and set off running at top + speed for the scene of the blaze, which was in a haystack + back of the main barn of the farmhouse. Several farm hands, + under the direction of the disagreeable old man, whose name + was Zenas Hutchings, were running about with buckets of + water, which were about as effective as trying to sweep the + sea back with a broom, so far as gaining any headway against + the flames was concerned. + </p> + <p> + Had the rain continued it might have been possible for the + farm hands to quell the blaze with the assistance of the + elements; but the storm had ceased almost as suddenly as it + began, and only a few scattering drops were now falling. Off + to the southwest the sky was blue once more. + </p> + <p> + The farmer turned despairingly to the boys as they came + running up. + </p> + <p> + "'Clare ter goodness if it ain't them kids ag'in," he + exclaimed; "wa'al, you ain't brought me nuthin' but bad luck + so far as I kin see. Hyars a hundred dollars' worth of hay + goin' up in smoke an'—" + </p> + <p> + A farm hand came bustling up. His face was pale under the + grime of soot that overlaid it. + </p> + <p> + "Ef we don't git ther fire under control purty soon," he + cried, "ther whole place 'ull go." + </p> + <p> + "What's thet, Jed?" snapped old Hutchings anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "I said that ther sparks is beginning ter fly. If ther fire + gits much hotter it'll set suthin' else ablaze." + </p> + <p> + "By heck! That's so!" cried old Hutchings, in an alarmed + voice. + </p> + <p> + He gazed about him perplexedly. + </p> + <p> + "Isn't there any fire apparatus near here?" asked Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Yep; at Topman's Corners. But that's five miles off." + </p> + <p> + "Have you telephoned them?" asked Jimsy, who had noticed that + the Hutchings farm, like most up-to-date ones, was equipped + with a telephone; at least there were wires running into the + place which appeared to be of that nature. + </p> + <p> + "Ain't no use telephoning" was the disconsolate rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + "Why?" + </p> + <p> + "Wire's busted. Reckon ther storm put it out of business. I + guess it's all up with me now. I hoped ter pay off ther part + of ther mortgage with ther hay and grain in thet barn yonder, + an' now——" He broke off in a half sob. + Cantankerous as the old man had shown himself to be, and + grasping withal, the boys could not help but feel sorry for + the stricken old fellow. He looked pitifully bowed and old + and wretched in the midst of his distracted farm hands, who + were running about and shouting and not doing much of + anything else. + </p> + <p> + "Wa'al," he said, at length, pulling himself together with a + visible effort, "thar's no chance of gitting ther fire + ingines, so it'll hev ter go, I guess." + </p> + <p> + "Yes there is a chance of getting the engines, and a good + one, too." + </p> + <p> + They all turned at the sound of a girlish voice, and there + stood Peggy with Jess by her side. The two girls had stolen + up unnoticed in the excitement. + </p> + <p> + "Bravo, Peg!" exclaimed Roy heartily, glancing approvingly at + his sister, "what's your idea?" + </p> + <p> + "Fly over and get help." + </p> + <p> + "Fly over! Wa'al, I'll be switched!" gasped old Hutchings. + </p> + <p> + "I don't see why not," struck in Jimsy, "it's five miles, you + say. Well, we ought to make that in ten minutes or so, or + even quicker." + </p> + <p> + "How fast can the engines get back?" asked Roy practically. + </p> + <p> + "Wa'al, ther roads be good and Bob Shields hez a right smart + team," was the rejoinder. "They ought ter make it in half an + hour." + </p> + <p> + "Good. Then if you can hold the flames in check for a short + time longer we can save your place yet." + </p> + <p> + Beckoning to Jimsy, the boy darted off for the <i>Red + Dragon</i>. This machine he selected because, with the + exception of the <i>Dart</i>, it was the fastest and lightest + of the aëroplanes they had with them. Farmer Hutchings + had hardly closed his mouth from its gaping expression of + surprise when a whirr of the motor announced that the <i>Red + Dragon</i> was off. Its lithe body shot into the air with + tremendous impetus. + </p> + <p> + "Ther Corners is off thar to ther westward," shouted up the + farmer, "you can't miss it. It's got a red brick church with + a high tower on it right in the middle of a clump of elms." + </p> + <p> + Speeding above fields and woodland the red messenger of + pending disaster raced through the air. Five minutes after + taking flight Jimsy espied a high red tower. Eight and one + half minutes after the <i>Dragon</i> had shot aloft it + fluttered to earth on the village street of Topman's Corners, + amid an amazed group of citizens who had seen it approaching. + </p> + <p> + It was the first aëroplane ever seen in the remote + Pennsylvanian hamlet, and it created commensurate excitement. + But the boys had no time to answer the scores of questions, + foolish and otherwise, that were volleyed at them from all + sides. + </p> + <p> + "There's a fire!" exclaimed Jimsy breathlessly, "a fire at + Hutchings's farm. How soon can you get the engines there?" + </p> + <p> + A stalwart-looking young fellow stepped up. + </p> + <p> + "I'm chief of the department," he said, "we're the + 'Valiants.' I'll be there in twenty-five minutes if I have to + kill the horses. It's downhill most of the way, anyhow. Jim, + you run off and ring ther bell." + </p> + <p> + A second later the fire bell was loudly clanging and several + of the crowd melted away to don their helmets and coats. In + less time than the boys would have thought it possible a + good-looking engine came rumbling out of the fire house half + a block down the street. Behind it came a hook and ladder + truck. + </p> + <p> + Fine horses were attached to each, and from the way they + leaped off the boys saw that the "Chief" meant to make good + his promise. + </p> + <p> + "Race you to ther fire!" shouted the latter functionary, as, + in a storm of cheers, his apparatus swept out of sight down + the elm-bordered street. + </p> + <p> + "You're on," laughed Roy, whisking aloft while the Topman's + Cornerites were still wondering within themselves if they + were waking or dreaming. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH6"><!-- CH6 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <h3> + THE GIRL AVIATORS IN DEADLY PERIL. + </h3> + <p> + The fire was out. A smoldering, blackened hillock was all + that remained of the stack ignited by the lightning bolt; but + the others and the main buildings of the farm had been saved. + </p> + <p> + Such work was a new task for aëroplanes—but there + is no doubt that, had it not been for Peggy's suggestion, the + Hutchings farm would have been burned to the ground. As it + was, when the firemen, their horses in a lather, arrived at + the scene, the farm hands, who had been fighting the flames, + were almost exhausted. + </p> + <p> + Had they possessed the time, the young folks would have been + glad to tell the curious firemen something about their + aëroplanes. But it was well into the afternoon, and if + they intended to keep up their itinerary it was necessary for + them to be hurrying on. A short time after the blaze had been + declared "out" the aëroplanes once more soared aloft, + and the auto chugged off in the direction of Meadville. + </p> + <p> + The afternoon sun shone sparklingly on the trees and fields + below, all freshened by the downpour of the early afternoon. + The spirits of all rose as did their machines as they raced + along. Before leaving the Hutchings farm the old man had been + so moved to generosity by the novel manner in which his farm + had been saved from destruction that he had offered to give + back $2.50 of the $5 he had demanded for the rent of his + field. Of course they had not taken it, but the evident + anguish with which the offer was made afforded much amusement + to the young aviators as they soared along. + </p> + <p> + In Peggy's machine the talk between herself and Jess was of + the strange finding of The Wren, and of the child's curious + ways. Both girls recalled her odd conduct during the storm + and what she had said about the peculiar influence of + lightning on her memory. + </p> + <p> + "Depend on it, Jess," declared Peggy, with conviction, "that + child is no more a gipsy than you or I." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think she was stolen from somewhere?" asked Jess, + readily guessing the drift of her friend's thoughts. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know, but I'm sure they had no legal right to her," + was the reply. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Peg! Suppose she should turn out to be a missing + heiress!" Jess, who loved a romance, clasped her gauntleted + hands. + </p> + <p> + Peggy laughed. + </p> + <p> + "Missing heiresses are not so common as you might suppose," + she said; "I never met any one who had encountered any, + except in story books." + </p> + <p> + "Still, it would be great if we had really found a long + missing child, or—or something like that," concluded + Jess, rather lamely. + </p> + <p> + "I can't see how we would be benefiting the child or its + parents, either, since we have no way of knowing who the + latter are," rejoined the practical Peggy, which remark + closed the discussion for the time being. + </p> + <p> + It was not more than half an hour later when Jess uttered a + sharp cry of alarm. From the forward part of the + aëroplane a wisp of smoke had suddenly curled upward. + Like a blue serpent of vapor it dissolved in the air almost + so quickly as to make Jess believe, for an instant, that she + had been the victim of an hallucination. + </p> + <p> + But that it was no figment of the imagination was evidenced a + few moments later by Peggy herself. Aroused by Jess's cry, + she had made an inspection of the machine, with alarming + results. What these were speedily became manifest. + </p> + <p> + "Jess! The machine is on fire!" she cried afrightedly. + </p> + <p> + As if in verification of her words there came a puff of flame + and a strong reek of gasoline. It was just then that both + girls recalled that the <i>Golden Butterfly</i> carried + twenty-five gallons of gasoline, without counting the reserve + supply. + </p> + <p> + Fire on an aëroplane is even more terrifying than a + similar casualty on any other type of machine. Hardly had + Peggy's words confirming the alarming news left her lips when + there came a cry from Jess. + </p> + <p> + The girl had just glanced at the barograph. It showed that + they were then 1,500 feet above the surface of the earth. The + girl had hardly made this discovery before, from beneath the + "bow" of the monoplane, came a wave of flame; driven from the + steering wheel by the heat, Peggy drew back toward her + companion. Her face was ashen white. + </p> + <p> + Left to itself the aëroplane "yawed" wildly, like a + craft without a rudder. Then suddenly it dashed down toward + the earth, smoke and flames leaping from its front part. + </p> + <p> + Both girls uttered a cry of terror as the aircraft fell like + a stone hurled into space. Faster and faster it dashed + earthward without a controlling hand to guide it. It was at + this instant that Roy and Jimsy became aware of what had + happened. + </p> + <!-- NOTE: Remove center tags and put align="left" or align="right" for text wrapped alignments --> + <a name="image-2"><!-- Image 2 --></a> + <center> + <img src="ga02ill.png" height="542" width="400" alt= + "Both Girls Uttered a Cry of Terror As the Air Craft Fell Like a Stone Hurled into Space."> + </center> + <p> + Instantly they swung their machine around in time to see the + <i>Golden Butterfly</i> make her sickening downward swoop. + Both lads uttered a cry of fear as they saw what appeared to + mean certain death for the two Girl Aviators. + </p> + <p> + Roy's fingers scarcely grasped the wheel of his machine as he + saw the downward drop. Jimsy was as badly affected. But + almost before they could grasp a full realization of the + accident the <i>Golden Butterfly</i> was almost on the + ground. It was in a hilly bit of country, interspersed by + small lakes or ponds. + </p> + <p> + A freak of the wind caught the blazing aëroplane as it + fell and drove it right over one of these small bodies of + water. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Golden Butterfly</i> appeared to hesitate for one + instant and then plunged right into the water, flinging the + two girls out. Both were expert swimmers, but the shock of + the sudden descent, and the abrupt manner in which they had + been flung into the water had badly unstrung their nerves. + </p> + <p> + Jess struck out valiantly, but the next instant uttered a + cry: + </p> + <p> + "Peg! Peg! I'm sinking!" + </p> + <p> + Peggy pluckily struck out for her chum and succeeded in + seizing her. Then with brisk strokes she made for the shore, + luckily only a few yards distant. It was at this juncture + that the boys' machines came to earth almost simultaneously. + High above Bess's <i>Dart</i> hovered, and presently it, too, + began to drop downward. Apparently the accident had not been + seen from the auto, at any rate the car was not turned back + toward the scene of the accident. + </p> + <p> + As the boys' aëroplanes struck the earth not far from + the bank of the pond toward which Peggy was at that moment + valiantly struggling, the two young aviators leaped out and + set out at a run to the rescue. They reached the bank in the + nick of time to pull out the two drenched, half-exhausted + girls. + </p> + <p> + "At any rate the fall was a lucky one in a way!" gasped the + optimistic Peggy, as soon as she caught her breath, "it put + out the fire." + </p> + <p> + And so it had. Not only that, but the aëroplane, buoyed + up by its broad wings, was still floating. On board the + <i>Red Dragon</i> was a long bit of rope. Jimsy produced this + and then swam out to the drifting <i>Butterfly</i>. The rope + was made fast to it and the craft dragged ashore. But when + they got it to the bank the problem arose as to how they were + going to drag it up the steep acclivity. + </p> + <p> + Again and again they tried; Bess, who had by this time + alighted, aiding them. But it was all to no purpose. Even + their united strength failed to move the heavy apparatus. + </p> + <p> + "I've got an idea!" shouted Jimsy suddenly, during a pause in + their laborious operations. + </p> + <p> + "Good! Don't let it get away, I beg of you!" implored Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Peg! Don't tease, besides, you don't look a bit cute + with your hair all wet and draggled, and as for your + dress—goodness!" + </p> + <p> + This came from Jess, herself sadly "rumpled" and in addition + wet through. Before Peggy could reply to her chum's half + rallying remark Jimsy, unabashed, continued: + </p> + <p> + "We'll hitch this rope to the <i>Red Dragon</i> and then + start her up for all she's worth." + </p> + <p> + "Jimsy, you're a genius!" + </p> + <p> + "A modern marvel!" + </p> + <p> + "A solid promontory of pure gray matter!" + </p> + <p> + In turn the remarks came from each of the party. But Jimsy, + bothering not at all at the laughing encomiums, proceeded to + secure the rope to the <i>Red Dragon</i>. This done, he + started up the engine and clambered into his seat. + </p> + <p> + "All ashore that's going ashore!" he yelled, in mocking + imitation of the stewards of an ocean liner. + </p> + <p> + There wasn't an instant's hesitation as he threw the load + upon the engine. Then the rope tautened. It grew tight as a + fiddle string. + </p> + <p> + "Goodness! It'll snap and the <i>Dragon</i> will be broken!" + cried Jess, in alarm. + </p> + <p> + But no such thing happened. Instead, as the <i>Dragon's</i> + powerful propeller blades "bit" into the air, the <i>Golden + Butterfly</i> obediently mounted the steep bank of the pond. + Five minutes later the pretty craft stood on dry land and the + party of young aviators were eagerly making an investigation + of the damage done. + </p> + <p> + The cause of the fire was soon found. A tiny leak in the tank + had allowed some gasoline to drip into the bottom of the + chassis, or passenger carrier. Collecting here, it was plain + that a back fire from the carburetor had ignited it. + </p> + <p> + Neither of the girls could repress a shudder as they thought + of what might have occurred had they been higher in the air + and no convenient pond handy for them to drop into. In such a + case the flames might have reached the gasoline tank before + they could be extinguished and inevitably a fearful explosion + would have followed. + </p> + <p> + "I think you are the two luckiest girls in the world," + declared Roy solemnly, as he concluded his examination and + announced his conclusions. Naturally they fully agreed with + him. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH7"><!-- CH7 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <h3> + A STOP FOR THE NIGHT. + </h3> + <p> + It was some two hours later that Meadville received the + greatest excitement of its career. People rushed out of + stores and houses as the "flock" of aëroplanes came into + sight. + </p> + <p> + As they gazed down the young aviators felt a momentary regret + that they had chosen a town in which to pass the first night + of their motor flight. It appeared that they would get into + difficulties when they attempted to make a landing. + </p> + <p> + But almost simultaneously they spied a public park, which + appeared to offer a favorable landing place. As soon as their + intention of descending there became manifest, however, the + crowd made a headlong rush for the spot. + </p> + <p> + It was too late to seek some other location to alight even + had there been one available. Trusting to luck that the eager + spectators would get out of their way the four + aëroplanes began their spiraling descent. + </p> + <p> + Roy was first in his big biplane. As the ponderous, white + machine ranged down close to the park the crowd became + well-nigh uncontrollable. They swarmed beneath the big + machine, despite Roy's shouts of warning. + </p> + <p> + Skillfully as the boy manipulated the aircraft he could not + check its descent once begun. + </p> + <p> + "Out of the way! I don't want to hurt you!" he shouted, as he + dashed down. + </p> + <p> + But the crowd, sheeplike in their stupidity, refused to + budge. Into the midst of them Roy, perforce, was compelled to + drive. Once the throng perceived his intention, however, they + scattered wildly. That is, all sought positions of safety but + one man, a stout, red-faced individual, who appeared dazed or + befuddled. + </p> + <p> + He stood his ground, glaring foolishly at the sky ship. With + a quick turn of his wrist Roy swept the big biplane aside, + but a wing tip brushed the stout man, toppling him over in a + twinkling. By the time Roy had stopped his machine the man + was on his feet again, bellowing furiously. He was not hurt, + but his face was contorted with anger. + </p> + <p> + He pushed his way through the crowd toward the young aviator. + </p> + <p> + "You young scoundrel!" he yelled, "I'll fix you for that! + I'll—" "Look out, here come the rest of them!" shouted + the crowd at this juncture. + </p> + <p> + Nobody needed any warning this time. They fled in all + directions as one after the other the <i>Golden + Butterfly</i>, the <i>Red Dragon</i> and the pretty, graceful + <i>Dart</i> dropped to earth. + </p> + <p> + "Wa'al, look at them gals, will yer!" shouted a voice in the + crowd. + </p> + <p> + "What's the country coming to?" demanded another man. "Gals + gallivanting around like gol-dinged birds!" + </p> + <p> + But the majority of the crowd took the pretty girl aviators + to its heart. Somebody set up a cheer. + </p> + <p> + It was still ringing out when, to the huge relief of the + embarrassed girls, the auto came rolling up with Miss + Prescott and "The Wren," as they still called the latter. + </p> + <p> + The girls, leaving the boys to look after the + aëroplanes, ran to the side of the car and were speedily + ensconced in its roomy tonneau. "We'll see you at the hotel!" + cried Roy, as the car rolled off again, much to the + disappointment of the crowd. + </p> + <p> + Two local constables came up at this juncture and helped the + boys keep the crowd back from the machines. The throng seemed + souvenir mad. Many of them insisted on writing their names + with pencils on the wings of the air craft. Others would have + gone further and actually stripped the aëroplanes of odd + parts had they not been held back. + </p> + <p> + "This is the last time we'll land in a town of this size," + declared Roy indignantly, as he helped the constables shove + back an obstreperous individual who insisted on examining the + motor of the <i>Dart</i>. + </p> + <p> + With the help of the constables a sheltering place for the + machines was finally found. A livery stable that had gone out + of business the week before was located across the street + from the small park in which they had alighted. The owner of + the property happened to be in the crowd and a bargain with + him was soon struck. The aëroplanes were then trundled + on their landing wheels into this shelter and the doors + closed. Roy, for a small sum, engaged a tall, + gangling-looking youth, whose name was Tam Tammas, to guard + the doors and keep off the inquisitive. This done, thoroughly + tired out, the boys sought the hotel. Like most towns of its + size and importance Meadville only boasted one hostelry + worthy of the name. This place, the Fountain House, as it was + called, was a decent enough looking hotel and the young + aviators were warmly welcomed. After supper, for in Meadville + nobody "dined," Miss Prescott and the girls sauntered out + with The Wren to obtain some clothing for the waif who had so + strangely come into their possession. It was odd, but somehow + they none of them even suggested giving up the queer little + foundling to the authorities as had originally been their + intention. Instead, although none of them actually voiced it, + it appeared that tacitly they had decided to keep the child + with them. + </p> + <p> + While they were gone on their errand of helpfulness Roy and + Jimsy were seated on the porch of the hotel watching, with + more or less languid interest, the inhabitants of the town + passing back and forth. Many of them lingered in front of the + hotel, for aviators were not common objects in that part of + the country, and already the party had become local + celebrities. + </p> + <p> + "I guess we'll go inside," said Roy, at length, "I'm getting + sick of being looked at as if I was some sort of natural + curiosity." + </p> + <p> + "Same here," rejoined Jimsy, "we'll go in and I'll play you a + game of checkers." + </p> + <p> + "You're on," was the response. + </p> + <p> + But as the boys rose to go, or rather the instant before they + left their seats, there came a heavy step behind Roy and a + gruff voice snarled: + </p> + <p> + "What are you doing in that chair?" + </p> + <p> + "Sitting in it," responded Roy, in not too pleasant a voice. + The tone in which he had been addressed had aroused a hot + resentment in him toward the speaker. + </p> + <p> + Turning he saw the same red-faced man whom he had been + unfortunate enough to knock down. + </p> + <p> + Instantly his manner changed. He felt genuinely sorry for the + accident and hastened to explain that such was the case. But + a glowering glance was the only response he received. "You + done it a-purpose. Don't tell me," snarled the red-faced + individual, "an' now you git right out uv that chair + or—or I'll make you!" + </p> + <p> + Both boys stared at the man in amazement. His tone was coarse + and bullying to a degree. + </p> + <p> + "We are not occupying these chairs to your inconvenience," + declared Roy stoutly, "there are lots of others." + </p> + <p> + He indicated several rockers placed at intervals along the + hotel porch, and all empty. + </p> + <p> + "That chair you're sitting in is mine," snapped the man, in + response. + </p> + <p> + "Got a mortgage on it, eh?" smiled Jimsy amiably. + </p> + <p> + "I'll show you kids how much of a mortgage I've got on it," + was the reply. + </p> + <p> + It was just then that a lad of about Roy's own age, but with + a surly, hang-dog sort of look, emerged from the smoking-room + of the hotel. + </p> + <p> + "What's up, father?" he demanded, addressing the red-faced + man. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Dan, the kids have appropriated my chair." