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border:1px solid black;} - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Dave Dashaway Around the World, by Roy Rockwood - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Dave Dashaway Around the World - or A Young Yankee Aviator Among Many Nations - -Author: Roy Rockwood - -Release Date: October 27, 2015 [EBook #50323] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE DASHAWAY AROUND THE WORLD *** - - - - -Produced by Rick Morris and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div id='fig00' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div id='fig01' class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/p001.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>IN ADDITION TO THE ENVELOPING GLOOM OF THE STORM,<br />IT HAD BEGUN TO GET DUSK.<br /><i>Dave Dashaway Around the World</i> <i>Page</i> 120</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div> - <h1 class='c001' title='Dave Dashaway Around the World'><span class='xlarge'>Dave Dashaway <br /> Around the World</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div>Or</div> - <div class='c000'>A Young Yankee Aviator Among Many</div> - <div>Nations</div> - <div class='c002'><span class='fss'>BY</span></div> - <div>ROY ROCKWOOD</div> - <div><span class='fss'>AUTHOR OF “DAVE DASHAWAY THE YOUNG AVIATOR,” “THE</span></div> - <div><span class='fss'>SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES,” “THE GREAT MARVEL SERIES,” ETC.</span></div> - <div class='c002'>ILLUSTRATED</div> - <div class='c002'>NEW YORK</div> - <div><span class='large'>CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY</span></div> - <div>PUBLISHERS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>BOOKS FOR BOYS</span></div> - <div class='c000'>BY ROY ROCKWOOD</div> - <div class='c000'>DAVE DASHAWAY SERIES</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xsmall'>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated.</span></div> - <div><span class='xsmall'>Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>DAVE DASHAWAY THE YOUNG AVIATOR</div> - <div class='line'>DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS HYDROPLANE</div> - <div class='line'>DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP</div> - <div class='line'>DAVE DASHAWAY AROUND THE WORLD</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xsmall'>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated.</span></div> - <div><span class='xsmall'>Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR MOTORCYCLES</div> - <div class='line'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR RACING AUTO</div> - <div class='line'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR POWER LAUNCH</div> - <div class='line'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS IN A SUBMARINE</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div>THE GREAT MARVEL SERIES</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xsmall'>12mo. Cloth. Illustrated.</span></div> - <div><span class='xsmall'>Price per volume 60 cents, postpaid.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>THROUGH THE AIR TO THE NORTH POLE</div> - <div class='line'>UNDER THE OCEAN TO THE SOUTH POLE</div> - <div class='line'>FIVE THOUSAND MILES UNDERGROUND</div> - <div class='line'>THROUGH SPACE TO MARS</div> - <div class='line'>LOST ON THE MOON</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='sc'>Cupples & Leon Co., Publishers, New York.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c004' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Copyrighted 1913, by</div> - <div><span class='sc'>Cupples & Leon Company</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c005' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='sc'>Dave Dashaway Around the World</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div>CONTENTS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='16%' /> -<col width='71%' /> -<col width='11%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c007'></td> - <td class='c008'>PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>I.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapI'><span class='sc'>The “Comet”</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>II.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapII'><span class='sc'>An Involuntary Passenger</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>9</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>III.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapIII'><span class='sc'>On the Wing</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>17</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>IV.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapIV'><span class='sc'>A Mysterious Visitor</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>24</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>V.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapV'><span class='sc'>Something Wrong</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>32</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>VI.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapVI'><span class='sc'>The Stolen Biplane</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>40</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>VII.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapVII'><span class='sc'>Found</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>48</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>VIII.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapVIII'><span class='sc'>Something of a Mystery</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>54</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>IX.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapIX'><span class='sc'>The Path of the Eagle</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>61</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>X.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapX'><span class='sc'>A Midnight Alarm</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>68</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XI.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXI'><span class='sc'>In Peril</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>76</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XII.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXII'><span class='sc'>The Secret Told</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>83</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XIII.