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, those flying kids. Well, they'll see that they ain't + everything around here," responded the lad; "I reckon Jim + Cassell has some say here, eh, dad?" + </p> + <p> + "I reckon so, son," grinned the red-faced man, in response to + this elegant speech; "now, then, are you going to give up + that chair or not?" + </p> + <p> + "I was just leaving it when you came out," rejoined Roy, who, + by this time, was fairly boiling over. "Under the present + conditions, however, I think I shall continue to occupy it." + </p> + <p> + "You will, eh?" snarled out Dan Cassell, "then I'll show you + how to vacate it—so!" + </p> + <p> + With the words he laid hands on the back of the chair and + jerked it from under the young aviator. Roy, caught entirely + off his guard, was flung to the floor of the porch. He was up + in a flash, but as he rose to his feet Dan Cassell, evidently + excited by what he deemed a great triumph, aimed a savage + blow at him. + </p> + <p> + Jimsy was rushing to his assistance but the red-faced man + suddenly blocked his path. + </p> + <p> + "Hold off, son! hold off!" he warned, "unless you want to get + the same dose." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH8"><!-- CH8 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <h3> + ROY MAKES AN ENEMY. + </h3> + <p> + In the meantime Roy had skillfully avoided Dan Cassell's + blow, and was aggressively on the defensive. He was a lad who + did not care for fighting, but notwithstanding was a trained + boxer. Something of this seemed to dawn on Dan Cassell as the + boy he sought to pummel dodged his attack with such + cleverness. + </p> + <p> + For a moment Dan stood stock-still with doubled up fists and + a scowl on his not unhandsome, though weak and vicious + features. Then, with a bellow, he rushed upon Roy, who + contented himself by sidestepping the furious onslaught. + </p> + <p> + This appeared to enrage Dan Cassell the more. Either he + interpreted it as portraying cowardice, or else he deemed + that he had his opponent at his mercy. At any rate, after an + instant's pause he rushed at Roy with both fists. It was the + young aviator's opportunity. + </p> + <p> + "Look out!" he warned. + </p> + <p> + The next instant the pugnacious Dan Cassell found himself + upon his back, regarding a multitude of constellations. + </p> + <p> + At almost precisely the same time Jimsy's fist happened to + collide with the point of the jaw of the fallen battler's + father. + </p> + <p> + "Sorry; but I simply had to, you know," remarked the + nonchalant Jimsy, as the red-faced man found himself + occupying a position not dissimilar to that of his son. + </p> + <p> + Both boys were heartily sorry for what had happened, the more + so for the reason that at the very instant that both + crestfallen bullies were scrambling to their feet the hotel + door opened and several of the guests came out to ascertain + the cause of the trouble. + </p> + <p> + Among them was Jonas Hardcastle, the proprietor of the place. + </p> + <p> + "What's up? What's the trouble?" he demanded, in dismay, as + he viewed the scene of the confusion. + </p> + <p> + "It's those brats of aviators, or whatever they call + themselves," bellowed Cassell, who was purple with fury; + "they attacked Dan and me and assaulted us brutally." + </p> + <p> + The landlord looked doubtingly at the man. Then he turned to + Roy. + </p> + <p> + "What are the facts?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + Roy told him unhesitatingly the whole truth. When he had + concluded Jonas Hardcastle spoke. + </p> + <p> + "You've been hanging around here too long, Jim Cassell," he + said, in a voice that quivered with indignation; "now make + yourself scarce, both you and your son. Don't annoy my guests + any more." + </p> + <p> + Cassell, nursing a spot on his jaw which was rapidly growing + a beautiful plum color, lurched off without a word. His son + followed. It was not until he reached the street that he + spoke. Then, in a voice that trembled from suppressed fury, + he hissed out: + </p> + <p> + "All right for you kids. You think you've played a smart + trick on Dan and me; but I'll fix you! Just watch!" + </p> + <p> + Without uttering another syllable he slouched off into the + gathering darkness, followed by his son, who bestowed a + parting scowl on Roy and Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "I'm sorry that you had a row with them," remarked Jonas + Hardcastle, as the pair vanished. + </p> + <p> + "How's that?" inquired Roy. "They forced it on us, + and—" "I know. I know all about that," was the + rejoinder, "but Cassell is quite by way of being a politician + hereabouts, and he might try to make it uncomfortable for + you." + </p> + <p> + "In what way?" demanded Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, many ways. Those fellows have no scruples. To tell you + the truth, boys, I guess you haven't heard the last of this." + </p> + <p> + With this he left them, a prey to no very comfortable + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + "I'm half inclined to believe what he said," declared Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "In just what way?" + </p> + <p> + "Why, about the harm this fellow Cassell can do us. In every + community like this you'll find one local 'Pooh-bah' who runs + things pretty much as he likes. They have satellites who will + do just about as they're told." + </p> + <p> + "You mean—" "That we'd better keep a good lookout on + the aëroplanes. From my judgment of Cassell I don't + think he's got nerve enough to attack us directly, but he can + wreak his vengeance on our machines if we don't watch pretty + closely." + </p> + <p> + "I'm inclined to think you're right. But don't say a word of + all this to the girls. It might upset them. You and I will + decide on a plan of action later on. To tell you the truth, + I'm not any too sure of our newly acquired watchman, Tam + Tammas." + </p> + <p> + "Nor I. We'll wait till the rest get back and then take a + stroll down to that livery stable. Seems funny, doesn't it, + to stable aëroplanes in a livery stable?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, why not? Wasn't Pegasus, the first flying machine on + record, a horse?" + </p> + <p> + "Humph; that's so," agreed Jimsy, whose supply of classical + knowledge was none too plentiful. + </p> + <p> + It was not long after this that the girls returned. With them + came The Wren in a neat dress and new shoes, an altogether + different looking little personage from the waif of the woods + whom they had rescued at noon. + </p> + <p> + "Why, Wren," cried Peggy, "you are positively pretty. In a + month's time we won't know you." + </p> + <p> + "A month's time?" sighed the child; "am I going to stay with + you as long as that?" + </p> + <p> + Miss Prescott caught the wan little figure in her arms. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and many months after that," she cried. + </p> + <p> + Roy and Jimsy exchanged glances. + </p> + <p> + "Another member of the family," exclaimed Roy; "if we go at + this rate we'll have acquired an entire set of new sisters by + the time we reach the Big Smokies." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH9"><!-- CH9 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <h3> + JIMSY FALLS ASLEEP. + </h3> + <p> + "Anybody been around, Tam?" + </p> + <p> + Roy asked the question, as later on that evening he and Jimsy + dropped around to the disused livery stable in accordance + with their plan. + </p> + <p> + Tam shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "Nobody bane round," he rejoined, and then, after a moment's + pause, "'cept Yim Cassell and his boy Dan." + </p> + <p> + "Jim Cassell and his son," echoed Roy, "the very people we + don't want around here. What did they want?" + </p> + <p> + "They want know where you bane," rejoined the Norwegian + youth. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; and what did you tell them?" + </p> + <p> + "I bane tell them I skall not know," responded Tam. + </p> + <p> + "And then?" + </p> + <p> + "They bane ask me if ay have key by door." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, they did, eh? What did you say?" + </p> + <p> + "I say I bane not have key." + </p> + <p> + "Then what did they do?" + </p> + <p> + "They bane go 'way." + </p> + <p> + "Didn't say anything else?" + </p> + <p> + "No, they must go." + </p> + <p> + "Said nothing about coming back?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "All right, Tarn, you can go home now. Here's your money." + </p> + <p> + "You bane want me no more?" + </p> + <p> + "No; we'll watch here ourselves to-night. Good night." + </p> + <p> + "Good night," rejoined Tam, pocketing his money and shuffling + off down the street. + </p> + <p> + He had hardly gone two blocks when from the shadow of an + elm-shaded yard the figure of Dan Cassell slipped out and + intercepted him. + </p> + <p> + "So you've been fired, eh?" + </p> + <p> + He shot the question at the simple-minded Norwegian lad with + vicious emphasis. + </p> + <p> + "No, I no bane fired; they bane tell me no want me more." + </p> + <p> + "Well, isn't that being fired? Moreover, I can tell you that + they've hired another fellow in your place." + </p> + <p> + The Norwegian youth's light blue eyes lit up with indignant + fire. Like most of his race he was keenly sensitive once + aroused, and while he was quite agreeable to being dropped + from his temporary job, he hated to think of being supplanted + in it. Crafty Dan Cassell was playing his cards well, for a + purpose that will be seen ere long. + </p> + <p> + "So they bane fire me," ejaculated Tam. + </p> + <p> + "That's the size of it. I guess you feel pretty sore, Tam, + don't you?" + </p> + <p> + "No, they bane pay me wale; but I no like being fired." + </p> + <p> + "I should think not. The idea of a man like you being + dropped. What did they tell you when they let you go?" + </p> + <p> + "That they bane watch place themselves." + </p> + <p> + Dan Cassell smiled. His crafty methods had elicited something + of real value after all. + </p> + <p> + "Did they say they were going to watch all night?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," rejoined the Norwegian, "they ask about you, too." + </p> + <p> + "Humph! What did they want to know?" + </p> + <p> + "If you'd been round by stable and what I bane tale you." + </p> + <p> + "What did you say?" + </p> + <p> + "I tale them the truth. I say that you and your father bane + by stable this evening." + </p> + <p> + Dan's face darkened. + </p> + <p> + "You had no business to tell them anything," he snarled. + Then, with a sudden change of front: "See here, Tam, do you + want to make some money?" + </p> + <p> + "Sure, I bane like make money." + </p> + <p> + "Then come into the house a minute. Dad and I want to talk to + you." + </p> + <p> + So saying Dan took the Norwegian by the arm and led him in + through a gate in a whitewashed picket fence. Beyond the + fence was a fairly prosperous looking house, on the piazza of + which lounged Jim Cassell smoking a cigar. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Tam," he said, "lost your job?" + </p> + <p> + The Norwegian replied in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + "Well, never mind, I've got another for you," replied Jim + Cassell, in what was for him an unwontedly amiable tone; "can + you go to work at once?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay bane work any time skol be," spoke the Norwegian, and a + puzzled expression flitted over his face as both Cassells + broke into what was to him an inexplicable fit of laughter at + his words. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the boys had telephoned to the hotel that + work on the aëroplanes would detain them till late. They + did not wish to inform the girls that they were undertaking a + night watch, as that would have led to all sorts of + questions, and if their fears proved ungrounded they felt + pretty sure of coming in for a lot of "joshing." + </p> + <p> + They agreed to divide the night into two parts, Jimsy + watching till midnight and then awakening Roy who would take + up the vigil till dawn. This arrangement having been made + they secured a light lantern from an adjacent hardware store + and, entering the deserted livery stable, prepared to carry + out their plans. With the canvas covers of the + aëroplanes Roy managed to fix up quite a comfortable bed + on a pile of hay left in a sort of loft over the abandoned + stable. + </p> + <p> + As for Jimsy, he made himself as comfortable as possible in + the chassis of the <i>Golden Butterfly</i>, the seats of + which were padded as luxuriously as those of a touring car. + He had a book dealing with aeronautic subjects with him, and, + drawing the lantern close to the aëroplane, he buried + himself in the volume. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Roy had rolled himself up in his canvas + coverings and was sound asleep. For a long time Jimsy read + on. At first frequent footsteps passed the door of the + stable, but as it grew later these ceased. Folks went to bed + early in Meadville. Long before midnight there was not a + sound on the streets. + </p> + <p> + Jimsy read doggedly on. But he was painfully conscious of an + almost irresistible desire to lie back and doze off, if only + for a few seconds. The exciting events of the day had tired + him out, nor was the book he was reading one calculated to + keep his wits stirring. It was a technical work of abstruse + character. + </p> + <p> + Jimsy's head began to nod. With a sharp effort he aroused + himself only to catch himself dozing off once more. + </p> + <p> + "See here, Jim Bancroft, this won't do," he sharply + admonished himself, "you're on duty, understand? On duty! + Wake up and keep your eyes open." + </p> + <p> + But try as he would tired Nature finally asserted herself. + Jimsy's head fell forward, his eyes closed for good and he + snored in right good earnest. He was sound asleep. + </p> + <p> + It was about half an hour after he dozed off that a window in + the rear of the stable framed a face. A crafty, eager face it + was, as the yellow light of the lantern revealed its + outlines. Dan Cassell, for it was he, gazed sharply about + him. He swiftly took in the posture of the sleeping boy and a + smile spread over his countenance. + </p> + <p> + Dropping from the ladder he had raised outside, he joined two + figures waiting for him in the shadow of the livery barn. + </p> + <p> + "It's too easy," he chuckled, "only one kid there and he's + sound asleep. Got everything ready?" + </p> + <p> + "Dey all bane ready, Maister Cassell," rejoined the slow, + drawling voice of the Norwegian Tam. + </p> + <p> + "Now don't botch the job," warned the elder Cassell, who was + the third member of the party; "remember it means a lot of + trouble for us if we're caught." + </p> + <p> + "No danger of that, dad. Come on, I'll go first and you and + Tam follow." + </p> + <p> + "Is the window open?" + </p> + <p> + "No, but it slides back. It's an easy drop to the floor from + it." + </p> + <p> + "All right, go ahead. I'll be glad when the job's over. I'm + almost inclined to drop out of it." + </p> + <p> + "And let those kids get away with what they did? Not much, + dad. We'll give them a lesson they won't forget in a hurry. + Come on." + </p> + <p> + He began climbing the ladder. Behind him came his worthy + parent, and Tam formed the last member of the now silent + procession. The Norwegian carried a bulky package of some + kind, the contents of which it would have been impossible to + guess save that it gave out a metallic sound as Tam moved + with it. + </p> + <p> + Dan Cassell reached the window, slid it noiselessly back in + its grooves and then, crawling through, dropped lightly to + the floor within. He was followed by his father and Tam. + </p> + <p> + But Jimsy slept on. Slept heavily and dreamlessly, while + deadly peril crept upon him. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH10"><!-- CH10 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <h3> + PEGGY'S INTUITION. + </h3> + <p> + The movements of the invaders of the stable, which now housed + the "winged steeds" of the young aviators, were mysterious in + the extreme. The Norwegian carried a tin can containing some + sort of liquid which he was ordered to pour about the floor + in the neighborhood of the aëroplanes. This done, Dan + Cassell collected several scraps of litter and made quite a + pile of it. + </p> + <p> + "All ready now, I guess," he said, with what was meant as an + attempt at a grin. But his lips were pale, and his forced + jollity was a dismal failure. As for his father, he made no + attempt to conceal his agitation. + </p> + <p> + "Dan, they may be burned alive," he faltered; "better call it + all off." + </p> + <p> + "Not when we've gone as far as this with it," was the + rejoinder; "give me a match." + </p> + <p> + "Dan!" + </p> + <p> + "It's all right, dad. They'll wake in time." + </p> + <p> + "But if not?" + </p> + <p> + "Then they'll have to take their medicine." + </p> + <p> + With fingers that trembled as if their owner was palsied, Jim + Cassell handed his son some matches. The latter took one, + bent low over the pile he had collected and struck the + lucifer. + </p> + <p> + A yellow sputter of flame followed, and the next instant he + was holding it to the pile of litter which had been + previously soaked by the contents of the Norwegian's can. + </p> + <p> + But before he could accomplish his purpose and set fire to + the pile of odds and ends saturated to double inflammability + by the kerosene the Norwegian had carried, there came a + startling interruption. + </p> + <p> + There was a knock at the door and a girlish voice cried: + </p> + <p> + "Roy! Roy, let me in!" + </p> + <p> + "Furies!" exclaimed Dan Cassell under his breath. "It's one + of those girls." + </p> + <p> + "Come on. Let's get away quick!" exclaimed his father, + trembling from nervous agitation. + </p> + <p> + "Not before I set a match to this," exclaimed Dan Cassell + viciously. + </p> + <p> + He touched the match to the pile and the flames leaped up. + </p> + <p> + "Now for our getaway," he cried, and the three fire-bugs ran + for the window by which they had made their entrance. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime a perfect fusillade of blows had been + showered on the door outside. Jimsy awoke just as the last of + the three midnight intruders vanished through the window. His + first instinct was a hot flush of shame over the feeling that + he had betrayed his trust. + </p> + <p> + Then to his ears came the voice that had alarmed the Cassells + and their tool. + </p> + <p> + "Roy! Jimsy! Are you there?" + </p> + <p> + "It's Peggy!" gasped Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "And Jess," he added the next instant, and simultaneously + there came the pounding of a stick on the door. + </p> + <p> + "This is an officer of the law. Open up at once." + </p> + <p> + Jimsy, dazed by his sleep, had not till then noticed the + blazing pile of litter. Now he did so with a quick cry of + horror. The stuff was blazing up fiercely. Already there was + an acrid reek in the air. + </p> + <p> + "The place is on fire!" he shouted. + </p> + <p> + The next moment there came a violent assault on the door and + the crazy lock parted from its rotten fastenings as a man + attired in a police officer's uniform burst into the place. + Behind him came two wide-eyed frightened girls. The leaping + flames lit up their faces vividly. + </p> + <p> + "It's fire sure enough!" cried the police officer. + </p> + <p> + "Great Scot, what's happening?" + </p> + <p> + It was Roy who shouted the question. He was peering down from + the loft where he had been sleeping. The uproar had awakened + him and in a jiffy he was among them. + </p> + <p> + "Quick! the fire extinguishers!" he cried, and Jimsy, readily + understanding, secured the flame-killing apparatus from the + biplane and from the <i>Red Dragon</i>. + </p> + <p> + He and Roy, aided by the officer, fought the flames + vigorously, and, luckily, were able to subdue them, though if + it had not been for the as yet unexplained arrival of Peggy + and Jess it is doubtful if they could have coped with the + blaze. When it was all out Peggy rushed into explanations. + </p> + <p> + "Something warned me that you were in danger," she exclaimed, + "and I woke up Jess and we found this officer and came down + here." + </p> + <p> + "What gift of second sight have you?" demanded Roy, gazing at + the smoking, blackened pile that had threatened the + destruction of the inflammable premises. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know. Womanly intuition, perhaps. Oh, Roy!" + </p> + <p> + The girl burst into a half-hysterical sob and threw her arms + about her brother's neck. + </p> + <p> + "You arrived in the nick of time, sis," he said, gently + disengaging himself from her clasp, "a little more + and—" + </p> + <p> + He did not finish the sentence. There was no need for him to. + </p> + <p> + "Begorry, the ould place 'ud hev bin a pile of cinders in an + hour's time," declared the policeman. + </p> + <p> + It was Jess's turn to give an hysterical little sob. + </p> + <p> + Roy turned to Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Did you see anything? The place is reeking with kerosene. It + was a plot to destroy the aëroplanes and perhaps + ourselves." + </p> + <p> + "I—I—" + </p> + <p> + Jimsy stammered. The words seemed to choke up in his throat. + How was he to confess that he had failed in his + trust—had slept while danger threatened? + </p> + <p> + "Well?" + </p> + <p> + Roy waited, plainly surprised. It was not like Jimsy to + hesitate and stammer in this way. + </p> + <p> + At last it came out with a rush. + </p> + <p> + "I—I—you'll never forgive me, any of you—I + was asleep." + </p> + <p> + "Asleep! Oh, Jimsy!" + </p> + <p> + There was a world of reproach in Jess's voice. But Peggy + interrupted her. + </p> + <p> + "How was it, Jimsy?" she asked softly. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know. I give you my word I don't know." + </p> + <p> + Jimsy's voice held a world of self-reproach. + </p> + <p> + "I was reading," he went on, hurrying over the words as if + anxious to get his confession over with, "that book of + Grotz's on monoplane navigation. I felt sleepy and—and + the next thing I knew I woke up to hear you pounding on the + door and shouting." + </p> + <p> + "A good thing the young ladies found me," put in the + policeman; "shure I was after laughing at them at first, but + then, begorry, I decided to come along with them. It's glad I + am that I did." + </p> + <p> + "Who can have done this?" asked Roy, who had not a word of + reproach for his chum, although Jimsy had failed dismally in + a position of trust. + </p> + <p> + "Begorry, they might have burned you alive!" cried the + policeman indignantly. + </p> + <p> + "No question about that," rejoined Roy; "it was a diabolical + plot. Who could have attempted such a thing?" + </p> + <p> + "Wait till I call up and have detectives sent down here," + said Officer McCarthy. "I'm after thinking this is too deep + for us to solve." + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, each of that little group but the policeman had + his or her own idea on the matter. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH11"><!-- CH11 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <h3> + A MEAN REVENGE! + </h3> + <p> + The result of the telephone call was a request to call at the + Police Headquarters of the little town and give a detailed + account of the affair. + </p> + <p> + "Gracious! I should think that the only way to get a clue + would be to send a detective down here," exclaimed Peggy, on + receipt of this information. + </p> + <p> + "We have our own ways of doing them things, miss," rejoined + the policeman with dignity. + </p> + <p> + Then there being nothing for it but to obey instructions of + the authorities, they all set out for the police station. + They were half way there when Jimsy recollected that they had + left the aëroplanes unguarded. + </p> + <p> + "'Twill make no difference at all at all," declared the + policeman; "shure it's too late for anyone to be about." + </p> + <p> + "It wasn't too late for them to set that fire though," + rejoined Roy in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + At police headquarters they were received by two + sleepy-looking officials who questioned them at length and + said they would be at the stable in the morning to hunt for + clews. + </p> + <p> + "Why not go after them now, while the trail is hot?" inquired + Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "We have our own ways of doing these things, young man," was + the reply, delivered with ponderous dignity. + </p> + <p> + "Well, we might as well go to bed and get a few hours' sleep + anyhow," suggested Roy; "I can hardly keep my eyes open. How + about you, Jimsy?" + </p> + <p> + "I—I—I've had some sleep already you know," + rejoined Jimsy, reddening. + </p> + <p> + Thoroughly tired out from their long day and excitement, the + party slept till late the next day. The first thing after + breakfast plans for the continuance of the trip were + discussed, and the day's program mapped out. This done, the + girls and boys set out for the stable to look over the + machines. + </p> + <p> + They found a pompous-looking policeman on guard in front of + the place, ostentatiously pacing up and down. On identifying + themselves they were at once admitted however. The man + explained that he had only been on guard for an hour or two, + and that during that time nothing worthy of mention had + occurred. + </p> + <p> + While Jimsy was talking to him Roy and the others entered the + stable. An instant later Roy, too excited to talk, came + rushing out of the dis-used livery barn. + </p> + <p> + "What's up now, Roy?" demanded Jimsy, gazing at his chum, who + for his part appeared to be too excited to get his words out. + </p> + <p> + "There's only three!" gasped Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Three what?" cried Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Three aëroplanes," returned Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Rubbish, you haven't got your eyes open yet." + </p> + <p> + "I'm right, I tell you; come in and count them if you don't + believe me." + </p> + <p> + "Roy is right," cried Peggy, running up to the group; "the + <i>Golden Butterfly</i> has been stolen!" + </p> + <p> + "Stolen!" interjected Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "That's right!" cried Jess; "those stupid police people left + the barn unguarded. Whoever tried to set it on fire must have + returned and stolen the <i>Butterfly</i>." + </p> + <p> + They regarded each other blankly. Was this Sky Cruise that + they had looked forward to with such eager anticipation to be + nothing but a series of mishaps? + </p> + <p> + "It's awful!" gasped Peggy; "nothing but trouble since we + started out." + </p> + <p> + "D'ye think it was stolen?" asked the policeman with + startling intelligence. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it didn't fly of its own accord," was Peggy's + rejoinder, delivered with blighting sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + The patrolman subsided. + </p> + <p> + "Maybe we can find it yet," suggested Jess. + </p> + <p> + "I'd like to know how," put in Jimsy disgustedly. + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps we can trace it. It must have been wheeled away." + </p> + <p> + "Ginger! That's so," cried Roy, snapping his fingers; "it + would leave an odd track too, wouldn't it?" + </p> + <p> + "Well there's no harm in trying to trace it," admitted Jimsy, + who appeared rather skeptical. + </p> + <p> + "Come on, then; get busy," urged Roy eagerly. + </p> + <p> + The next instant there came a cry from Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "I've struck the trail!" she cried. + </p> + <p> + "Where?" + </p> + <p> + The word came in chorus. + </p> + <p> + "Here! Look; you know the <i>Butterfly</i> had peculiar kind + of tires. See, it was wheeled up the street in that + direction." + </p> + <p> + She pointed to where the village main thoroughfare ended in a + country road. + </p> + <p> + "I'm not after takin' much stock in that," remarked the + policeman. + </p> + <p> + "We won't bother you," rejoined Roy rather heatedly; "I guess + we won't wait till your local Sherlock Holmes gets on the + trail, we'll follow it ourselves." + </p> + <p> + "But who'll go?" + </p> + <p> + The question came from Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "We can't all go, that's certain," exclaimed Bess. + </p> + <p> + "Tell you what we'll do, we'll count out," declared Jess, her + eyes dancing. + </p> + <p> + "A good idea," hailed the others. + </p> + <p> + "Roy, you start it; but remember, not more than three can + go." + </p> + <p> + "Why?" inquired Peggy point blank. + </p> + <p> + "Because we'll have to take the car, and someone must be left + to look after Aunt Sally and the aëroplanes," spoke Roy, + falling in with Jimsy's plans. + </p> + <p> + "Well, come on and count out," urged Jess. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, that's it. Let's see who will be it," cried the others. + </p> + <p> + "Very well, if I can remember the rhyme," responded Roy. "How + does it go anyway?" + </p> + <p> + "Inte, minte," suggested Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes! That's it," responded Roy. "I've got it now. Inte, + minte, cute corn, apple seeds and briar thorn, briar thorn + and limber lock, three geese in a flock, one flew east and + one flew west, one flew into a cuckoo's nest, O-U-T out, with + a ragged dish clout, out!" ending with Bess. + </p> + <p> + "Sorry for you, Bess!" cried the lad, "but you're the first + victim to be offered up." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, well, it's too hot to go chasing all over dusty country + roads," declared Bess bravely, although she would dearly have + loved to go on the adventurous search for the missing + aëroplane. + </p> + <p> + One after another they were counted out till only Roy, Peggy + and Jimsy remained. + </p> + <p> + "Hurry up and let's get off," urged Jimsy as the "elimination + trials," as they might be termed, were concluded. + </p> + <p> + "Very well. We'll get the car—it's in the garage at the + hotel—and incidentally, we might get a lunch put up + also. It may be a long chase." + </p> + <p> + The officer regarded them with frank amazement. + </p> + <p> + "My! but you city folks rush things," he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "I suppose they'll get busy on this case day after + to-morrow," exclaimed Roy disgustedly, as they hastened away. + </p> + <p> + It was half an hour later that the big touring car, with Roy + at the wheel, rolled out of the hotel yard. Jake had been + told off to guard the livery stable and the aëroplanes + while the rest remained with Miss Prescott, who was seriously + agitated at the accumulation of troubles her party had met + with since setting out. + </p> + <p> + "I declare," she said, "I wish I was back at home where I + could get a decent cup of tea and be free of worries." + </p> + <p> + The trail of the aëroplane was not difficult to follow. + It led down the village main street and thence along a + country road till it came to a sort of cross roads. Here it + branched off and followed a by-road for a mile or so. At a + gate in a hedge all signs failed however, although it was + plain that the machine had been wheeled through the gap and + taken across a field. + </p> + <p> + Beyond this field lay what appeared to be a wilderness of + woods and bushes. + </p> + <p> + "Stumped!" exclaimed Roy, as he brought the auto to a stop. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH12"><!-- CH12 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <h3> + THE FINDING OF THE "BUTTERFLY." + </h3> + <p> + "Well, what next?" asked Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Make a search of those woods, I suppose," replied Roy; + "there's nothing else to do." + </p> + <p> + "No, the trail has brought us here," replied Peggy + energetically; "we must make a determined effort to find the + <i>Butterfly</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Maybe they've damaged it so that we won't be able to do + anything with it when we do get it," spoke Jimsy presently. + </p> + <p> + "Whom do you mean by they?" asked Roy. + </p> + <p> + "As if you didn't know. Is there any doubt in your mind that + that fellow Cassell is at the bottom of all this?" + </p> + <p> + "Not very much, I'll admit," replied Roy; "I wonder if that + accounts for the inactivity of the police." + </p> + <p> + "In just what way?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, the fellow's a local politician and has a lot of + 'pull'." + </p> + <p> + "He <i>must</i> have, to get away with anything like this," + was Jimsy's indignant outburst. + </p> + <p> + "Well, don't let us waste time speculating," put in Peggy, in + her brisk manner; "the thing to do now is to get back the + <i>Golden Butterfly</i>." + </p> + <p> + "You're right, Peg," came from both boys. + </p> + <p> + By this time they were out of the car, which they left + standing at the roadside while they examined the vicinity for + tracks. But the grass in the field was fairly long and no + traces remained. Yet, inasmuch as the tracks of the + <i>Butterfly</i> ended at the gap in the hedge, it was + manifest that that was the point at which it had been wheeled + off the road. + </p> + <p> + "What next?" asked Jimsy, as it became certain that there was + little use in searching for a trail in the meadow. + </p> + <p> + "It's like looking for a needle in that proverbial haystack," + struck in Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "In my opinion we need the patience of Job and the years of + old Methuselah," opined Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + Roy alone was not discouraged. + </p> + <p> + "It can't be so very far off," he urged; "it stands to reason + that they can't have come much further than this since + midnight, supposing the machine to have been stolen about + that hour." + </p> + <p> + The others agreed with him. + </p> + <p> + "We'll search all around here, including those woods," + declared Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "Well, they can't have taken it very far into the woods," + declared Jimsy; "the spread of its wings would prevent that." + </p> + <p> + "That's so," agreed Roy; "I think we are getting pretty + 'warm' right now." + </p> + <p> + "All I am afraid of is that they may have damaged it," + breathed Peggy anxiously. + </p> + <p> + "It would be in line with their other tactics," agreed Roy; + "men who would try to burn down a stable with two boys in it, + just to obtain revenge for a fancied insult or injury, are + capable of anything." + </p> + <p> + Without further waste of time they crossed the meadow and + came to the edge of the wood. At the outskirts of the woods + the trees grew thinly and it was plain that it would have + been possible to wheel an aëroplane into their shadow, + despite the breadth of its wing-spread. + </p> + <p> + They passed under the outlying trees and presently emerged + into a small, open space, in the midst of which was a hut. + Just beyond this hut was a sight that caused them to shout + aloud with joy. There, apparently unharmed, stood the missing + aëroplane. + </p> + <p> + "Hurray!" shouted Roy, dashing forward. + </p> + <p> + The others were close on his heels. In their excitement they + paid little or no attention to the surroundings. It might + have been better for them had they done so. As they dashed + across the clearing two male figures slipped off among the + thicker trees that lay beyond the open space and the hut. + </p> + <p> + A brief examination showed them that the aëroplane was + undamaged. There were a few scratches on it, but beyond that + it appeared in perfect condition. + </p> + <p> + "We'll fly back," declared Jimsy to Peggy; "Roy can run the + auto home." + </p> + <p> + "That's agreeable to me," responded Roy; "but suppose we + examine the vicinity first. We might get a clew as to the + rascals who are responsible for this." + </p> + <p> + "That's true," agreed Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Then suppose we start with the hut first." + </p> + <p> + They accepted this proposition eagerly. The hut was a + substantial looking building with a padlock on the door. But + the portal stood wide open, the padlock hanging in a hasp. + </p> + <p> + "What if anyone pounces on us?" asked Peggy in rather a + scared tone. + </p> + <p> + "No fear of that," replied Roy, "the place is plainly + unoccupied." + </p> + <p> + They entered the hut and found it to be as primitive inside + as its exterior would indicate. A table and two rude chairs + stood within. These, with the exception of a rusty cook stove + in one corner, formed the sole furnishings. There was not + even a window in the place. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing much to be found here," declared Roy after a cursory + examination; "I guess this shack was put up by lumbermen or + hunters. It doesn't seem to have been occupied for a long + time." + </p> + <p> + "I guess the men who took the aëroplane must have been + pretty familiar with the place though," opined Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "No doubt of that," replied Roy, "but that doesn't give us + any clew to their identity beyond bare suspicions." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and suspicions aren't much good in law," chimed in + Peggy, "they—Good gracious!" + </p> + <p> + The door closed suddenly with a bang. Before Jimsy could + spring across the room to open it there came a sharp click. + </p> + <p> + "Somebody's padlocked it on the outside!" he cried. + </p> + <p> + "And we're prisoners!" gasped Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and without any chance of getting out, either," + declared Jimsy; "there's not even a window in the place." + </p> + <p> + "Well this is worse and more of it," cried Roy. "Who can have + done that?" + </p> + <p> + "The same people that stole the <i>Golden Butterfly,"</i> + declared Peggy. "Hark!" + </p> + <p> + Outside they heard rapidly retreating footsteps, followed by + a harsh laugh. + </p> + <p> + "Let us out!" shouted Roy. + </p> + <p> + "You can stay there till judgment day, for all I care," came + back a hoarse, rasping voice; "you kids were too fresh, and + now you're getting what's coming to you." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH13"><!-- CH13 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <h3> + PRISONERS IN THE HUT. + </h3> + <p> + It was almost pitch dark within the hut. Only from a crack + under the door could any light enter. For an instant after + the taunting of the voices of the men who had locked them in + reached their ears, the trio of youthful prisoners remained + silent. + </p> + <p> + Peggy it was who spoke first. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what's to be done now?" she demanded. + </p> + <p> + "We've got to get out of here," responded Jimsy, with + embarrassing candor. + </p> + <p> + "That's plain enough," struck in Roy; "but how do you propose + to do it?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't know; let's look about. Maybe there's a chimney or + something." + </p> + <p> + "There's no opening larger than that one where the stove pipe + goes through. I've noticed that already," responded Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Phew! This <i>is</i> a fix for fair." + </p> + <p> + "I should say so; but kicking about it won't help us at all. + Let's make a thorough investigation." + </p> + <p> + In the darkness they groped about, but could discover nothing + that appeared to hold out a promise of escape. The two boys + shook the door violently; but it was firm on its hinges. + </p> + <p> + Next Roy proposed to cut a way through it with his pocket + knife. + </p> + <p> + "We'd be starved to death by the time you cut through that + stuff," declared Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + In proof of this he kicked the door, and the resulting sound + showed that it was built of solid wood without any thin + panels which might be cut through. + </p> + <p> + "What next?" + </p> + <p> + Peggy asked the question as the two perspiring lads stood + perplexed without speaking or moving. + </p> + <p> + "Jiggered if I know," spoke Jimsy; "can't you or Roy think of + anything?" + </p> + <p> + "We might try to batter the door down with that table," + suggested Roy. + </p> + <p> + "It's worth trying. We've got to get out of here somehow." + </p> + <p> + The two boys picked up the heavy, roughly made table and + commenced a violent assault on the door. But although they + dented it heavily, and sent some splinters flying, the portal + held its own. At length they desisted from pure weariness. + The situation looked hopeless. + </p> + <p> + "It looks pretty bad," spoke Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "It does indeed," agreed Roy. "Peggy, I wish we hadn't + brought you along." + </p> + <p> + "And why, pray, Roy Prescott?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, because—because, well, this isn't the sort of + thing for a girl." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I guess if my brother can stand it I can," rejoined + the girl, pluckily and in a firm voice. + </p> + <p> + "Well, there's no use minimizing the fix we're in," declared + Roy. "This is a lonesome bit of country. It may be a week + before anyone will come around. We've just got to get out, + that's all there is to it." + </p> + <p> + "I wish you'd solve the problem then," sighed Jimsy; "it's + too much for me." + </p> + <p> + "I'll make another search of the premises, maybe we can + stumble across something that may aid us. At any rate, it + will give us something to do and keep our minds off the + predicament we are in." + </p> + <p> + Roy struck a match, of which he had a plentiful supply in his + pockets. As the yellow flame sputtered up in the semi-gloom + it showed every corner of the small hut. But it did not + reveal anything that promised a chance to gain their liberty. + </p> + <p> + All at once, just as the light was sputtering out, Peggy gave + a cry. Her eye had been caught by a glistening metal object + in one corner of the hut. + </p> + <p> + "What is it?" asked Roy. + </p> + <p> + "A gun—a shot-gun standing in that corner over there." + </p> + <p> + "Huh!" sniffed Jimsy, "a lot of good that does us." + </p> + <p> + "On the contrary," declared Peggy stoutly, "if it's loaded it + may serve to get us free." + </p> + <p> + "I'm from Missouri," declared Jimsy enigmatically. + </p> + <p> + "What's your idea, sis?" asked Roy, who knew that Peggy's + ideas were usually worth following up. + </p> + <p> + "I remember reading only a short time ago of a man trapped + much as we are who escaped by blowing off the lock of his + prison with a gun he carried," replied Peggy; "maybe it would + work in our case." + </p> + <p> + "Maybe it would if—" rejoined Roy. + </p> + <p> + "If what?" + </p> + <p> + "If the gun was loaded, which is most unlikely." + </p> + <p> + "Well, try it and see," urged Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, do," echoed Jimsy; "Peggy's plan sounds like a good + idea. Maybe some hunter left it here and the shells are still + in it." + </p> + <p> + "No harm in finding out anyway," declared Roy. + </p> + <p> + He struck another match and picked up the gun. It was an + antique looking weapon badly-rusted. But on opening the + breech he uttered a cry of joy. + </p> + <p> + "Good luck!" he exclaimed, "two shells,—one in each + barrel." + </p> + <p> + "Well, put it to the test," urged Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "All right. If this fails, though, I don't know what we'll + do." + </p> + <p> + "Don't worry about that now. Try it." + </p> + <p> + "I'm going to. Don't get peevish." + </p> + <p> + Roy crossed the room to the door. Raising the gun to his + shoulder he placed the muzzle about opposite to where he + thought the padlock must be located. + </p> + <p> + "Look out for a big noise, sis," he warned. + </p> + <p> + Peggy gave a little scream and raised her hands to her ears. + She disliked firearms. + </p> + <p> + "Ready?" sang out Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "All ready," came the reply. + </p> + <p> + "Then fire!" + </p> + <p> + Simultaneously with Jimsy's order came a deafening report. In + that confined space it sounded as if a huge cannon had been + fired. Roy staggered back under the "kick" of the heavy + charge. + </p> + <p> + "Once more," he announced. + </p> + <p> + Again a sonorous report sounded, but this time a section of + the door was blown right out of the framework. The daylight + streamed in through it. + </p> + <p> + "Now then for the test," cried Roy. "Come on, Jimsy." + </p> + <p> + The two boys placed their shoulders to the door. With a + suddenness that was startling, it burst open, and they faced + freedom. The lock had been fairly driven from its hold by the + twice repeated charge of shot. + </p> + <p> + The young aviators were free once more. But it remained to be + seen if the men who wished them harm had wrought their + vengeance on the <i>Golden Butterfly</i>. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH14"><!-- CH14 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <h3> + WHAT'S TO BE DONE WITH THE WREN? + </h3> + <p> + The <i>Golden Butterfly</i>, as an examination proved, had + not been damaged during their imprisonment in the hut. + Evidently, the men who had slammed the door and padlocked it + had made off at top speed as soon as they had completed what + they hoped would be a source of sore trouble to the young + aviators. + </p> + <p> + "And now we'll fly back as agreed," declared Peggy merrily. + </p> + <p> + Her spirits, almost down to zero in the hut, had recovered + themselves marvellously in the fresh open air. She was + radiant. + </p> + <p> + "I declare that the stay in the hut has done you good," + declared Jimsy, looking at her admiringly. + </p> + <p> + "Maybe it has—by contrast," returned Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "Like a sea trip," put in Roy. "I've heard that people who + suffer from sea sickness are so much relieved when they get + ashore that they imagine their good spirits are due to a + change in their condition." + </p> + <p> + "Well, that applies to me," returned Peggy; "I didn't think + we'd get out of that hut so easily. How do you suppose that + gun came to be there?" + </p> + <p> + "The hunters who use the hut must have left it there," + rejoined Roy; "I wonder if they'll ever know how useful it + was to us." + </p> + <p> + "More likely they'll be mad when they find that the lock is + blown off the door," laughed Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Well, so-long, folks, I'm going to start back in the auto," + declared Roy. + </p> + <p> + "We'll beat you into town," challenged Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "More than likely, if the <i>Golden Butterfly</i> is doing + her best," was the rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later the two machines were racing back to + Meadville at almost top speed. Of course the speedy <i>Golden + Butterfly</i> won, but then a vehicle of the air does not + have to contend with the obstacles that a land conveyance + does. + </p> + <p> + They found Miss Prescott almost on the verge of hysterics. A + garbled version of the events of the night had been brought + to her and this, coupled with the long absence of the three + young folks, had made her extremely nervous. + </p> + <p> + "I declare, it seems as if you just can't keep out of + trouble," she said. + </p> + <p> + "Well, it actually does seem so, I admit," confessed Peggy; + "but we promise to be very good for the rest of the trip." + </p> + <p> + "And never trouble trouble till trouble troubles us," chanted + Jimsy airily. + </p> + <p> + "That's all very well, but you keep me continually in + suspense as to what you'll do next," almost wailed Miss + Prescott. "We set out for a quiet trip and encounter nothing + but troubles—" + </p> + <p> + "Adventures, Aunt Sally," laughingly corrected Roy; "what is + life without adventures?" + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'm sure I don't know what young people are coming + to," sighed Miss Prescott with resignation. "There's another + thing, what are we to do with this little Wren?" + </p> + <p> + "We can't leave her here, that's certain," declared Peggy + with vehemence. + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed," echoed Jess and Bess, who were of the council. + </p> + <p> + "Then what are we to do with her?" + </p> + <p> + "Just tote her along, I suppose," rejoined Peggy; "poor + little thing, she doesn't take up much room; besides, Jess + thinks she's an heiress." + </p> + <p> + They all laughed. + </p> + <p> + "You must have had an overdose of Laura Jean Libby," declared + Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Roy Prescott, you behave yourself," cried Jess, flushing up; + "besides, she has a strawberry mark on her left arm." + </p> + <p> + "My gracious, then she surely is a missing heiress," + exclaimed Jimsy teasingly; "all well-regulated missing + heiresses have strawberry marks and almost always on their + left arm." + </p> + <p> + It was at this juncture that a knock came at the door. A bell + boy stood outside. + </p> + <p> + "A gentleman to see you, sir," he said, handing Roy a card. + </p> + <p> + On it was printed: "Mr. James Kennedy, Detective, Meadville + Police Station." + </p> + <p> + "Goodness, a real detective!" exclaimed Jess excitedly; + "let's see him." + </p> + <p> + "You won't be much impressed I'm afraid," rejoined Roy with a + smile at his recollection of the Meadville sleuths. + </p> + <p> + "Why, doesn't he wear glasses, have a hawk-like nose and + smoke a pipe?" inquired Bess. + </p> + <p> + "And hunt up missing heiresses?" teasingly struck in Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "No, he's a very different sort of person. But hush! he's + coming now." + </p> + <p> + A heavy tread sounded in the hall and Mr. James Kennedy, + Detective of the Meadville Police Force, stood before them. + As Jimsy had said, he was not impressive as to outward + appearance, although his fat, heavy face, and rather vacant + eyes, might have concealed a giant intellect. + </p> + <p> + "I've investigated the case of the attempted burning of the + stable last night," he began. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," exclaimed Roy eagerly. "Have you any suspicions as to + who did it?" + </p> + <p> + The man shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "As yet we have no clews," he declared, "and I don't think + we'll get any." + </p> + <p> + "That's too bad," replied Roy, "but let me tell you something + that may help you." + </p> + <p> + The lad launched into a description of their adventures of + the morning. + </p> + <p> + "That hut belongs to Luke Higgins, a respectable man who is + out West at present," said the detective when Roy had + finished. "He uses it as a sort of hunting box in the rabbit + shooting season. He couldn't have had anything to do with + it." + </p> + <p> + "I'd like to know his address so that I could write and thank + him for leaving that gun there," declared Peggy warmly. + </p> + <p> + The detective shook his head solemnly. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon you young folks had better stop skee-daddling round + the country this way," he said with heavy conviction; "you'll + only get into more trouble. Flying ain't natural no more than + crowing hens is." + </p> + <p> + With this he picked up his hat, and, after assuring them that + he would find a clew within a short time, he departed, + leaving behind him a company in which amusement mingled with + indignation. In fact, so angry was Roy over the stupidity or + ignorance of the Meadville police, that he himself set out on + a hunt to detect the authors of the outrages upon the young + aviators. + </p> + <p> + The sole result of his inquiry however was to establish the + fact that both Cassells had left town, closing their house + and announcing that they would be gone for some time. + </p> + <p> + As there was nothing further to be gained by remaining in + Meadville, the entire party, after lunch, set out once more, + a big crowd witnessing the departure of the aërial + tourists. + </p> + <p> + They flew fast, and as the roads were excellent the auto had + no difficulty in keeping up with them. On through the + afternoon they soared along, sometimes swooping low above an + alluring bit of scenery and again heading their machines + skyward in pure exuberance of spirits. Their troubles at + Meadville forgotten, they flew their machines like sportive + birds; never had any of them experienced more fully the joy + of flight, the sense of freedom that comes from traveling + untrammeled into the ether. + </p> + <p> + They had passed above a small village and were flying low, + those in the auto waving to them, when Peggy, in the + <i>Golden Butterfly</i>, gave a sudden exclamation. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, look," she shouted, "a flock of sheep, and right in the + path of the auto." + </p> + <p> + At that moment all of them saw the sheep, a large flock, + headed by a belligerent looking ram with immense horns. Jake, + who was driving the car, slowed up as he approached the + flock. The woolly herd, huddled together helplessly, made no + effort to get out of the road. Behind them a man and a boy + shouted and yelled vigorously, but with no more effect than + to bunch the animals more squarely in the path of the + advancing car. + </p> + <p> + All at once, just as the car was slowed down to almost a + walking pace, a big ram separated himself from the flock and + actually rushed for the front seat of the car. + </p> + <p> + Jake uttered a yell as the woolly creature gave him a hard + butt, knocking him out of his seat. But this wasn't all. + </p> + <p> + By some strange freak the animal had landed in the car in a + sitting posture. Now the young aviators roared with laughter + to behold the creature seated in Jake's forcibly vacated + place. Its hoofs rested on the driving wheel. + </p> + <p> + Forward plunged the car, its queer driver with his feet + wedged in the spokes of the steering wheel. Aloft the flock + of young aviators roared with laughter at the sight. It was + the oddest experience they had yet had—this spectacle + of a grave-looking, long-horned ram driving an auto, while + Jake prudently kept out of reach of those horns. As for Miss + Prescott and The Wren, they cowered back in the tonneau in + keen alarm. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" cried Peggy suddenly, "there comes a runabout; that ram + will surely collide with it!" + </p> + <p> + A runabout coming in the opposite direction dashed round a + corner of the country road at this juncture. The driver was a + young girl, but she was veiled and her features could not be + seen under the thick face covering. + </p> + <p> + Apparently the ram saw the other car coming, for the animal + actually appeared to make a halfway intelligent effort to + steer the car out of the road. + </p> + <p> + For her part the girl in the runabout swerved her car from + side to side in a struggle to avoid a collision, which + appeared inevitable. + </p> + <p> + "Stop it!" shrieked Bess; "she'll be killed." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH15"><!-- CH15 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <h3> + A RAMBUNCTIOUS RAM. + </h3> + <p> + The ram evidently saw the other car coming; it tried to leap + out but its hoofs were jammed in the spokes of the steering + wheel. Before Jake could pick himself up from the floor of + the front part of the car there came a loud shriek from the + runabout. It was echoed by Miss Prescott and The Wren. + </p> + <p> + Crash! + </p> + <p> + The two cars came together with a fearful jolt. + </p> + <p> + The eyes of the young aviators aloft were fixed on the scene. + They saw the large car strike the runabout and crumple its + engine hood. Peggy gave a scream. + </p> + <p> + The ram, jolted out of its seat by the force of the + collision, fell out to one side, allowing Jake to resume + control of the wheel. But the runabout! It was ditched, its + unfortunate occupant being pitched headlong into a ditch at + the side of the road. + </p> + <p> + Down swept the aëroplanes, and there was a wild rush to + the rescue. Peggy, Jess and Bess ran to the side of the + injured occupant of the strange runabout. The boys divided + themselves, attending to everything. + </p> + <p> + "Roy! Roy! hurry, she's unconscious!" + </p> + <p> + The cry came from Peggy as she rushed to the side of the + young motorist. + </p> + <p> + Roy was not far off, and, at his sister's cry, he hastened to + her side. Peggy had the girl's head in her lap. + </p> + <p> + "Get water!" she cried. + </p> + <p> + But Jimsy was already on hand with a collapsible aluminum cup + full of water from a near by spring. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, the poor dear," sighed Peggy, "to think that our fun + should have—" + </p> + <p> + The strange girl opened her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Who are you?" she exclaimed. "Where is my machine?" + </p> + <p> + "Never mind for a minute," spoke Peggy, seeing that Jimsy and + Jake were trying to drag the machine out of the ditch, "we'll + fix it, never fear." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, my head!" groaned the girl. + </p> + <p> + "That pesky ram," exploded Roy angrily; "let me help you up + into the road, you'll be more comfortable." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, thank you, I can stand," came faintly from the injured + girl. "I—am—much better now. What happened?" + </p> + <p> + "Why a sort of volunteer driver was experimenting with our + car, and I guess he made a mistake in driving," smilingly + explained Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, that ram!" cried the girl half hysterically. "I thought + I had a nightmare at first." + </p> + <p> + "I don't blame you," smiled Peggy, "seeing a ram driving a + motor car is apt to give one such ideas." + </p> + <p> + "Are you really better?" asked Jess sympathetically as she + came up. + </p> + <p> + "Peggy, get my smelling salts out of the traveling bag!" + cried Miss Prescott anxiously. + </p> + <p> + The accident had disturbed her sadly. The only unperturbed + one in the party was Jake. He took things with philosophical + calm. + </p> + <p> + "Knew more trouble was comin'," said he, and contented + himself by dismissing the situation with that. + </p> + <p> + "I've got good news for you," said Jimsy, coming up; "your + car isn't hurt a bit." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, good!" cried the girl, clasping her hands and flushing. + Her veil was raised now and they saw that she was very + blonde, very pretty and just now very pale. + </p> + <p> + "My, what a rambunctious ram!" punned Roy; "he ramified all + over, didn't he?" + </p> + <p> + "Gracious, for a time I thought I was seeing things!" gasped + the girl, who was seated on a tufted hummock of grass at the + side of the road. + </p> + <p> + "And then you felt them," laughed Jimsy. "That's the way such + things run." + </p> + <p> + They all laughed. Soon after, Roy, Jimsy and Jake dragged the + small runabout out of the ditch. In the meantime Peggy had + introduced herself and Jess to the young girl. The latter's + name was Lavinia Nesbitt. She lived not far from the scene of + the accident, and had been taking a jaunt in her machine. + </p> + <p> + The runabout had been rescued, and the whole party introduced + and talking merrily when Jess set up a cry. + </p> + <p> + "Goodness! here comes that ram again!" + </p> + <p> + Down the road, with the two sheep drivers at its heels, the + beast was indeed coming. It advanced at a hard gallop, with + head lowered and formidable horns ready for a charge, into + the midst of the group. + </p> + <p> + "Look out for him!" yelled the sheep herders. + </p> + <p> + They needed no second injunction. All skipped adroitly out of + the path of the oncoming beast, which was rushing on like a + whirlwind. Jimsy proved equal to the emergency. From his + aëroplane he took the rope which had already done good + service in rescuing the <i>Golden Butterfly</i> from the + pond. He formed it into a loop—the lariat of the + Western plains. + </p> + <p> + "Now we've got him!" he exclaimed; "that is, if we are + careful. But watch out!" + </p> + <p> + "No danger of that," responded Peggy, from the vantage of the + tonneau of the car; "but how are you going to rope him?" + </p> + <p> + "Watch!" + </p> + <p> + Jimsy began swinging his loop in ever widening circles. The + ram was now within a few feet of him. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, the <i>Dart</i>!" shrieked Bess; "he'll go right through + it!" + </p> + <p> + Indeed it did appear as if the maddened animal would. But + just as there are many slips between cup and lip so there are + many slips between the ram and the aëroplane. + </p> + <p> + Just as it appeared that he would plow his way right through + the delicate fabric, Jimsy hurled his loop. It settled round + the animal's horns. Planting his heels in the ground Jimsy + held tight to the rope. The next minute he "snubbed" it tight + and the ram lost its feet and rolled over and over in the + dust. + </p> + <p> + Jake and Roy rushed in and completed the job of tying the + creature. + </p> + <p> + "Goodness, Jimsy, you're a regular broncho buster!" cried + Peggy admiringly. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I learned to do some tricks with a rope with the horse + hunters out in Nevada," was the response. + </p> + <p> + But careless as his manner was, Jimsy's eyes glowed with + triumph. It was plainly to be seen that he was delighted with + his success. Just then the two sheep drivers came running up. + </p> + <p> + The girls looked rather alarmed. Suppose they should blame + them for trying to kidnap the ram. + </p> + <p> + "I'll do the talking," declared Roy; "if you said anything, + Jimsy, there might be a row." + </p> + <p> + "All right," laughed Jimsy, regarding his "roped and tied + captive." "I suppose you are an expert on dealing with ram + owners." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'm on to their mental ramifications," laughed Roy. + </p> + <p> + The sheep driver, an elderly man, accompanied by a youth, + came up to them now. He touched his hat civilly as he + approached. + </p> + <p> + "Good afternoon. No one hurt, I hope," he said. + </p> + <p> + The girls looked greatly relieved. After all, the man was not + rude or angry as they had feared. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no, thank you," cried Jess, before Roy or Jimsy could + open their mouths. "I hope he isn't though." + </p> + <p> + "Hurt!" exclaimed the ram's owner, "why you couldn't hurt him + with a steam hammer. Why, day 'afore yesterday the blame + thing went for my wife. Hoofs and horns—yes, sir! Most + knocked her down, he did. I'll fix him." + </p> + <p> + "What's his name?" asked Bess. + </p> + <p> + "Hannibal," said the man, without the flicker of a facial + muscle. + </p> + <p> + "I should think Cannonball would be a better name for him," + struck in Jimsy, with that funny, serious face he always + assumed when 'joshing'. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, I guess it <i>would</i> be more appropriate at + that," assented the man. + </p> + <p> + He looked at the disabled machine. + </p> + <p> + "Busted?" he asked with apparent concern. + </p> + <p> + "To some extent," rejoined Roy, "only, except for that engine + hood being dented there doesn't appear to be much the matter + with it." + </p> + <p> + "Glad to pay if there be," said the sheep driver. "I'm going + ter git rid of ther pesky critter. He's cost me a lot in + damage suits already." + </p> + <p> + "Why don't you put him on the stage as the boxing ram, or + something like that?" inquired Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Might be a good scheme," said the man, as if considering the + proposal seriously. + </p> + <p> + "Mary had a little ram—" laughed Jimsy; who was + thereupon told not to be "horrid." + </p> + <p> + "Why don't you box the nasty thing's ears for riding in our + car?" asked Roy of Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "I'd like to do something, the saucy thing," declared Peggy + with vehemence. + </p> + <p> + "Tell you what! Let's buy him." + </p> + <p> + The suggestion came from Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and have his skin made up into an auto robe," suggested + Roy. + </p> + <p> + "If you boys aren't ridiculous," cried Peggy; "I want to + forget the incident, and so I'm sure does Lavinia," the name + of the girl who had been spilled out of her machine. + </p> + <p> + "You may be sure I do," she declared with emphasis. "I was + never so scared in my life." + </p> + <p> + "Want to buy him?" asked the man, grasping at a chance of + selling an animal that had already placed him in some + embarrassing positions. + </p> + <p> + "How much do you want?" asked Roy, more as a joke than + anything else. + </p> + <p> + "Three dollars," said the man. + </p> + <p> + "There you are, girls! Who'll bid? Who'll bid? This fine + young ram going at a sacrifice." + </p> + <p> + Jimsy imitated an auctioneer, raising his voice to a sharp + pitch. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH16"><!-- CH16 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <h3> + AN INVITATION TO RACE. + </h3> + <p> + It is almost needless to say that the purchase was not + consummated. The girls raised a chorus of protest. The "nasty + thing" was the mildest of the epithets they applied to the + beast. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I don't know. I thought we might have his skin done + into a robe. We could give it as a prize to the girl that + makes the best record on this motor flight," suggested Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "I wish you'd take him up a thousand feet and drop him," + declared the unfortunate ram's owner. + </p> + <p> + "Poor thing! he only acted according to his nature," defended + Peggy; "let him loose and he'll go back to the flock." + </p> + <p> + "Not him," declared his owner; "he'd only raise more Cain. + Better let him be." + </p> + <p> + But the girls raised a chorus of protest. It was a shame to + leave the poor thing tied up, and they insisted that he be + let loose. + </p> + <p> + "All right, if you kin stand it I kin," grinned the man. + </p> + <p> + He and the boy bent over the captive ram and cast him loose. + The beast struggled to his feet, and for an instant stood + glaring about him out of his yellowish eyes that gleamed like + agates. But it was only for an instant that he remained thus. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he lowered his head and without more preliminaries + dashed right at the <i>Golden Butterfly</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Gracious, he's a game old sport!" yelled Jimsy; "Hasn't had + enough of it yet, eh?" + </p> + <p> + Right at the <i>Butterfly</i> the ram rushed. Reaching it, + with one bound he was in the chassis. + </p> + <p> + "Now we'll get him," whispered the owner of the ram. "I told + you if he was let go he'd start cutting up rough." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you surely proved a good prophet," laughed Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Now we've got to catch him," said the man. + </p> + <p> + "How?" whispered Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Someone must lasso him as you did before. Easy now. Don't + scare him or he might do damage." + </p> + <p> + The ram was seated in the aëroplane for all the world as + if he was a scientific investigator of some sort. He paid no + attention whatever to those who were creeping up on him, + Jimsy with his rope in his hand, the loop trailing behind him + all ready for action. + </p> + <p> + "This is more fun than a deer hunt!" declared Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Than a bull fight, you mean," retorted Jimsy; "this creature + gives the best imitation of a wild bull I ever saw." + </p> + <p> + They all laughed. The ram certainly had given a realistic + interpretation of a savage Andalusian fighter. + </p> + <p> + "Now then," whispered the sheep driver as they drew near. + Jimsy's rope swirled and settled about the ram's horns. But + the startled beast was due to give them another surprise. + Hardly had Jimsy's rope fallen about it when with a snort it + leaped clean in the air and out of the aëroplane. It + tore like an express train straight at Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + Before the boy could get out of its path "Biff!" the impact + had come. Jimsy arose into the atmosphere and described a + distinct parabola. He landed with a bump in a clump of + bushes, while Mr. Ram rushed off down the road to join his + flock. + </p> + <p> + "Haw! haw! haw!" roared the sheep man; "ain't hurt, be you?" + </p> + <p> + "No; but I've a good mind to sue you for damages," rejoined + Jimsy, picking himself out of the clump of brush; "you've no + right to drive an animal like that around the country without + labeling him 'Dynamite. Dangerous'." + </p> + <p> + "Guess I will, too," said the man, who appeared to think well + of the suggestion; "he sure will get me in a pile of trouble + one of these days." + </p> + <p> + He raised his hat and strode off, followed by the boy. In the + distance the ram was capering about among the other sheep. + Jimsy brushed the dust off himself and then looked about him. + </p> + <p> + "Anybody laughing?" he demanded suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + They all shook their heads, the girls biting their lips to + avoid smiling. + </p> + <p> + "All right then, I suggest that we get out of here right + away; a tiger's liable to come striding out of those woods + next." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; we'd better be getting along; Millbrook, our next stop, + is several miles off," said Peggy, consulting the map. + </p> + <p> + No further time was lost in resuming their rapid flight. In + the distance, as the flock of aëroplanes arose, the + sheep man waved his hat and shouted his adieus. + </p> + <p> + Millbrook was reached that evening just at dusk. It proved to + be a fair-sized town, and the aëroplanes excited as much + curiosity there as they had in Meadville—more so, in + fact, for, from some flaring posters, it appeared that an + aëroplane exhibition and race had been arranged for the + next day by a traveling company of aviators. That evening, at + the hotel, a deputation of citizens waited on the boys and + asked them if they would not prolong their stay and take part + in the air sports. The mayor, whose name was Jasper Hanks, + mentioned a prize of five hundred dollars for an endurance + flight as a special inducement. + </p> + <p> + The lads said they would think things over and report in the + morning. Their real object in delaying their decision was, of + course, to consult the girls about appearing. Peggy, Jess and + Bess went into raptures over the idea, and Miss Prescott's + consent was readily obtained. + </p> + <p> + "I'll be glad to rest for a day after all our exciting + times," she declared, "and I mean to add to Wren's outfit + too." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, how good you are to me," sighed the odd little figure, + nestling close to her benefactress. + </p> + <p> + "Tush! tush, my dear! I'm going to make a wonderful girl out + of you," beamed the kindly lady. + </p> + <p> + Descending to the office to buy some postcards, the boys + found, lounging about the desk, a stoutish man with a rather + dissipated face, puffy under the eyes and heavy about the + jaws. A bright red necktie and patent-leather boots with + cloth tops accentuated the decidedly "noisy" impression he + conveyed. + </p> + <p> + As the boys came down he eyed them sharply. Then he addressed + them. + </p> + <p> + "My name's Lish Kelly," he said. "I'm manager of the United + Aviators' Exhibition Company. We're showing out at the City + Park tomorrow. I understand that you kids have been asked to + butt in." + </p> + <p> + "We've been asked to participate, if that's what you mean," + rejoined Roy rather sharply. The fellow's manner was + offensive and overbearing. + </p> + <p> + "Well, see here, you stay out," rejoined the man, shaking a + fat forefinger on which glistened a diamond ring of such + proportions as to make it dubious if it boasted a genuine + stone. + </p> + <p> + "You stay out of it," he repeated. + </p> + <p> + Roy and Jimsy were almost dumfounded. The man's tone was one + of actual command. + </p> + <p> + "Why? Why should we stay out of it?" demanded Roy. + </p> + <p> + "The mayor of the town has asked us to take part," came from + Jimsy; "what have you got to do with it?" + </p> + <p> + "It's this way," said the man in rather a less overbearing + way than he had hitherto adopted; "we're going about the + country giving flights. The city gives us the park in this + town and we get so much of the receipts. But we rely on + winning the prizes, see. Now if you kids butt in, why you + might win some of them and that knocks my profit out. Get + me?" + </p> + <p> + "I understand you, if that's what you mean," rejoined Roy; + "but I still fail to see why we should not compete if we want + to." + </p> + <p> + The man placed his hand on the boy's shoulder impressively. + </p> + <p> + "'Cos if you do it'll make trouble for you, sonny." + </p> + <p> + "Who'll make it?" flashed back Roy indignantly. + </p> + <p> + "I will, son, and I'm some trouble maker when I start + anything along them lines, take it from me." + </p> + <p> + He turned on his heel, stuck his cigar at a more acute angle + in the side of his mouth, and strode off, leaving the two + boys dumfounded. + </p> + <p> + "Well, what do you make of that?" demanded Roy, as soon as + his astonishment had subsided a trifle. + </p> + <p> + "Just this, that Mr. Lish Kelly thinks he can run this thing + to suit himself." + </p> + <p> + "What will we do about it?" + </p> + <p> + "For my part I wanted to compete before. I desire to more + than ever now." + </p> + <p> + "Same here." + </p> + <p> + "Maybe he was only bluffing after all." + </p> + <p> + "Maybe; but just the same I wouldn't trust him not to try to + do us some harm. As he says, his main profits come from + winning the prizes offered by the different communities." + </p> + <p> + "Humph! well, so far as that goes, I don't see why that need + keep us out of it." + </p> + <p> + "Nor I; but we've had troubles enough, and I don't want + willingly to run into any more." + </p> + <p> + "Nor I. Well, let's sleep on it. We'll decide in the + morning." + </p> + <p> + "That's a good idea." + </p> + <p> + The two lads went up to bed and slept as only healthy lads + can. The next morning dawned bright and clear. There was + hardly any wind. It was real "flying" weather. The + aëroplanes had been sheltered in a big shed belonging to + the hotel. Before breakfast the boys went out and looked them + over. All were in good shape. + </p> + <p> + As they were coming out of the shed they were hailed by no + less a personage than Mayor Hanks. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said he, "are you going to fly?" + </p> + <p> + "We think of doing so," said Roy, hesitating a little. He + wanted to speak of the conduct of Lish Kelly, but on second + thought he decided not to; the man might merely have had a + fit of bad temper on him. His threats might have been only + empty ones. + </p> + <p> + "If you're going to fly I have got some entry blanks with + me," said the mayor. "I wish you'd sign 'em." + </p> + <p> + He drew out a bunch of blue papers with blanks for describing + the name of the machine, its power, driver and other details. + </p> + <p> + This decided the boys. + </p> + <p> + "All right, we'll enter all our machines," said Roy; "let us + go into the writing room and we'll sign the entry blanks." + </p> + <p> + "Good for you," cried the mayor delightedly; "you'll be a big + drawing card, especially the young ladies. I never heard of + gals flyin', although, come to think of it, why shouldn't + they?" + </p> + <p> + In the writing room they concluded the business. When it was + done all the machines had been entered in every contest, + including an altitude one. + </p> + <p> + "We start at ten sharp, so be there," admonished the mayor as + he departed, highly pleased at having secured quite a flock + of young aviators at no cost at all. + </p> + <p> + It was as his figure vanished, that Lish Kelly crossed the + writing room. He had been sitting in a telephone booth, and + leaving the door a crack open had heard every word that had + passed. + </p> + <p> + He greeted the boys with an angry scowl. + </p> + <p> + "So you ain't going to stay out?" he said gruffly, as he + passed. "All right; look out for squalls!" + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH17"><!-- CH17 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <h3> + THE TWISTED SPARK PLUG. + </h3> + <p> + "Gracious, are we in for more trouble?" + </p> + <p> + Jimsy looked blankly at Roy; but the latter only laughed at + his chum's serious face. + </p> + <p> + Somehow, viewed in the bright light of early day, Lish + Kelly's threats did not appear nearly as formidable as they + had over night. + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense; what harm can he do us anyhow? We're going to go + into this race, and we're going to win too. Just watch us." + </p> + <p> + "Going to tell the girls anything about Kelly and his + remarks?" + </p> + <p> + "No; what good would that do? It would only scare them." + </p> + <p> + "That's so, too; but just the same I didn't like the look of + Kelly's face when he came through." + </p> + <p> + "He looked to me like a bulldog that had swallowed a baby's + boot and didn't like the taste of the blacking on it," + laughed Roy. + </p> + <p> + At this juncture the girls came into the room. All were + radiant and smiling in anticipation of the day's sport. + </p> + <p> + "Well, we've been and gone and done it," announced Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Done what?" demanded Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "Signed the paperrr-r-r-s," was the rejoinder, rendered with + great dramatic effect. + </p> + <p> + He waved the duplicate entry blanks above his head. + </p> + <p> + "Let's see them," begged Jess. + </p> + <p> + "All right. Look what I've let us in for!" + </p> + <p> + "Why—why—good gracious, Roy, you've got us down + for everything," gasped Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "That's right, all the way across from soup to nuts," struck + in the slangy Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + They all laughed. The color rose in the girls' faces. + </p> + <p> + "If only we can win some of them," cried Jess. + </p> + <p> + "Well, the machines are all in fine shape. If we don't win it + will be because the other fellows have better machines." + </p> + <p> + "Where are the aviation grounds?" inquired Bess. + </p> + <p> + "At the City Park, about a mile out of town to the south. We + can get to it by looking down at the trolley tracks," said + Roy, who had consulted the mayor on this point. + </p> + <p> + "Then you are going to fly out there?" asked Miss Prescott, + who was also by this time a party to the conference. + </p> + <p> + "Of course; and, by the way, we ought to be getting out there + pretty soon; I want to be looking over the grounds and + selecting the best places for landing and so on," said Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Well, please don't get into any more scrapes," sighed Miss + Prescott; "what with gipsies, firebugs and rams, our trip has + been quite exciting enough for me." + </p> + <p> + The boys exchanged glances. If the man Kelly tried to carry + out his threats things might be more exciting yet, they + thought. But both kept their knowledge to themselves. + </p> + <p> + It was arranged that Miss Prescott should motor out to the + City Park. Soon thereafter the young aviators placed + finishing touches on their machines, and while a curious + crowd gathered they took to the air. + </p> + <p> + "Looks just like a flock of pigeons," said a man in the + crowd, as they climbed skyward quite closely bunched. + </p> + <p> + "It sure does," agreed his companion, "but them things is + prettier than any flock of pigeons I ever see." + </p> + <p> + And this opinion was echoed by many of the throng. At any + rate everyone who saw the aëroplanes start made up his + or her mind to pay a visit to the park and see some more + extended flights, so that Mayor Hanks' prediction was + verified. + </p> + <p> + As the young aviators hovered above City Park for a short + space of time, and then dropped earthward, a veritable + sensation was created. From a row of "hangars" mechanicians + and aviators came running. One or two aviators who were aloft + practicing "stunts," dropped swiftly to earth. Lish Kelly's + troupe was a large one, consisting of five men and one woman + flyer, the wife of Carlos Le Roy, a Cuban aviator. + </p> + <p> + Outside the grounds several of the frugal individuals who + desired to see the flights without paying admission also + watched as the quintette of strange aëroplanes dropped + to earth. + </p> + <p> + One by one the graceful craft of the air settled to the + ground, and the young aviators alighted. Members of the + Arrangement Committee hastened to their sides, shaking hands + warmly and thanking them for their interest in the coming + contests. + </p> + <p> + The Kelly aviators gazed curiously, some of them resentfully, + at the newcomers. They had all the professional's antipathy + and jealousy of amateur performers. As the Arrangement + Committee bustled off after telling our friends to make + themselves perfectly at home, Pepita Le Roy came up to them. + She was a handsome woman, in a foreign way, with large, dark + eyes and an abundance of raven black hair. She was rather + flashily dressed and walked with a sort of swagger that in a + vague way reminded Peggy of "Carmen." + </p> + <p> + "So you are zee girl aviators," she remarked, as she came up. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I guess that's what they call us," rejoined Peggy; "we + enjoy flying and have done a lot of it." + </p> + <p> + "So! I have read your names in zee papers." + </p> + <p> + "Oh, those awful papers!" cried Jess, who hated publicity; + "they are always printing things about us." + </p> + <p> + "What! You do not like it?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, no! You see, we only fly for fun. Not as a business + and—" + </p> + <p> + Peggy stopped short. She felt she had committed a grave + breach of tactfulness. It was not the thing, she felt, to + boast to a professional woman flyer of their standing as + amateurs. + </p> + <p> + Nor was the Cuban woman slow to take umbrage at what she + considered an insult. Her eyes flashed indignantly as she + regarded the fair-haired, slender girl before her. + </p> + <p> + "So you fly only for fun," she said vehemently; "very well, + you have all zee fun you want before to-day is ovaire." + </p> + <p> + Without another word she walked off, with the swinging walk + of her race. + </p> + <p> + The girls looked at each other with a sort of amused dismay. + </p> + <p> + "Goodness, Peggy; you should be more careful," cried Bess; + "you've hurt her feelings dreadfully." + </p> + <p> + "I'm sure I didn't mean to," declared Peggy remorsefully. + "I—I had no idea that she would flare up like that." + </p> + <p> + "Well, after all, it doesn't matter much," soothed Jess, + pouring oil on the troubled waters, so to speak. "I'm glad + the boys didn't hear it though." + </p> + <p> + "So am I. See, they're busy on Roy's machine," exclaimed + Bess. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; the lower left wing is rather warped," explained Peggy; + "they are fixing it." + </p> + <p> + "Wonder who that man is who is monkeying with the <i>Red + Dragon</i>?" said Peggy, the next instant. "I mean that + horrid looking man in the check suit." + </p> + <p> + "I don't know. See, he has a monkey wrench in his hand, too," + exclaimed Bess. + </p> + <p> + Almost simultaneously the boys looked round from their work + on the biplane and saw the man. It was Lish Kelly. He was + bending over the engine and doing something to it with his + wrench. + </p> + <p> + "Hey! What are you doing there?" yelled Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Just looking at your machine. No harm in that, is there?" + demanded Kelly, with a red face. + </p> + <p> + "None at all, except that we don't want our machines touched. + How comes it you have that monkey wrench in your hands if you + weren't tampering with the machinery?" + </p> + <p> + Jimsy spoke in a voice that fairly bubbled over with + indignation. + </p> + <p> + "Don't get sore, kid; I wouldn't harm your old mowing + machine. There isn't one of mine but could beat it the + fastest day it ever flew." + </p> + <p> + As he spoke Kelly slouched off. They saw him go up to a group + of his aviators and begin talking earnestly to them. Once or + twice he motioned with his head in their direction. + </p> + <p> + "So he <i>does</i> mean mischief, after all," said Roy; + "let's take a good look at the <i>Dragon's</i> engine. He may + have injured it, although I don't think he'd have had time to + hurt it seriously." + </p> + <p> + They strolled over to the <i>Dragon</i>, with the girls + trailing behind. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" cried Peggy, as they came up, "look at that spark + plug." + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter with it?" demanded Jimsy, + </p> + <p> + "Look, it's all bent and twisted out of shape." + </p> + <p> + "Jove, sis, so it is. Your eyes are as sharp as they are + pretty!" cried Roy. + </p> + <p> + "No compliments, please. Oh, that horrid man!" + </p> + <p> + "Who is he?" asked Jess. "You appeared to know him." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, we had some conversation with him this morning," + laughed Roy; "but to return to the spark plug; it's a good + thing we carry extra ones." + </p> + <p> + "But we don't!" cried Jimsy, in a dismayed tone. + </p> + <p> + "What! you had a supply in a locker on your machine." + </p> + <p> + Jimsy looked confused. + </p> + <p> + "I've got to make a confession," he said. + </p> + <p> + "You didn't bring them!" cried Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "No, the fact is I—I forgot." + </p> + <p> + Jimsy looked miserably from one to the other. Here was a + quandary indeed. It might prove hard to get such a commodity + as a spark plug in Millbrook. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH18"><!-- CH18 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <h3> + IN SEARCH OF A NEW PLUG. + </h3> + <p> + It was while they were still discussing the situation that + the automobile with Jake at the wheel and Miss Prescott and + The Wren in the tonneau, drove into the grounds. What a + difference there was in the child since her benefactors had + fitted her out! She looked like a dainty, ethereal little + princess instead of the ragged little waif that had been + rescued from the gipsy camp. + </p> + <p> + But the minds of our young friends were now intent on + different matters. Time pressed. The altitude flight, in + which Jimsy had planned to take part, was to be the first + thing on the program. If anything was to be done about + reequipping the <i>Dragon</i> it must be done quickly. + </p> + <p> + "Tell you what," said Roy suddenly, "we'll get into the car + and drive back to town. It won't take long and maybe we can + dig up an extra one some place." + </p> + <p> + "If we don't I'm out of it for keeps," groaned Jimsy; "oh, + that Kelly. I'd like to punch his head." + </p> + <p> + He doubled up his fists aggressively; but, after all, what + chance had he to prove that Kelly had actually damaged the + plug. If confronted the man would have probably denied all + knowledge of it. Nobody had actually seen him do it, so that + positive proof was out of the question. No, they must repair + the damage as best they could. + </p> + <p> + But Roy determined to have the machines closely guarded. The + situation was explained to Miss Prescott, and while she and + her small protégé took seats in the grand stand + Jake was detailed to guard the aëroplanes. This done, + the boys got into the machine and prepared to start for town. + But the girls interfered. + </p> + <p> + "Aren't you going to take us along, you impolite youths!" + cried Bess. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, certainly, your company is always charming," returned + Jimsy, with a low bow. + </p> + <p> + "Of course it is, but you wouldn't have asked us to come if + we had not invited ourselves," declared Peggy vehemently. + </p> + <p> + "How can you say so? Our lives would be a dry desert without + the girl aviators to liven things up," declared Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Jimsy Bancroft, if you are going to get poetical you'll + leave this car," cried Jess. + </p> + <p> + "That's just it," declared Jimsy, "girls can cry their eyes + out over romantic heroes, but when a regular fellow starts to + get 'mushy' they go up in the air." + </p> + <p> + Amidst the chorus of protestations aroused by this ungallant + speech Roy started the car. Swiftly it sped out of the + grounds; but not so swiftly that the keen eyes of Lish Kelly + did not see it. + </p> + <p> + He called Herman Le Roy, the Cuban aviator, to him. + </p> + <p> + "Le Roy, you are not in the altitude contest," he said, "hop + in my car with me and we'll follow those kids. They're up to + something." + </p> + <p> + The Cuban looked at him and smiled, showing two rows of white + teeth under his small, dapperly curled mustache. + </p> + <p> + "I think, Señor Kelly, you have been up to something + yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you know what I told you. We want that + five-hundred-dollar prize, Carlos, and by the looks of things + if we don't do something those kids are likely to get it." + </p> + <p> + "They have fine machines," agreed the other. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; and they are equipped with a balancing device that + makes them much more reliable than ours." + </p> + <p> + "A balancing device!" exclaimed the Cuban, as the two men got + into the car, a small yellow runabout of racy appearance. + </p> + <p> + "That's what I said, and it's a good one, too. I read an + account of it in an aviation paper; but the description was + too sketchy for me to see how the thing was worked." + </p> + <p> + "Those boys must be wonders." + </p> + <p> + "I'm afraid they are. That's why we've got to be careful of + them. But I've got a plan to fix them, the whole lot of + them." + </p> + <p> + "What is it?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll tell you as we go along." + </p> + <p> + As the car rolled past the group of aëroplanes with Jake + faithfully standing guard over them, Kelly hailed him in a + suave voice. + </p> + <p> + "Any idea where the young folks have gone?" + </p> + <p> + Jake, who had no idea that Kelly had a sinister motive in + asking the question, replied readily enough. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, they've gone into Millbrook to get another spark plug. + Something happened to one of the plugs of that red machine + yonder." + </p> + <p> + "All right. Thanks." + </p> + <p> + Kelly drove on. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know what happened to that plug, Carlos?" he asked, + as they reached the open road and bowled forward at a good + speed. + </p> + <p> + "I've got a pretty good guess. It was not altogether an + accident, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "An accident, well, it was, in a sense. I happened to be near + that machine with a monkey wrench and in some way was + careless enough to let it put that plug out of business." + </p> + <p> + Both men laughed heartily, as if Kelly's rascally act had + been the most amusing thing in the world. + </p> + <p> + "You are a genius," declared Le Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I reckon I know a thing or two," was the modest + response; "besides, I need that money." + </p> + <p> + "But what is your plan?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll tell you as we go along. Drive fast, but don't keep so + close to that other car that they can get sight of us." + </p> + <p> + "Not much fear of that. They had a long start of us and are + out of sight now." + </p> + <p> + "So much the better. It doesn't interfere with my plans a + bit, provided they take the same road back." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean to do?" + </p> + <p> + "Are you good with a shovel?" was the cryptic reply. + </p> + <p> + "I don't understand you, I must say." + </p> + <p> + "You will later on. We'll drive up to that farmhouse yonder." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and what then?" + </p> + <p> + "We'll borrow two shovels." + </p> + <p> + "Two shovels!" + </p> + <p> + "That's what I said." + </p> + <p> + "But what on earth have two shovels to do with stopping a + bunch of kids from entering in an aëroplane race?" + </p> + <p> + "Carlos, your brain is dull to-day." + </p> + <p> + "It would take a wizard to understand what you intend to do." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you will see later on. Drive in this gate. That's it, + and now for the shovels." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH19"><!-- CH19 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> + <h3> + THE TRAP. + </h3> + <p> + For more than half an hour eager inquiries were made in + Millbrook for a spark plug such as they wanted. But all their + search was to no avail. But suddenly, just as they were about + to give up in despair, a man, of whom they had made + inquiries, recalled that not far out of town there was a + small garage. + </p> + <p> + "We'll try there," determined Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + Finding out the road, they speeded to the place. It did not + look very promising, a small, badly fitted up auto station, + run by an elderly man with red-rimmed, watery eyes, looking + out from behind a pair of horn spectacles that somehow gave + him the odd look of a frog. + </p> + <p> + "Got any spark plugs?" asked Jimsy, as the machine came to a + halt. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, all kinds," said the man, in a wheezy, asthmatic voice + that sounded like the exhaust of a dying-down engine. + </p> + <p> + "Good!" cried Jimsy, hopping out of the car. + </p> + <p> + "That is, we will have all kinds next week," went on the man; + "I've ordered 'em." + </p> + <p> + "Goodness, then you haven't any right now?" + </p> + <p> + "I've got a few. Possibly you might find what you want among + them." + </p> + <p> + "I'll try, anyway," declared Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + The man led the way into a dingy sort of shed. On a shelf in + a dusty corner was a box. + </p> + <p> + "You can hunt through that," said the man wearily; "if you + find what you want wake me up." + </p> + <p> + "Wake you up?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I always take a sleep at this time of day. You woke me + up when you came in. Now I'm going to doze off again." + </p> + <p> + So saying he sank into a chair, closed his eyes and presently + was snoring. + </p> + <p> + "Dead to the world!" gasped Jimsy; "well, that's the quickest + thing in the sleep line I ever saw!" + </p> + <p> + As it was no use to waste further time the boy began + rummaging in the box. It contained all sorts of odds and + ends, among them several plugs. + </p> + <p> + "I'll bet there isn't one here that will fit my engine!" + grumbled Jimsy; "I don't—what! Yes! By Jiminy! Eureka! + Hurray, I've found one!" + </p> + <p> + The man woke up with a start. + </p> + <p> + "What's the matter?" he demanded drowsily. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing! That is, everything!" cried Jimsy. "I've found just + what I want." + </p> + <p> + "All right. Leave the money on that shelf there. It's a + dollar." + </p> + <p> + So saying, off he went to sleep again, while Jimsy, + overjoyed, hastily peeled a dollar from his "roll" and + departed. The last sound he heard was the steady snoring of + the garage man. + </p> + <p> + "Well, there's one fellow that money can't keep awake, even + if it does talk," said Jimsy laughingly to himself as, with a + cry of triumph, he rejoined the party, waving the plug like a + banner or an emblem of victory. + </p> + <p> + No time was lost in starting the auto up again and they + whirled back through Millbrook in a cloud of dust. Passing + through the village they retraced their way along the road by + which they had come. + </p> + <p> + "Just half an hour before that altitude flight," remarked + Jimsy to Roy, who was driving, as they sped through the town. + </p> + <p> + "Fine; we'll make it all right," was the rejoinder. Roy + turned on more power and the auto shot ahead like some scared + wild thing. + </p> + <p> + "We'll only hit the high spots this trip," declared Roy, as + the machine plunged and rolled along at top speed. + </p> + <p> + All at once, as they turned a corner, they received a sudden + check. Right ahead of them a man was driving some cows. Roy + jammed down the emergency brake, causing them all to hold on + for dear life to avoid being pitched out by the sudden change + of speed. + </p> + <p> + "Wow! what a jolt!" exclaimed Jimsy; "it sure + did——" + </p> + <p> + The sentence was never completed. The auto gave a pitch + sideways and then plunged into a pit that had been dug across + the road and covered with leaves and dust placed on a + framework of branches. Down into this pit crashed the machine + with a sickening jolt. The girls screamed aloud in fear. It + appeared as if the machine would be a total wreck. + </p> + <p> + But that was not the worst of it. In the sudden fall into the + pit Roy had been pitched out and now lay quite still at the + roadside. Jimsy had saved himself from being thrown by + clutching tight hold of the seat. + </p> + <p> + He stopped the engine and then clambering out of the car + hastened to Roy's side. To his delight, just as he reached + him, Roy sat up, and although his face was drawn with pain he + declared that his injuries consisted of nothing more serious + than a sprained ankle. + </p> + <p> + "But look at the machine!" cried Jimsy; "it's smashed, I'm + sure of it." + </p> + <p> + The pit which had been dug across the road was about three + feet deep and the front wheels of the auto rested in it. The + hind wheels had not entered, as the excavation was not a wide + one. + </p> + <p> + Both boys hastened to examine the car. To their satisfaction + they found that not much damage had been done beyond a slight + wrenching of the steering gear. This was due to the fact that + they had been going at reduced speed. + </p> + <p> + "Gracious! Suppose we had been coming along at the same pace + we'd been hitting up right along," exclaimed Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "We wouldn't be here now," declared Roy; "we'd be in the next + county or thereabouts." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, we'd have kept right on going," agreed Jimsy; "talk + about flying! But, say, who can have done this?" + </p> + <p> + "Not much doubt in my mind it's the work of that outfit of + Kelly's. He told us to look out for trouble, and he appears + to be making it for us." + </p> + <p> + "The precious rascal; he might have broken all our necks." + </p> + <p> + "That's true, if we'd been hitting up high speed." + </p> + <p> + "How are we going to get out of this?" + </p> + <p> + Peggy asked the question just as the man who had been driving + the cattle came running up. + </p> + <p> + "What's the trouble?" he asked, gazing at the odd scene. + </p> + <p> + "You can see for yourself," rejoined Roy; "some rascals dug a + trench across the road so as to wreck our machine if + possible." + </p> + <p> + "Humph! So I see," was the rejoinder; "how be you goin' ter + git out of thar?" + </p> + <p> + "That's a problem. If we could get a team of + horses——" The man interrupted Roy, who was acting + as spokesman. + </p> + <p> + "Tell you what, two of my cattle back thar are plow oxen. + I'll go back to ther farm, git their yokes on 'em and yank + you out of here. That is pervidin' you pay me, uv course." + </p> + <p> + "Don't worry about that. We're willing to pay anything in + reason." + </p> + <p> + "All right, then, I'll hook up Jeb and Jewel." + </p> + <p> + The man walked back toward his cattle, which were contentedly + browsing at the side of the road. Clucking in an odd manner, + he drove two of them out of the herd and started back toward + a farmhouse which was not far distant. In a wonderfully short + time he was back with his oxen in harness. + </p> + <p> + "Gee, Jeb! Haw, Jewel!" he cried, as he came up. The oxen + swung round and the heavy chain attached to their yoke was + hitched to the front axle of the car. + </p> + <p> + "Now for it!" cried Roy, when this had been done. + </p> + <p> + "Git ap!" shouted the man. + </p> + <p> + The slow but powerful oxen strained their muscular backs. The + chain tightened and the next moment the car, from which Peggy + and Jess and Bess had alighted, rose from the pit. Then the + hind wheels dropped into it with a bump, but the shock + absorbers prevented serious damage. With the oxen straining + and pulling it was finally hauled into the road and they were + ready to resume the trip. + </p> + <p> + Roy rewarded their helper with a substantial bill, and they + were all warm in their thanks. + </p> + <p> + "'Twasn't nuthin'," declared the man, "an' now I guess I'll + go to ther house and have my hired man fill in this road. + Things is come to a fine pass when such things kin happen." + </p> + <p> + As the rescued party sped on toward the aviation field they + fully agreed with the rustic's opinion. Had it not been for + sheer luck they would have suffered extremely serious + consequences as the result of a rascal's device. But as it + was Kelly's plot against them appeared to have failed. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH20"><!-- CH20 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> + <h3> + AN ATTACK IN THE AIR. + </h3> + <p> + "B-o-o-m!" + </p> + <p> + The sound of a gun crashed out as the auto sped through the + gates of the aviation field and rapidly skimmed across to + where the aëroplanes had been parked. + </p> + <p> + "Just in time!" cried Peggy; "that's the five-minute warning + gun." + </p> + <p> + By this time the grandstand was well filled and a band was + playing lively airs. At the starting line three of the Kelly + aëroplanes were gathered ready for the signal for the + start of the altitude flight. The instant the car came to a + standstill Jimsy was out and in a jiffy had the new spark + plug adjusted. There was no time to test it, but he felt + pretty confident that it would work all right. + </p> + <p> + "All ready!" shouted the official in charge of the starting + arrangements. + </p> + <p> + "Ready!" rejoined Jimsy heartily, as he adjusted his leather + helmet and Jake and Roy started the engine. + </p> + <p> + Kelly, whose back had been turned while he talked to some of + his troup, faced round at the sound of the boy's voice. + </p> + <p> + "What, you here!" he choked out, his face purple. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; do you know any reason why I shouldn't be?" asked + Jimsy, with meaning emphasis. + </p> + <p> + Under the lad's direct gaze Kelly's eyes fell. He couldn't + face the lad, but turned away. + </p> + <p> + "There, if that isn't proof of his guilt I'd like to know + what is," declared Jimsy to Roy. + </p> + <p> + "But the rascal covered up his tracks so cleverly that we + can't prove anything on him," muttered Roy disgustedly. + </p> + <p> + At the same instant the starting bomb boomed out. The crowd + yelled, and the drummer of the band pounded his instrument + furiously. Above the uproar sounded the sharp, crackerlike + report of the motors. As more power was applied they roared + like batteries of Gatling guns. + </p> + <p> + Into the air shot one of them, a black biplane. It was + followed by the others, two monoplanes and a triplane. Jimsy + ascended last, but as this was not a race, but a + cloud-climbing contest, he was in no hurry. He was anxious to + see what the other air craft could do. + </p> + <p> + Up they climbed, ascending the aërial stairway, while + the crowd below stared up, at the risk of stiff necks in the + immediate future. + </p> + <p> + Jimsy chose spiraling as his method of rising. But the others + went upward in curious zigzags. This was because their + machines were not equipped with the stability device, and + they could not attempt the same tactics. Before long Jimsy + was high above the others. From below he appeared a mere dot + in the blue. But still he flew on. + </p> + <p> + Once he glanced at his barograph. It showed he had ascended + 5,000 feet. It was higher than the boy had ever been before, + but he kept perseveringly on. + </p> + <p> + It was cold up there in the regions of the upper air, and + Jimsy found himself wishing he had put on a sweater. + </p> + <p> + "It's too long a drop to go down and get one," he remarked to + himself, with grim humor. + </p> + <p> + Beneath him he could see the other aëroplanes; but the + black one was the only one that appeared to be a serious + rival. The rest did not seem to be trying very hard to reach + a superlative height. The black machine, however, was + steadily rising. After a while Jimsy could see the face of + its occupant. It was the Cuban, Le Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Now, what's he trying to do, I wonder?" thought Jimsy, as + the black biplane rose to the same level as himself and + appeared to be going through some odd maneuvering. + </p> + <p> + "That's mighty funny," mused the boy, watching his rival; "I + can't make out what he's up to." + </p> + <p> + Indeed the black biplane was behaving queerly. Now it would + swoop toward Jimsy and then would dart, only to return. + Suddenly it came driving straight at him. + </p> + <p> + It was then that Jimsy suddenly realized what his rival was + trying to do. To use a slangy but expressive phrase, Le Roy, + the veteran aviator, was trying to rattle the boy. + </p> + <p> + "So that's his game, is it," thought Jimsy; "well, I'll give + him a surprise." + </p> + <p> + Manipulating his spark and gas levers the boy gave his + graceful red craft full power. The Dragon shot sharply + upward, crossing Le Roy's machine about twenty feet above its + upper plane. Jimsy laughed aloud at the astonished expression + on the man's face as he skimmed above him. + </p> + <p> + "I reckon he'll think that I do know something about driving + an aëroplane, after all," he chuckled as he rose till + his barograph recorded 6,000 feet. + </p> + <p> + Beneath him he could see Le Roy starting to descend. + Something appeared to be wrong with the black biplane's + motor. It acted sluggishly. + </p> + <p> + "Well, as he's going down I guess I will, too," said Jimsy to + himself; "6,000 feet is by no means a record, but it's high + enough for me." + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he was plunged into what appeared to be a wet and + chilly fog. In reality it was a cloud that had drifted in on + him. It grew suddenly cold with an almost frosty chill. The + moisture of the cloud drenched him to the skin. The lad + shivered and his teeth chattered, but he kept pluckily to his + task. + </p> + <p> + Before long he emerged into the sunlight once more. The crowd + which had thrilled when the young aviator vanished into the + vapor set up a yell when he reappeared. But at the height he + was Jimsy, of course, did not hear it. + </p> + <p> + But as he dropped lower the shouts and cheers became plainly + audible. The lad waved his hand in acknowledgment. Then, as + he neared the ground, he put his machine through a series of + graceful evolutions that set the crowd wild. + </p> + <p> + "The altitude flight is won by Number Four," announced the + officials after they had examined the barograph; "with a + height of 6,000 feet. Number Four is Mr. James Bancroft." + </p> + <p> + "Gee; that sounds real dignified," laughed Jimsy; "it's a + treat to be treated with becoming dignity once in a while." + </p> + <p> + The next flight was a race six times round the course. This + was won by one of the Kelly flyers. Then came an endurance + contest which Roy captured handily and some exhibition flying + in which Bess did some clever work and was delighted to find + herself a winner. + </p> + <p> + It was soon after this that the gun was fired as a note of + warning that the big race was about to begin. + </p> + <p> + Peggy's <i>Golden Butterfly</i> and Roy's entry, the <i>Red + Dragon</i>, borrowed for this race because the biplane was + too heavy and clumsy for such fast work, were wheeled to the + starting line. Already three of Kelly's machines were there, + among them being that of Señora Le Roy, or, as she was + billed, the Cuban Skylark, the Only Woman Flyer in the World. + It appeared now that she had small claim to the title. The + crowd set up a cheer for her as she took her seat in a + neat-looking monoplane of the Bleriot type. + </p> + <p> + But when Peggy's dapper figure, smartly attired in her + aviation costume, appeared a still louder shout went up. + </p> + <p> + Kelly scowled blackly. He stepped up to his flyers. + </p> + <p> + "You've got to win this race or get fired," he snarled. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH21"><!-- CH21 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> + <h3> + PEGGY'S SPLENDID RACE. + </h3> + <p> + "They're off!" + </p> + <p> + "Hurrah!" + </p> + <p> + "There they go!" + </p> + <p> + These and hundreds of other cries and exclamations followed + the report of the starting gun. The Cuban woman flyer was off + first, then came two other of the professional flyers, while + Roy and Peggy got away last. + </p> + <p> + The race was to be sixty miles out to a small body of water + called Lake Loon and return. A trolley line ran past the + aviation grounds and out to the lake. For the guidance of the + flyers a car with a huge American flag flying from it blazed + a trail below them, as it were. + </p> + <p> + Roy's craft gained a slight lead on the <i>Golden + Butterfly</i> and two of the Kelly flyers were soon passed by + both the boy and his sister. But the professional woman flyer + still maintained her lead. Second came another of Lish + Kelly's aviators in a blue machine. This was Ben Speedwell, + who enjoyed quite a reputation as a skillful and daring air + driver. + </p> + <p> + The flyers had all struck a level about 1,500 feet in the + air. There was a light head wind, but not enough to deter any + of the powerfully engined craft. Glancing back for an instant + Roy saw one of the contesting aviators dropping to earth. His + companion soon followed. + </p> + <p> + "Overheated engines probably," thought the boy; "I must be + careful the same thing doesn't happen to me going at this + pace." + </p> + <p> + Suddenly another aëroplane loomed up beside him. It was + the <i>Golden Butterfly</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Good for you, sis!" cried Roy, as Peggy, waving her hand, + roared past. In another minute she had shot past Speedwell, + but the leader, the woman flyer, was still some distance + ahead, and appeared to steadily maintain the lead she had. + </p> + <p> + At last Lake Loon came into view. It was a more or less + shallow body of water with a small island in the middle of + it. As they neared it Speedwell and Roy were flying almost + abreast, with Speedwell just a shade in the lead. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Speedwell made a spurt and shot ahead of the + <i>Dragon</i>. At a distance of half a mile from Roy, who was + now last, Speedwell was above the lake. + </p> + <p> + Peggy and the woman flyer had already turned and were on + their way back, with the latter still in the lead. Roy was + watching Speedwell intently. + </p> + <p> + He saw the man bank his machine to take the curve in order to + round the lake. An appalling climax followed. + </p> + <p> + "He's turned too sharp. He'll never make it," exclaimed Roy, + holding his breath. + </p> + <p> + The aëroplane swayed madly. Then began a fierce fight on + Speedwell's part to settle it on an even keel. But skillful + as he was he could not master the overbalanced machine. + </p> + <p> + "He is lost!" breathed Roy, every nerve athrill. + </p> + <p> + And then the next minute: + </p> + <p> + "Cracky! He's got it. No, he's falling again—ah!" + </p> + <p> + There was a note of horror in the exclamation. The + aëroplane in front of Roy dived wildly, then fairly + somersaulted. The strain was too great. A wing parted. + </p> + <p> + "It's the end of him!" exclaimed Roy, in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + Down shot the broken aëroplane with the velocity of + lightning. It just dodged the trees on the little island and + then it plunged into the lake, first spilling Speedwell out. + Then down on top of him came the smother of canvas, wood and + wires. + </p> + <p> + "He'll be suffocated if I don't go to his rescue," murmured + Roy; "it will put me out of the race, but I must save him." + </p> + <p> + There was a clear spot on the island, and toward this the boy + dived. In the meantime men were putting out from shore in a + small boat. But the boy knew that they could not reach the + unfortunate Speedwell in time to save his life. + </p> + <p> + Roy made a clever landing on the island and then lost no time + in wading out to the half floating, half submerged wreckage. + In the midst of it lay Speedwell. Roy dragged him ashore. The + man's face was purple, his limbs limp and lifeless and he + choked gaspingly. Another minute in the water would have been + his last, as Roy realized. + </p> + <p> + He did what he could for the man, rolling him on his face to + get out the water he had swallowed. By this time the boat + from the shore landed on the island. The two men got out. + </p> + <p> + "Is he alive?" they asked of Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, and he'll get better, too, I guess. Lucky he fell in + the water. No limbs are broken." + </p> + <p> + "Well, you're a pretty decent sort of fellow to get out of + the race to help an injured man," said one of the men. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I'll leave him to you now," rejoined Roy; "is there a + hospital near here?" + </p> + <p> + "There's one 'bout a mile away. We can phone for an + ambulance." + </p> + <p> + "Good! Well, good-bye." + </p> + <p> + With a whirr and a buzz the boy was gone, and speedily became + a speck in the sky. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the aviation field was in an uproar. Dashing + toward it had come the two leading aëroplanes. From dots + in the sky no bigger than shoe buttons they speedily became + manifest as two aëroplanes aquiver with speed. Blue + smoke poured from their exhausts. Evidently the two aviators + were straining their craft to the utmost. + </p> + <p> + "It's that Cuban woman and the young girl flyer!" yelled a + man who had a pair of field glasses. + </p> + <p> + The uproar redoubled. The two aëroplanes were almost + side by side as they rushed onward. Which would win the $500 + race? + </p> + <p> + It was a struggle that had begun some miles back. After + leaving the lake Peggy, who had held some speed in reserve + while her opponent had keyed her machine to its top pitch, + had gradually gained on her. But still there was a gap + between the two aëroplanes. + </p> + <p> + On the return trip no car blazed the way. The speed was too + great for that. For this reason smudges, or smoky fires, had + been lighted to guide the flyers. At a place where it was + necessary to make a slight turn Peggy made the gain that + brought her almost alongside her competitor. In making the + turn the monoplane flown by the Cuban aviatrix could not + negotiate it at as sharp an angle as Peggy's machine, owing + to its not being equipped with an equalizing, or stability + device. + </p> + <p> + Now it was that Peggy tensioned up the <i>Golden + Butterfly</i> to its full power. The engine fairly roared as + the propeller blurred round. The whole fabric trembled under + the strain. It seemed as if nothing made by man could stand + the pressure. + </p> + <p> + But the <i>Golden Butterfly</i> had been built by one of the + foremost young aviators in the country, and it was sound and + true in every part. Peggy felt no fear of anything giving out + under the strain. + </p> + <p> + And now the aviation park appeared in the distance. Peggy + headed straight for it, hoping devoutly that her motor would + not heat up and jam under the terrific speed it was being + forced to. + </p> + <p> + The Cuban woman glanced round anxiously. It was a bad move + for her. Like a flash the <i>Golden Butterfly</i> shot by the + other machine as the latter wobbled badly. + </p> + <p> + Peggy's delight was mixed with apprehension. The motor was + beginning to smoke. Plainly it was heating up. + </p> + <p> + "Will it last five minutes longer?" + </p> + <p> + That was the thought in Peggy's mind. The <i>Golden + Butterfly</i> was hardly an airship any longer. It was a + thunderbolt—a flying arrow. Before Peggy's eyes there + was nothing now but the tall red and white "pylon" that + marked the winning post. Could she make it ahead of her + rival? Close behind her she could hear the roar of the other + motor, but she did not dare to look round for fear of losing + ground. + </p> + <p> + Swiftly she mentally selected the spot where she would land, + and then down shot the <i>Golden Butterfly</i> like a + pouncing fish hawk. The speed of the descent fairly took + Peggy's breath away. Her cap had come off and her golden hair + streamed out in the breeze wildly. + </p> + <p> + There was a blur of flying trees, then came the grandstand, a + mere smudge of color, a sea of dimly seen faces and a roar + that was like that of a hundred waterfalls. + </p> + <p> + Down shot the <i>Golden Butterfly</i> just inside the + "pylon." It ran for about a hundred yards and was then + brought to a stop. + </p> + <p> + Peggy Prescott had won the great race. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH22"><!-- CH22 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> + <h3> + PEGGY'S GENEROSITY. + </h3> + <p> + "Oh, Peggy, it's the proudest moment of my life!" cried + Jimsy, as a shouting, excited crowd surrounded the + aëroplane in which Peggy still sat, feeling dazed and a + little dizzy. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you wonderful girl!" cried out Bess, half laughing and + half crying; "gracious, what an exciting finish. I thought + I'd go wild when it looked as if you weren't going to win." + </p> + <p> + They helped her from the aëroplane while policemen + pushed the crowd back. Somebody brought a tray with steaming + hot tea and crackers on it. But Peggy could not eat. She felt + faint and dreamy. + </p> + <p> + "Brace up!" urged Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "I'll be all right in a minute. It's the strain of those last + few minutes. I never thought I'd win." + </p> + <p> + "And I never doubted it," declared Jess stoutly. + </p> + <p> + "I wonder where Roy is?" asked Peggy anxiously, as they + entered a box in the grandstand where they could be secluded + from the shoving, curious, staring crowd. + </p> + <p> + "Don't know; but he's all right, depend upon it," said Jimsy + cheerfully; "hello, what's that coming now?" + </p> + <p> + "It's a homing aëroplane." + </p> + <p> + Then, a minute later: + </p> + <p> + "It's Roy. Look at him come. I didn't think the <i>Red + Dragon</i> could go as fast." + </p> + <p> + Roy it was, sure enough. He was coming at a pace that might + have landed him as winner of the race if he had not been + delayed by his errand of mercy. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later he had joined them. First he explained what + had happened to the judges of the course. Kelly, crest-fallen + and wretched-looking, thanked him half heartedly for what he + had done and said that he would care for Speedwell till he + got better, which, by the way, was a promise that he did not + perform. + </p> + <p> + A sudden stir in the crowd caused the little party in the box + to look up. + </p> + <p> + A man was hastily chalking up some legend on the big black + bulletin board. It ran thus: + </p> + <pre> + Long-distance Race for $500 prize. + Start of Flight—11:01:2. + Finish of Flight—12:02:0. + Maximum Height—1,500 feet. + Wind Velocity—10 miles from southeast. + Winner—<i>Golden Butterfly</i>. + Winning Aviator—Miss Margaret Prescott. +</pre> + <p> + What a cheer went up then. It seemed as if the roof would be + raised off the grandstand by it. + </p> + <p> + "It's like a dream!" sighed Peggy, "just like a dream." + </p> + <p> + "Now, don't get fainty, Peggy, or Miss Margaret Prescott," + admonished Jess; "as Jimsy says, 'brace up,' the best is yet + to come." + </p> + <p> + A man came up to where they were sitting. In his hand he had + a slip of pink paper. + </p> + <p> + Roy reached out for it, but the man said that he had + instructions to hand it only to Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "It's the check for the prize-winning money," he explained. + </p> + <p> + Peggy took it and sat gazing at it for a minute. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Peggy, what are you going to do with it?" asked Bess. + "Buy some dresses or hats or——" + </p> + <p> + "None of those things," said Peggy; "I made up my mind before + I went into the race as to what I would do with the money if + I won." + </p> + <p> + "And what's that?" asked Miss Prescott. + </p> + <p> + "Why, it must go toward The Wren's education," rejoined the + girl. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, Peggy, you darling!" cried Jess, flinging her arms round + her chum, in full view of the grandstand and the crowd below. + </p> + <p> + As for The Wren, she gazed up at the girl with wide-open + brown eyes. + </p> + <p> + "You are too good to me—too good," she said simply; but + there was a plaintive quiver in her voice. + </p> + <p> + Mr. James Parker sat on the porch of his home, in the + foothills of the Big Smokies, gazing out over the landscape. + Seemingly he was watching for something. + </p> + <p> + "He done watch de sky lak he 'spected de bottom drap clean + out uv it pretty soon," said Uncle Jupe, his factotum, to his + wife Mandy. + </p> + <p> + "'Gwan, you fool nigger, don' you know dat dem flying boys + an' gals is to be hayr ter-day?