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXIII'><span class='sc'>An Exciting Moment</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>91</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XIV.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXIV'><span class='sc'>The Tramp Monoplane</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>97</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XV.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXV'><span class='sc'>Strictly Business</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>107</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XVI.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXVI'><span class='sc'>A Siberian Adventure</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>117</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XVII.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXVII'><span class='sc'>A Grateful Friend</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>125</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XVIII.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXVIII'><span class='sc'>In Strange Lands</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>134</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XIX.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXIX'><span class='sc'>Strange Companions</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>143</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XX.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXX'><span class='sc'>Rescued</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>151</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XXI.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXXI'><span class='sc'>War</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>161</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XXII.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXXII'><span class='sc'>Lost in the Air</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>170</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XXIII.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXXIII'><span class='sc'>The Blazing Beacon</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>178</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XXIV.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXXIV'><span class='sc'>The Home Stretch</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>187</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c006'>XXV.</td> - <td class='c007'><a href='#chapXXV'><span class='sc'>Conclusion</span></a></td> - <td class='c008'>195</td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span><span class='xlarge'>DAVE DASHAWAY</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>AROUND THE WORLD</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div> - <h2 id='chapI' class='c009'>CHAPTER I</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>THE COMET</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“I wish Dave Dashaway would hurry up -here,” said Hiram Dobbs, who was for the time -being in charge of the biplane, the <i>Comet</i>.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s your great anxiety, Hiram?” questioned -Elmer Brackett, reclining comfortably in -one of the spacious seats behind the pilot post -of the machine.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Do you know that fellow with the long frock -coat over yonder—the one who looks like some -cheap sharp lawyer? There,” added Hiram, -pointing at a group near a hangar, “he’s talking -now with that fat, porpoise-looking man with -gold braid on his cap and a badge on his coat.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I see them,” nodded young Brackett. -“Never saw either before that I can remember. -What of them?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Just this,” replied the young airman, quite -seriously. “That lawyer fellow has been -rustling around like a hen on a hot griddle for -the last ten minutes. He seemed to be waiting -for someone. Then I saw that man with the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>light fuzzy hat, and a moustache and glasses, -come in a great hurry up to him, and direct his -attention to the airship here. Just now the same -fellow pointed it out to that constable—policeman—or -whatever he is.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I declare!” exclaimed Elmer, with a start, -sitting up and taking notice. “Why, I know the -man with the fuzzy hat.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You do?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am sure of it, Hiram. He is disguised, but -I certainly recognize him. That fellow is my -enemy,” and the speaker shifted around in his -seat, greatly disturbed. “Do you remember that -fellow Vernon?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I should say so, and I suspected it to be just -that individual all along,” explained Hiram. -“He’s made all of us trouble enough not to be -forgotten.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I wish Dave would come,” said Elmer, anxiously. -“It would be a terrible thing if, after -all my hopes and preparations, something should -come up to prevent my going with you on the -great airship trip around the world.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Elmer Brackett spoke very earnestly. He -might well do so. When he referred to an -exploit that sounded like the scheme of some -visionary, his words had a tangible and sensible -business basis.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>His companion was pretty nearly a professional -airman, and Elmer himself knew a great -deal about aircraft. His father was practically -the owner of the Interstate Aero Company. -The person they were now awaiting, Dave -Dashaway, was a youth who had won fame and -fortune in the aviation field.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Young as Dave was, this expert had pretty -nearly reached the top as a professional airman. -Those who have been introduced to him in the -first book of the present series, named “Dave -Dashaway, the Young Aviator,” will recall with -interest his first struggles to earn recognition -and a living in a line to which he was naturally -adapted. Dave Dashaway’s father had been a -scientific balloonist, and when Dave met the old -aviator, Robert King, he found a man who was -glad to help him on in his ambition to succeed -as a sky sailor.