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, dat's jes a joke, dat is," rejoined Uncle Jupe; "how's + they all goin' ter fly ah'd lak to know." + </p> + <p> + "I don' know, but dat's what Marse Parker says." + </p> + <p> + "Den he's been grocersly imposed upon by somebody. Ain't + likely dat ef de Lawd had meant us ter fly he'd have give us + wings, wouldn't he?" + </p> + <p> + "Go 'long, now, Don' flossyfying roun' hyar. You git out an' + hoe dat cohn. Look libely, now. You git it done fo' dinner or + dere'll be trouble." + </p> + <p> + Uncle Jupe shuffled out of the kitchen, but in a minute he + came rushing back. + </p> + <p> + "Wha' de matter?" demanded his wife, noticing his wildly + staring eyes and open mouth; "you gone fool crazy?" + </p> + <p> + "M-m-m-m-mandy, it's true! It's true!" gasped Uncle Jupe. + </p> + <p> + "Wha's true,—dat you all's crazy?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes—no, it's 'bout dem flyin' things. Dey's comin'. + Come and look wid your own eyes." + </p> + <p> + Mandy shuffled out. There, sure enough, coming toward them, + was a flock of what at first sight appeared to be immense + birds. But it was the young sky cruisers nearing their + destination. + </p> + <p> + On the porch Mr. Parker stood up and waved his newspaper. Ten + minutes later the aëroplanes came to earth in the smooth + front lawn, while Uncle Jupe restrained a strong inclination + to run away. + </p> + <p> + "Dey ain't canny, dem things," he declared; "ef de Lord had + wanted us to fly he'd have given us wings, I guess. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, he'd sure have given us wings des de same as + angels hev," he repeated musingly. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH23"><!-- CH23 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> + <h3> + THE MOONSHINERS AND THE AËROPLANE. + </h3> + <p> + "This is a beautiful country, sis." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, indeed," agreed Peggy warmly. + </p> + <p> + The two were flying high above the romantic scenery of the + Big Smoke Mountains of North Carolina in the <i>Golden + Butterfly</i>. Beneath them lay a wild-looking expanse of + country,—peaks, deep cañons and cliffs heavily + wooded and here and there bare patches cropping out. + </p> + <p> + "Let's drop down on one of those patches and do some + exploring," suggested Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "All right," agreed Roy, nothing loath. The <i>Golden + Butterfly</i> was headed downward. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes they landed on a smooth spot surrounded by + trees. Leaving the aëroplane, they struck off on a path + through the woods. "Wonder if we can't find some + huckleberries hereabouts," suggested Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, yes, lots. Wouldn't it be dandy to take home a bucketful + by aëroplane!" + </p> + <p> + "There's a little hut off yonder, maybe we could get a bucket + or something there." + </p> + <p> + "Let's see if there are any berries first," said the + practical Peggy. + </p> + <p> + From out of the hut shuffled an old woman. She was a wrinkled + and hideous old hag, brown as a seasoned meerschaum pipe and + in her mouth was a reeking corn cob. + </p> + <p> + Her feet were bare, and altogether she was a most repulsive + old crone. She saw Roy and Peggy almost as soon as they saw + her. For an instant she stood looking at them and then raised + her voice in a sort of shrill shriek. + </p> + <p> + Instantly from the woods around several men + appeared—wild-looking, bearded fellows, each of whom + carried a rifle. + </p> + <p> + "What you alls want hyar?" demanded one who seemed to be the + leader. + </p> + <p> + "We were just taking a walk," explained Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Wa'al, we all don't like strangers particlar." + </p> + <p> + "So it would seem," rejoined Roy, with a bold voice, although + his heart was beating rather fast. + </p> + <p> + "How'd you alls get hyar?" was the next question from the + inquisitor. + </p> + <p> + "We flew here," rejoined Roy truthfully. + </p> + <p> + But the man's face grew black with wrath. + </p> + <p> + "Don' you alls lie to me; it ain't healthy," he said. + </p> + <p> + "I'm not in the habit of doing so." + </p> + <p> + "But you said you flew hyar." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we did." + </p> + <p> + "See hyar, young stranger, you jes' tell me the truth 'bout + how you came or by the eternal I'll make it hot fer you." + </p> + <p> + "I can only show you that I'm speaking nothing but the + truth," rejoined the boy; "if you'll come with me I'll show + you what we flew here in." + </p> + <p> + The man glanced at him suspiciously. It was plain that he + feared a trap of some sort. His eyes were wild and shifty as + a wolf's. + </p> + <p> + "Ain't you frum the guv-ment?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know just what you mean." + </p> + <p> + "I reckin that's jus' more dum' lyin'." + </p> + <p> + "Thank you." + </p> + <p> + "Don' get sassy, young feller, it won't do you no good. But + I'll come with you. Come on, boys, we'll take a look at this + flyin' thing. I reckon that even if it is a trap there's + enough of us to take care of a pack of them." + </p> + <p> + "That's right, Jeb," agreed the men. + </p> + <p> + Some of them, who had been hanging back in the bushes, now + came forward. They were all as wild-looking as their leader, + Jeb. The old woman mumbled and talked to herself as they + strode off behind Roy and Peggy. + </p> + <p> + It was one of the strangest adventures of their lives and + neither one of them could hit on any explanation of the + hillmen's conduct. + </p> + <p> + It did not take long to reach the aëroplane, and Roy + turned triumphantly to Jeb. + </p> + <p> + "Well," he said, "what do you think now?" + </p> + <p> + "Wa'al, it ain't flyin', is it?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course not, but I can make it." + </p> + <p> + "You kin?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly." + </p> + <p> + "Flap its wings and all that like a burd?" + </p> + <p> + "No, it doesn't flap its wings." + </p> + <p> + "Then how kin it fly?" propounded Jeb. + </p> + <p> + A murmur of approval ran through the throng. Jeb's logic + appealed to their primitive intellects. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing can't fly that don't flap its wings," said one of + them. + </p> + <p> + "But if it didn't fly, how in tarnation did it git here?" + asked an old man with a grizzled beard and blackened stumps + of teeth projecting from shrunken gums. + </p> + <p> + This appeared to be a poser for even Jeb. He had nothing to + say. + </p> + <p> + "If you like I'll give you a ride in it," proffered Roy to + Jeb. + </p> + <p> + "All right; only no monkey tricks now." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "Wa'al, in course I know it won't fly, but if it does you'll + hev to let me out." + </p> + <p> + With this sage remark Jeb stepped gingerly into the chassis + of the aëroplane. He sat down where he was told and Roy + took the wheel. Jeb's companions gazed on in awed silence. + </p> + <p> + "Look out, Jeb," cried one. + </p> + <p> + "Don't hit the sky," yelled another. + </p> + <p> + "Bring me back a star," howled the facetious old man. + </p> + <p> + "Me a bit of the moon," called another. + </p> + <p> + Jeb said nothing to this raillery. Instead, he looked + uneasily about him and held his rifle, which he had insisted + on bringing with him, between his knees. + </p> + <p> + "All right?" asked Roy, looking back at him. + </p> + <p> + "As right as I ever will be," rejoined Jeb, with a rather + sickly grin. + </p> + <p> + "You must hold tight," warned Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "I'm doing that," said Jeb. + </p> + <p> + And then with the same sickly grin: + </p> + <p> + "Say, miss, does it really fly?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course it does. As that old man said, how could it have + got here if it didn't." + </p> + <p> + "I guess I'd better go home and git my coat," said Jeb, + trying to climb out. + </p> + <p> + His demeanor had completely changed since he had climbed into + the chassis. Something in its well-cushioned seats and the + sight of the powerful engine and propeller seemed to have + changed his mind about the capabilities of the <i>Golden + Butterfly</i>. + </p> + <p> + But it was too late. With a roar the engine started. + Instantly the little plateau was deserted. The mountaineers + were all behind trees. + </p> + <p> + Jeb rushed for the side of the car. + </p> + <p> + "Sit down!" screeched Peggy, really fearing he would fall + over. + </p> + <p> + But if Jeb's intention had been to climb out it was foiled. + </p> + <!-- NOTE: Remove center tags and put align="left" or align="right" for text wrapped alignments --> + <a name="image-3"><!-- Image 3 --></a> + <center> + <img src="ga03ill.png" height="506" width="400" alt= + "'Take me back to earth er I'll shoot,' said a voice in his ear."> + </center> + <p> + "Wow!" he yelled, and again, "Wow-ow-ow! Lemme out." + </p> + <p> + "Too late now," shouted Roy. + </p> + <p> + The aëroplane shot upward, carrying as a passenger a man + temporarily crazy from fright. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Roy felt the muzzle of a rifle press against the + back of his neck. + </p> + <p> + "Take me back to earth er I'll shoot," said a voice in his + ear. + </p> + <p> + Roy obeyed, and so ended Jeb's first aëroplane ride. It + may be added that it was also his last. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH24"><!-- CH24 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> + <h3> + MR. PARKER'S STORY. + </h3> + <p> + "It was a gang of moonshiners that you stumbled across," said + Mr. Parker, when they told him of their adventure; "you were + fortunate to escape as you did." + </p> + <p> + "I guess we have that aëroplane ride we gave to Jeb to + thank for that," laughed Roy. + </p> + <p> + "It wasn't so laughable, though, when he pressed that rifle + to your neck," declared Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed. That was a mighty uncomfortable feeling, I can + tell you." + </p> + <p> + "It reminds me of an experience I had with moonshiners once," + said Mr. Parker. "Would you care to hear about it?" + </p> + <p> + Of course they would. They were sitting on the porch in the + twilight after dinner. It was a happy group and they had been + exploding with laughter over Roy's account of Jeb's ride. + </p> + <p> + "It was a good many years ago, when I was in the employ of + the government," said Mr. Parker, "that what I am going to + tell you about happened. I was a young fellow then, and a + good bit of a dare-devil, so I was sent at the head of a body + of men to rout out moonshiners. + </p> + <p> + "As you may know from your experience this morning, it is + mighty dangerous to be suspected of being in the employ of + the government, and so we posed as drummers and peddlers, + scattering through the mountains. + </p> + <p> + "Each of us worked alone so as not to attract attention. Our + job was merely to locate the illicit stills and then militia + would be sent to raid and destroy them, and the vile stuff + they concoct. + </p> + <p> + "I had been on the job about a week when I came one night to + a desolate-looking little shack on a high mountainside. It + did not look inviting, but I had to have shelter for the + night, so I stepped to the door and knocked. A rather comely + looking woman replied to my summons. + </p> + <p> + "'I'm a peddler,' I explained, 'could I get something to eat + and a room here for the night?' + </p> + <p> + "She looked at me twice before answering. + </p> + <p> + "'What you tradin' in?' she asked, with a trace of suspicion. + </p> + <p> + "I judged from her manner that there was an illicit still in + the neighborhood and that was what made her so suspicious. + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, laces, ribbons and so forth,' I replied. + </p> + <p> + "I showed her some samples. + </p> + <p> + "I'll give you breakfast, supper and a bed fer that bit of + red ribbon,' she said. + </p> + <p> + "'I'll throw in this bit of blue,' said I gallantly. + </p> + <p> + "And so the bargain was struck. It was a small place, but + neat and tidy. Two children were playing about and in a + corner sat a man trying to read a month-old newspaper. + </p> + <p> + "Pop, this feller traded in these bits of ribbon fer bed and + two meals,' she said, proudly exhibiting her goods and + evidently thinking she had made an excellent bargain. I could + see the gleam of triumph in her eye. + </p> + <p> + "'Humph!' grunted the man, 'much good those are.' + </p> + <p> + "Then he turned to me. + </p> + <p> + "'Peddler?' he asked. + </p> + <p> + "'Yes,' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'What you tradin' in?' + </p> + <p> + "'Oh, silks, laces and so forth,' rejoined I, repeating my + formula. + </p> + <p> + "'Humph!' + </p> + <p> + "He looked at me, narrowing his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "'You don't look much like a peddler," said he. + </p> + <p> + "'No, I've seen better days,' I said, with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + "But I could see that he was still suspicious. + </p> + <p> + "'Where'd you come from?' was his next question. + </p> + <p> + "'South,' said I. + </p> + <p> + "'Where you going?' + </p> + <p> + "'North.' + </p> + <p> + "'Ain't much on conversation, be yer?' he asked. + </p> + <p> + "'No, I'm not considered a very talkative fellow,' I + rejoined. + </p> + <p> + "We lapsed into silence. The man smoked. I just sat and + thought the situation over. At last supper was announced. It + was eaten almost in silence. The man discouraged all his + wife's efforts at conversation. He was sullen and nervous. + </p> + <p> + "More than ever did I begin to suspect that there was a still + in the immediate neighborhood. Soon after supper I pleaded + fatigue and was shown up a flight of stairs, or rather a + ladder, to a sort of attic. There was a husk mattress there, + and a pile of rather dirty-looking blankets. But in those + hills you learn to put up with what you can get. I was glad + to have found shelter at all. + </p> + <p> + "But tired as I was for some reason I couldn't sleep. I felt + a sort of vague uneasiness. I heard the man get up and go out + and then later on I heard several voices downstairs. + </p> + <p> + "There were broad chinks in the floor, and through these I + could look down. The men—there were four of + them—were talking in low voices, but now and then I + could catch a word. All of a sudden I heard one say something + about government spy. + </p> + <p> + "That gave me a shock, I can tell you. I knew then they were + talking about me. My predicament was a bad one if they + suspected me. I began to look about me for a way to get out. + While doing this I occasionally looked down below. + </p> + <p> + "The last time I looked I got a shock that made my hair + stand. The fellows were moving about the room. From one + corner one of them got a formidable-looking knife. + </p> + <p> + "Scared to death, I redoubled my efforts to find a way out. + At last at one end of the room I found a chimney, one of + those big stone affairs as big as all outdoors. I decided to + try this. + </p> + <p> + "I found that it was rough inside, and I had not much + difficulty in clambering up it. I was near the top when I + heard a voice from the room below say: + </p> + <p> + "'Then we uns 'ull kill him right now.' + </p> + <p> + "'Yep, he's lived long enough. He's no good.' + </p> + <p> + "My heart jumped into my mouth. I redoubled my efforts and + emerged from the top of the chimney. Reaching it, I lowered + myself to the roof as gently as possible. + </p> + <p> + "The eaves came down low to the ground and I had not much + difficulty in making my escape noiselessly." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH25"><!-- CH25 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> + <h3> + THE WREN DISAPPEARS. + </h3> + <p> + "But as I reached the ground a startling thing happened. I + missed my footing and found myself rolling down a steepish + bank. At the bottom I fetched up against an odd-looking + little hut almost overgrown with bushes. It was bright + moonlight and the door was open. + </p> + <p> + "Inside was a fire, and by its light I could see that the + place was empty of human life, but that a collection of + objects already familiar to me almost filled it. + </p> + <p> + "It was an illicit still! + </p> + <p> + "Clearly enough, also, it was operated by my hosts up above. + </p> + <p> + "I listened for sounds of pursuit, but heard none. Possibly + they had not yet crept into my room to perform their horrible + resolve. + </p> + <p> + "Suddenly the silence was broken by appalling yells and + screams. My hair bristled for an instant and then I burst + into a laugh. + </p> + <p> + "It was a pig that I heard. At the same instant it dawned on + me that it was the pig that they had been discussing + dispatching and not me at all. You can imagine the revulsion + of my feelings. But I felt sore at the scare they had given + me, so I decided to do some work for the government and even + up scores at the same time. + </p> + <p> + "Entering the shack, I scattered the coals of the fire right + and left. Then I came away. No, I did <i>not</i> go back to + the cabin. It would, as your friend Jeb said, not have been + healthy for me. + </p> + <p> + "Instead I set off running at top speed through the woods. + Before long I saw a glow on the sky behind me, and knew that + flames were devouring the vile stuff that moonshiners make. + </p> + <p> + "I left my pack behind me, however, and I hope that + compensated them for the loss of their still. I'm sure the + woman, at any rate, would value its contents more highly." + </p> + <p> + They all burst into a laugh at the conclusion of Mr. Parker's + odd story. They were still laughing when Mandy rushed out on + the porch. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Wren done be gone!" she shouted. + </p> + <p> + "Gone!" they all echoed, in dismayed tones. + </p> + <p> + "Yes. I done go to her room to see de poo' lamb is com'foble, + and she not there. I done find dis writin', too." + </p> + <p> + "Let me look at it," demanded Mr. Parker. + </p> + <p> + "It mighty hard to read. It sure is a scan-lous bit of + writin'." + </p> + <p> + With this comment the colored woman handed over to her master + a bit of dirty wrapping paper. + </p> + <p> + On it was scrawled in almost illegible characters: + </p> + <p> + "U wont git hur agin.—The Romanys." + </p> + <p> + "The Romanys!" exclaimed Peggy. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; that's the gipsy word for themselves," said Mr. Parker. + "I'm afraid that the same band that had her before has stolen + her again." + </p> + <p> + "What are we to do?" wailed Bess. + </p> + <p> + "Hush!" said Jess; "let Mr. Parker decide what is best." + </p> + <p> + They stood about with dismayed faces. + </p> + <p> + Miss Prescott was weeping softly. Peggy could hardly keep + back her tears. The little brown Wren had become very dear to + all of them. It was a hard blow indeed to lose her like this. + </p> + <p> + "But how could they know that she was here?" objected Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Why, that silly newspaper report that went out when you + arrived here about your adventures on the way and the + romantic rescue of Wren. If they had come across that it + would have given them a clew." + </p> + <p> + "They were traveling south then, Wren said, and that was two + weeks ago. They would have had ample time to reach this + vicinity." + </p> + <p> + "That is so," rejoined Mr. Parker solemnly; "I'll make + telephonic inquiries at once. They may have been seen in the + vicinity." + </p> + <p> + "While you are doing that we'll examine the room. They may + have left a clew there," said Roy. + </p> + <p> + Roy and Jimsy darted upstairs on this errand. On looking + round the place it was clear enough how the abductors had + gotten in. Outside the window was an extension roof. It would + have been very easy for an active man such as gipsies usually + are to have clambered in and out again without detection. + </p> + <p> + Taking a lantern they examined the ground outside. On a + flower bed below the roof was the imprint of a man's feet. + </p> + <p> + "Notice anything peculiar about it?" asked Jimsy, for Roy was + bending earnestly over the prints. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I'd know that foot print again anywhere," he said; + "see, one side of the man's boot was broken, the one of the + right foot. His toes show here on the ground." + </p> + <p> + "That might be a good clew if it was daylight; but right + now—" + </p> + <p> + Jimsy sighed. It was manifestly impossible to do any tracking + of the man with the broken boot in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + "We'll have to wait till daylight." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, bother it all. They may be miles away by that time." + </p> + <p> + "I doubt it. I wouldn't wonder if they hide right around + here. There are lots of good places, and they know that the + hue and cry will be so hot that they would be caught if they + traveled." + </p> + <p> + "That's so. Maybe we can find them, after all." + </p> + <p> + "Let's hope so. Well, we can do no more good here. Let's go + in." + </p> + <p> + Peggy met them at the door. She seemed wildly excited over + something. + </p> + <p> + "The mail rider's just been here," she exclaimed, "and listen + to this letter. It's from a woman living near New York. She + just got back from Europe and in an old newspaper she read an + account of our sky cruise. + </p> + <p> + "She is certain that The Wren is her daughter and gives a + description of her that tallies in every particular. She said + that Wren was caught out in a heavy thunderstorm and sought + refuge in a gipsy camp, as she learned afterward from a + farmer who had seen her. She hunted high and low but has + never since had word of the child. Her right name is Sylvia + Harvey. Mrs. James Harvey is her mother, and she's rushing + here as fast as a train will carry her." + </p> + <p> + "If it is really Sylvia Harvey then her mother has found her + only to lose her again," sighed Jess. + </p> + <p> + "Don't say that," said Mr. Parker, coming into the room at + that moment, "we'll leave no stone unturned to find her." + </p> + <p> + "Did you have any success with the telephone?" + </p> + <p> + "No; nobody has seen a band of people answering to the + descriptions you gave of The Wren's abductors." + </p> + <p> + "Then we can do nothing more?" + </p> + <p> + The question came from Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Not to-night. It would be useless. I have notified all the + police around and a general alarm will be sent out at once. + And now I order every one to bed. We've hard work in front of + us tomorrow." + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH26"><!-- CH26 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h2> + <h3> + CAPTURED BY GIPSIES. + </h3> + <p> + About noon the next day Roy and Jimsy found themselves at the + edge of a wild-looking section of country. They were standing + at the entrance to a glen densely wooded with dark, + forbidding-looking trees, and walled by precipitous and + rugged rocks. + </p> + <p> + "Looks as if the trail ends here," said Jimsy disconsolately. + </p> + <p> + "It sure does. We can't——Gee, Whillikens!" + </p> + <p> + "What on earth is up now?" + </p> + <p> + "It's the broken-toed boot. Look here on the muddy bank of + this little stream." + </p> + <p> + "By hooky, it is! We've struck the trail instead of ending + it." + </p> + <p> + "What will we do; go back for reënforcements?" + </p> + <p> + "Not just yet. We'll reconnoiter a bit. See, the fellow went + up this bank and—look there, Jimsy—there's a + little footprint beside. He was dragging the child along." + </p> + <p> + With beating hearts the two boys entered the + forbidding-looking glen. It was almost dark under the trees, + which made the aspect of the place even more gloomy and + desolate looking. + </p> + <p> + "This is a nice, cheerful sort of place," said Jimsy, in a + low tone, as they walked along, following the bank of the + stream, for the brush was too thick to admit of their walking + anywhere else, which is what had driven the broken-booted man + to leave a tell-tale trail behind him. + </p> + <p> + "I rather wish I had a gun," said Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "We won't get close enough to them to need it," rejoined Roy; + "we'll just spy out their hiding place and then go back for + reënforcements." + </p> + <p> + "That's the best idea. I don't much fancy a hand-to-hand + encounter with a band of such desperate ruffians as those + gipsies have shown themselves to be." + </p> + <p> + "Don't be scared. We won't have any trouble if we're + careful." + </p> + <p> + "I'm not scared; but if we did get in a tussle with them they + could easily overpower us and then we'd have done more harm + than good for they'd take fright and move right off." + </p> + <p> + "That's my idea. We'll be as cautious as mousing cats." + </p> + <p> + "Better stop talking, then. I never heard a mousing cat + mi-ouw." + </p> + <p> + Cautiously they crept on. The trail still held good. At last + they reached the head of the glen where a spring showed the + source of the brook. + </p> + <p> + "What next?" whispered Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Let's see if we can find which way that fellow went. The + ground is spongy all around here and—ah! this way! See + it?" + </p> + <p> + Jimsy nodded. They struck off to the right, clambering over + rocks till they reached the summit of a small hill. A tall + dead tree stood there and Jimsy volunteered to climb it in + order to spy out the surrounding country for traces of the + gipsys. But on his return to the ground he was compelled to + admit that they had gained nothing. + </p> + <p> + "I thought I might see some smoke that would give me a clew + to their whereabouts," he explained. + </p> + <p> + "Not much chance of their being as foolish as that. I guess + they know searching parties are out all over by this time, + and they are too foxy to light fires." + </p> + <p> + "I might have thought of that," admitted Jimsy; "it would be + about the last thing they would do. What will we do now?" + </p> + <p> + "I hardly know. Hello! there's an odd-looking place. Right + over there. See that deep cañon? That one with the + fallen tree across it?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I do now. Let's look over there." + </p> + <p> + "All right. You're on." + </p> + <p> + The two boys struck off in the direction of Roy's discovery. + It was indeed an odd freak of nature. Some convulsion of the + earth had detached quite a section of land from the + surrounding country. It was, in fact, an island in the midst + of the woods with only the fallen tree for a bridge. + </p> + <p> + "Let's cross it and examine the place," suggested Roy, with + all a boy's curiosity. + </p> + <p> + Together they crossed the old tree, which had evidently + fallen there by accident, although, in reality, it formed a + perfect bridge. The "island" was thickly wooded and they + pushed forward across it, not without some difficulty. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly they came upon a sight that made them halt dead in + their tracks. + </p> + <p> + A man holding a rifle was sitting on a fallen log. The + instant he saw them he raised his weapon. + </p> + <p> + "Don't come no further," he said. + </p> + <p> + "Why not?" demanded Roy indignantly. + </p> + <p> + "See that sign?" said the man. + </p> + <p> + He pointed to a rudely painted sign on a tree at his back. + </p> + <p> + "Dangir. No Trespasin." + </p> + <p> + That was what it said in bold letters that sprawled across + its surface in an untidy fashion. The execution of the thing + was as bad as its spelling. + </p> + <p> + "I guess a pretty sick man painted that sign," grinned Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" was the surly reply. + </p> + <p> + "Why, I should judge he was having an awful bad spell at the + time," was the boy's rejoinder. + </p> + <p> + The man scowled at him fiercely. + </p> + <p> + "No joking round here," he growled; "now, then, if you know + what's good for you you two kids will vamoose." + </p> + <p> + "What's the danger if we keep on?" asked Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Why, they're trying a new kind of explosive back there. It + might go off the wrong way, your way, for instance, and hurt + you," was the reply. + </p> + <p> + "Seems a funny sort of place to try out explosives," said + Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Seems a queer sort of place for you two kids to come. Who + are you, anyhow?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh, we are camping down below and we just came out for a + stroll." + </p> + <p> + "Well, stroll some other place, then. Git away from round + here." + </p> + <p> + "We certainly will," flashed back Roy; "come on, Jimsy." + </p> + <p> + As there seemed nothing else to do Jimsy agreed. They turned + away and began retracing their steps, no wiser as to the + whereabouts of the man with the broken boot than they had + been when they set out. + </p> + <p> + Just as they turned to go, however, another man came out of + the woods behind the man with the rifle. When he saw the boys + he gave an abrupt start. + </p> + <p> + "Where did those boys come from?" he demanded. + </p> + <p> + "I don't know. Said they was two kids out campin' and takin' + a stroll." + </p> + <p> + "Taking a stroll, eh?" said the other ferociously; "they were + taking a stroll looking for that Wren." + </p> + <p> + "How do you know?" + </p> + <p> + "Because they are the same two kids who stole her from us + just as we were going to demand a ransom for her." + </p> + <p> + "That was before I joined the band. No wonder I didn't know + them; if I had——" + </p> + <p> + He scowled vindictively. + </p> + <p> + "Well, we can't let 'em get away. Here, give me that rifle," + demanded the newcomer. + </p> + <p> + The other handed it to him. The next instant a report rang + out and a bullet whizzed over the boys' heads. + </p> + <p> + "Come back here," shouted the man who had fired the shot; "I + want to see you." + </p> + <p> + The boys hesitated for a minute. + </p> + <p> + "The next shot 'ull come lower if you don't," warned the man; + "come on, no nonsense." + </p> + <p> + As there seemed to be nothing else to do the boys obeyed. As + they drew closer they recognized the fellow. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, you know me, eh?" he snarled; "well, you'll know me + better before we get through. Follow me, now. Pedro, you take + the rifle and fall in behind. If they try to escape shoot + them down." + </p> + <p> + Here was a fine situation. They had found the gipsies' camp + with a vengeance, but for all the good it was going to do The + Wren, unless they could get her away, they might as well not + have come. These gloomy reflections sifted through their + minds as they paced along, the man with the rifle + occasionally prodding them with it just to make them "step + lively," as he phrased it. + </p> + <p> + At length they came to a sort of large open place shaped like + a basin, and placed in the middle of this natural island. In + this basin were set up several squalid tents, about which the + gipsies were squatting. + </p> + <p> + They set up a yell of surprise as the two boys were brought + in. + </p> + <p> + "Where under the sun did you find them, Beppo?" exclaimed the + same woman who had so cruelly ill-treated The Wren the time + the boys rescued her. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, they were just taking a stroll, and happened to stroll + in here," said Beppo viciously. + </p> + <p> + "I guess they won't have a chance to bother us again. They're + going to make quite a stay here." + </p> + <p> + The gipsies set up a taunting laugh. Suddenly, from one of + the tents, a tiny figure darted. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, I knew you'd come! I knew you'd come," it cried. + </p> + <p> + It was the poor little Wren. She had been stripped of her + nice clothes and put into some filthy rags, her face was + stained with crying and there was a bruise on her forehead. + </p> + <p> + With a curse Beppo seized the child by one arm, swung her + round and dealt her a savage box on the ear. + </p> + <p> + "Get back where you belong!" he roared. + </p> + <p> + The next instant Beppo had measured his length on the ground + and beneath one of his eyes a beautiful plum-colored swelling + was developing. As has been said, Roy could hit a powerful + blow. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH27"><!-- CH27 --></a> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. + </h2> + <h3> + DELIVERANCE. + </h3> + <p> + The next minute all was wild confusion. The boys found + themselves on the ground, being scratched and bitten and + kicked by men and women alike. They did not have a chance + against this horde of half savage wanderers. At length beaten + and bruised they were tied with ropes and thrown into one of + the tents and a man set to guard it. + </p> + <p> + All day they lay there without anything to eat or drink and + no one to come near them except that occasionally a tangled + head would be thrust in to hurl some taunt at them. + </p> + <p> + Darkness fell and they still lay there, suffering terrible + pain from their wounds and bonds. + </p> + <p> + "This is the uttermost limit," declared Roy, in a low tone; + "we're in the worst fix we ever got into this time." + </p> + <p> + "We certainly are. What a bit of bad luck that the rascal + Beppo came up when he did! That other gipsy had no idea who + we were." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I had the satisfaction of giving Master Beppo a good + black eye," muttered Roy. + </p> + <p> + "Yes; that was a peach. It did me good to see it land." + </p> + <p> + "It landed all right. Ouch, my back feels as if it was + broken." + </p> + <p> + "My wrists and ankles are awfully sore. I wonder if they mean + to let us loose or give us anything to eat." + </p> + <p> + "Well, we won't last long at this rate. I guess they mean to + be as cruel as they can to us in return for that punch I gave + Beppo." + </p> + <p> + "I wouldn't have spoken to you again if you hadn't." + </p> + <p> + "I don't blame you." + </p> + <p> + It grew dark. Outside they heard the murmur of voices for a + time and then all became quiet. Just before silence fell and + snores became audible they heard the man on duty as their + guard call for some coffee to keep by his side during the + night. + </p> + <p> + "I'll send that brat of a Wren to you with it directly," they + heard Beppo's wife reply; "the little beast, it'll do her + good to work." + </p> + <p> + Then came the sound of a slap and a sob. + </p> + <p> + The boys' blood boiled. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, what wouldn't I give to have Master Beppo in a + twenty-four-foot ring," breathed Roy. + </p> + <p> + "I think he'd look well decorating a tree," grated out Jimsy + viciously. + </p> + <p> + The night wore on, but the boys did not sleep. Their tight + bonds and worry over their situation prevented this. + </p> + <p> + All at once Roy's attention was attracted by somebody raising + the flap at the back of the tent. Next something crawled in. + At first he thought it was a large dog. + </p> + <p> + But then came a whisper: + </p> + <p> + "It's me, Wren." + </p> + <p> + "What are you doing here?" + </p> + <p> + "Hush, I've come to get you free. You'll take me with you, + won't you?" + </p> + <p> + "Of course; what a question to ask! But how can you free us?" + </p> + <p> + "I've got a knife here. I'll cut those ropes in a minute." + </p> + <p> + "But the guard outside?" + </p> + <p> + "I've fixed him. Was it very wrong of me? While Mother Beppo + wasn't looking I put some of the stuff in that coffee I + brought him." + </p> + <!-- NOTE: Remove center tags and put align="left" or align="right" for text wrapped alignments --> + <a name="image-4"><!-- Image 4 --></a> + <center> + <img src="ga04ill.png" height="528" width="400" alt= + "'I'd do anything for you.' said the child, as she rapidly cut the ropes."> + </center> + <p> + "Well, upon my word, Wren! What sort of stuff?" gasped Jimsy. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, some sort of brown stuff. I've seen Mother Beppo smoke + it. It makes her oh so sleepy. So I gave some to him and he's + sound asleep now." + </p> + <p> + "Must have been opium," declared Roy. "Wren, do you know that + you are a very bad young lady?" + </p> + <p> + "I'd do anything for you. You're so good and kind to me," + said the child, as she rapidly cut the ropes. + </p> + <p> + For a time the boys, after being freed, just lay there, + unable to move. But after a while circulation set in and they + began to move their limbs. In half an hour the trio crept out + of the tent and, crossing the "island," traversed the trunk + bridge. + </p> + <p> + "Wait a minute," said Roy, when they reached the other side. + </p> + <p> + "What are you going to do?" + </p> + <p> + "Make that whole outfit prisoners till the officers of the + law can get up here." + </p> + <p> + He took a broken branch as a lever and with Jimsy's + assistance toppled the log down into the cañon. + </p> + <p> + "Now I guess they'll stay put for a while," he said. + </p> + <p> + And they did. That was why, when a posse came up to capture + the band, they carried materials for building a bridge across + the cañon. It may as well be said here that the band + received heavy sentences, it being proved at their trial that + they had made a practice of kidnapping children and then + trying to collect ransoms for them. + </p> + <p> + There was a happy scene next day at the Parker home when Mrs. + Harvey, a sweet-faced woman of middle age, arrived. After one + look at Wren she swayed and then, recovering herself, called + out in the voice that only a mother knows: + </p> + <p> + "Sylvia!" + </p> + <p> + "Mother!" screamed the child, and rushed into her open arms. + </p> + <p> + The tide of memory, driven to low ebb by ill-treatment and + hardship, had rushed back with full force. The Wren, the + gipsy waif, was once more Sylvia Harvey. A doctor said later + that such cases were frequent following a severe shock. It + was then that they recalled how the child had almost + recollected some of her past life during the thunderstorm. + </p> + <p> + The happiness of little Wren and her mother in their reunion + was shared by all of the party who had been instrumental in + effecting it, for every one of them, including Jake, had + become attached to the quiet little girl and rejoiced in her + good fortune. + </p> + <p> + When Mrs. Harvey and Sylvia departed for the railway station + the following day behind a pair of Mr. Parker's steady horses + they were accompanied by the four aëroplanes, which + hovered over them like so many sturdy guardian angels. + </p> + <p> + And when the train bore them away they watched the returning + aërial escort until there was nothing visible but four + tiny dots against the blue heaven. + </p> + <p> + "Oh, mother," exclaimed Wren, "they look no bigger than + butterflies now!" + </p> + <p> + And the Girl Aviators, flying every moment higher and farther + on the powerful wings of the <i>Golden Butterfly</i> and the + delicate plane of the dainty <i>Dart</i>, looked back at the + train crawling like a humble insect in the valley below and + gloried in their untrammeled flight. As they followed Roy and + Jimsy in an irregular procession through the air, their + thoughts flew ahead, outdistancing the biplane and the <i>Red + Dragon</i> and speeding confidently toward the happy + realizations of the future. + </p> + <p> + Miss Prescott, watching from the home of Mr. Parker for their + return, also dreamed dreams and saw visions, and in them her + "dear children" were fulfilling the bright prophecies of the + present. She saw them stronger because of adversity, braver + because of success, and ennobled by all their experiences; + and she deemed herself happy in her capacity of chaperon to + the Girl Aviators. + </p> + <center> + The End. + </center> + <hr> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + <b>THE VICTORY BOY SCOUTS<br> + BY CAPTAIN ALAN DOUGLAS<br> + SCOUTMASTER</b> + </center> + <p> + Stories from the pen of a writer who possesses a thorough + knowledge of his subject. In addition to the stories there is + an addenda in which useful boy scout nature lore is given, + all illustrated. There are the following twelve titles in the + series: + </p> + <p> + 1. <i>The Campfires of the Wolf Patrol</i>. + </p> + <p> + 2. <i>Woodcraft; or, How a Patrol Leader Made Good</i>. + </p> + <p> + 3. <i>Pathfinder; or, the Missing Tenderfoot</i>. + </p> + <p> + 4. <i>Great Hike; or, the Pride of Khaki Troop</i>. + </p> + <p> + 5. <i>Endurance Test; or, How Clear Grit Won the Day</i>. + </p> + <p> + 6. <i>Under Canvas; or, the Search for the Carteret + Ghost</i>. + </p> + <p> + 7. <i>Storm-bound; or, a Vacation Among the Snow-Drifts</i>. + </p> + <p> + 8. <i>Afloat; or, Adventures on Watery Trails</i>. + </p> + <p> + 9. <i>Tenderfoot Squad; or, Camping at Raccoon Lodge</i>. + </p> + <p> + 10. <i>Boy Scout Electricans; or, the Hidden Dynamo-.</i> + </p> + <p> + 11. <i>Boy Scouts in Open Plains; or, the Round-up not + Ordered-.</i> + </p> + <p> + 12. <i>Boy Scouts in an Airplane; or, the Warning from the + Sky</i>. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + <b>Radio Boys Series</b> + </center> + <p> + 1. Radio Boys in the Secret Service; or, Cast Away on an + Iceberg—FRANK HONEYWELL + </p> + <p> + 2. Radio Boys on the Thousand Islands; or, The Yankee + Canadian Wireless Trail—FRANK HONEYWELL + </p> + <p> + 3. Radio Boys in the Flying Service; or, Held for Ransom by + Mexican Bandits—J.W. DUFFIELD + </p> + <p> + 4. Radio Boys Under the Sea; or, The Hunt for the Sunken + Treasure—J.W. DUFFIELD + </p> + <p> + 5. Radio Boys Cronies; or, Bill Brown's Radio—WAYNE + WHIPPLE + </p> + <p> + 6. Radio Boys Loyalty; or, Bill Brown Listens In—WAYNE + WHIPPLE + </p> + <hr> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + <b>Peggy Parson's Series<br> + By ANNABEL SHARP</b> + </center> + <p> + A popular and charming series of Girl's books dealing in an + interesting and fascinating manner with the life and + adventures of Girlhood so dear to all Girls from eight to + fourteen years of age. Printed from large clear type on + superior quality paper, multicolor jacket. Bound in cloth. + </p> + <p> + 1. Peggy Parson Hampton Freshman + </p> + <p> + 2. Peggy Parson at Prep School + </p> + <hr> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + <b>The Aëroplane Series<br> + By JOHN LUTHER LANGWORTHY</b> + </center> + <p> + 1. The Aëroplane Boys; or, The Young Pilots First Air + Voyage + </p> + <p> + 2. The Aëroplane Boys on the Wing; or, Aëroplane + Chums in the Tropics + </p> + <p> + 3. The Aëroplane Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young + Aviators in a Wreck + </p> + <p> + 4. The Aëroplane Boys' Flights; or, A Hydroplane + Round-up + </p> + <p> + 5. The Aëroplane Boys on a Cattle Ranch + </p> + <hr> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + <b>The Girl Aviator Series<br> + By MARGARET BURNHAM</b> + </center> + <p> + Just the type of books that delight and fascinate the wide + awake Girls of the present day who are between the ages of + eight and fourteen years. The great author of these books + regards them as the best products of her pen. Printed from + large clear type on a superior quality of paper; attractive + multi-color jacket wrapper around each book. Bound in cloth. + </p> + <p> + 1. The Girl Aviators and the Phantom Airship + </p> + <p> + 2. The Girl Aviators on Golden Wings + </p> + <p> + 3. The Girl Aviators' Sky Cruise + </p> + <p> + 4. The Girl Aviators' Motor Butterfly. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + <b>Phil Bradley Mountain Boy's Series<br> + By SILAS R. BOONE</b> + </center> + <p> + These books describe with interesting detail the experience + of a party of boys among the mountain pines. They teach the + young reader how to protect themselves against the elements, + what to do and what to avoid, and above all to become + self-reliant and manly. There are five titles: + </p> + <p> + 1. Phil Bradley's Mountain Boys; or, The Birch Bark Lodge. + </p> + <p> + 2. Phil Bradley at the Wheel; or, The Mountain Boys' Mad Auto + Dash. + </p> + <p> + 3. Phil Bradley's Shooting Box; or, The Mountain Boys on + Currituck Sound. + </p> + <p> + 4. Phil Bradley's Snow-shoe Trail; or, The Mountain Boys in + the Canadian Wilds. + </p> + <p> + 5. Phil Bradley's Winning Way. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + <b>The American Boy's Sports Series<br> + BY MARK OVERTON</b> + </center> + <p> + These stories touch upon nearly every sport in which the + active boy is interested. Baseball, rowing, football, hockey, + skating, ice-boating, sailing, camping and fishing all serve + to lend interest to an unusual series of books. There are the + following four titles: + </p> + <p> + 1. Jack Winters' Baseball Team; or, The Mystery of the + Diamond. + </p> + <p> + 2. Jack Winters' Campmates; or, Vacation Days in the Woods. + </p> + <p> + 3. Jack Winters' Gridiron Chums; or, When the Half-back Saved + the Day. + </p> + <p> + 4. Jack Winters' Iceboat Wonder; or, Leading the Hockey Team + to Victory. + </p> + <hr> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + <b>Motor Boat Boys Series<br> + By LOUIS ARUNDEL</b> + </center> + <p> + 1. The Motor Club's Cruise Down the Mississippi; or The Dash + for Dixie. + </p> + <p> + 2. The Motor Club on the St. Lawrence River; or Adventures + Among the Thousand Islands. + </p> + <p> + 3. The Motor Club on the Great Lakes; or Exploring the Mystic + Isle of Mackinac. + </p> + <p> + 4. Motor Boat Boys Among the Florida Keys; or The Struggle + for the Leadership. + </p> + <p> + 5. Motor Boat Boys Down the Coast; or Through Storm and + Stress. + </p> + <p> + 6. Motor Boat Boys River Chase; or Six Chums Afloat or + Ashore. + </p> + <p> + 7. Motor Boat Boys Down the Danube; or Four Chums Abroad + </p> + <hr> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + <b>Motor Maid Series<br> + By KATHERINE STOKES</b> + </center> + <p> + 1. Motor Maids' School Days + </p> + <p> + 2. Motor Maids by Palm and Pine + </p> + <p> + 3. Motor Maids Across the Continent + </p> + <p> + 4. Motor Maids by Rose, Shamrock and Thistle. + </p> + <p> + 5. Motor Maids in Fair Japan 6. Motor Maids at Sunrise Camp + </p> + <hr> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <center> + <b>THE "HOW-TO-DO-IT" BOOKS<br> + By J. S. ZERBE</b> + </center> + <p> + <b>Carpentry for Boys</b> + </p> + <p> + A book which treats, in a most practical and fascinating + manner all subjects pertaining to the "King of Trades"; + showing the care and use of tools; drawing; designing, and + the laying out of work; the principles involved in the + building of various kinds of structures, and the rudiments of + architecture. It contains over two hundred and fifty + illustrations made especially for this work, and includes + also a complete glossary of the technical terms used in the + art. The most comprehensive volume on this subject ever + published for boys. + </p> + <p> + <b>Electricity for Boys</b> + </p> + <p> + The author has adopted the unique plan of setting forth the + fundamental principles in each phase of the science, and + practically applying the work in the successive stages. It + shows how the knowledge has been developed, and the reasons + for the various phenomena, without using technical words so + as to bring it within the compass of every boy. It has a + complete glossary of terms, and is illustrated with two + hundred original drawings. + </p> + <p> + <b>Practical Mechanics for Boys</b> + </p> + <p> + This book takes the beginner through a comprehensive series + of practical shop work, in which the uses of tools, and the + structure and handling of shop machinery are set forth; how + they are utilized to perform the work, and the manner in + which all dimensional work is carried out. Every subject is + illustrated, and model building explained. It contains a + glossary which comprises a new system of cross references, a + feature that will prove a welcome departure in explaining + subjects. Fully illustrated. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Girl Aviators' Motor Butterfly +by Margaret Burnham + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE GIRL AVIATORS' MOTOR BUTTERFLY *** + +***** This file should be named 10936-h.htm or 10936-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/9/3/10936/ + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, Harry Jones, Lesley Halamek, David Garcia +and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + +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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