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave steadily and earnestly studied aeronautics -as if he was learning a trade. In the -second volume of this series, entitled “Dave -Dashaway and His Hydroplane,” the energetic -young airman won marked distinction at an aero -meet by his monoplane and hydroplane work. -His ability won the attention of a friend and -former professional associate of his father, and -the latter agreed to finance the most stupendous -aerial proposition ever attempted.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>The result has been told in the preceding -volume of this series called, “Dave Dashaway -and His Giant Airship.” The remarkable adventures -of Dave and his friends while sailing -the mammoth airship, the <i>Albatross</i>, across the -Atlantic Ocean have there been narrated. After -the giant airship had started on its extraordinary -trip, a stowaway had been discovered—Elmer -Brackett.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It seemed that the lad had gotten into bad -company. His father was rich and he had plenty -of money, which he spent very foolishly. He -had formed the acquaintance of a clever -schemer named Vernon. This man had so enmeshed -Elmer in his toils, that he made the boy -believe that he could send him to prison, and -ruin his father’s business. All this was untrue, -but in sheer desperation, believing he had -wrecked all his chances in life, the frightened -lad had secretly stolen aboard of the <i>Albatross</i>. -In a very heroic way he had saved the crew of -the giant airship from capture by some mountain -outlaws in North Carolina, where the <i>Albatross</i> -had descended for repairs. This had made him -a welcome comrade to Dave and Hiram. When -the former returned to the United States, victor -in the great race across the Atlantic and the -possessor of a small fortune in prize money, his -first task was to hunt up the schemer, Vernon. -Dave gave the rascal to understand that if he -annoyed Elmer any further, he would find himself -in serious trouble.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>For all that Dave Dashaway and the powerful -friends he had made did, however, Vernon -was slow to abandon his hope of fleecing his -victim out of more money. He tried to blackmail -Mr. Brackett, and even brought a suit -against the wealthy manufacturer on some notes -he had induced the son to sign under false pretences. -To get rid of him, Mr. Brackett had -finally given Vernon a sum of money to cease his -annoying persecutions. Then Vernon had disappeared, -and Dave had supposed that he was -“off the map” for good.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Elmer had acted like a new being since coming -under the healthy influence of the brisk, high-minded -young airman, Dave Dashaway, and his -ardent assistant, Hiram Dobbs. For the first -time in his life, the zest of adventure and the -ambition to make something of himself had acted -like a spur on the young fellow.</p> - -<p class='c011'>For over a month our hero, Dave, and his -two loyal comrades had led an existence of delight. -The young airman had become greatly -interested in an exploit in which he had been invited -to take part. The National Aero Association -had arranged for a wonderful novelty and -a test in the aviation field. This was nothing less -than an aeroplane race around the world.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>The route had been marked out, the prizes -announced and the rules of the contest adopted. -Nearly half a score of contestants had registered. -In the official list there had been published a line -or two that the adventurous Hiram read proudly -a dozen times a day: “Entrant VI—the biplane -<i>Comet</i>, pilot Dave Dashaway.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>An aero meet was now in progress near the -city of Washington, which was to be the starting -point of the great race. Dave and his young -assistants had fairly lived at the plant of the -Interstate Aero Company. Every facility of the -great factory had been placed at the command -of Dave. The result had been the construction -of the <i>Comet</i>, probably the most perfect and -splendid aircraft ever built.</p> - -<p class='c011'>There was a permanent aero practice field near -the factory, and on the afternoon when our story -opens the <i>Comet</i> was ready to make its daily trial -flight. With the morrow, entirely equipped and -its crew aboard, the model biplane was to sail -across the country for Washington, to be on hand -for the start of the race around the world a few -days following.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Other skycraft were in practice or motion -about the field. Hiram and Elmer had gotten -their machine in order for a non-stop flight of -one hundred miles. They were waiting for the -arrival of Dave, when Hiram made the discovery -that upon the very eve of their grand and stimulating -star exploit, an old enemy had suddenly -appeared upon the scene.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>Hiram Dobbs bent a keen, suspicious glance -at the three men whom he had pointed out to his -comrade. A worried look came into Elmer’s -face as he, too, watched them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” said the latter in an uneasy tone, but -convincedly, “one of those men is Vernon.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And the others are a lawyer and an officer -of the law,” added Hiram. “There’s something -afoot, Elmer. I guess what it is and—I’ll fool -them.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The constable is coming this way!” exclaimed -Elmer, apprehensively.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He won’t get here quick enough,” declared -Hiram. “I see through their tricks—Vernon is -bent on having you arrested on some flimsy -charge. The scoundrel counts on the belief that -your father will pay him more money rather -than see the <i>Comet</i> delayed for the race. We’ll -disappoint him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The speaker shot out his hand to the wheel. -His foot was ready to depress the self-starter -button.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All clear?” he called to the field man who -stood close by, and the latter nodded and waved -his hand.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The constable is running towards us,” said -Elmer rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>Chug! chug! The <i>Comet</i> rose from the -ground. Elmer Brackett uttered a great sigh of -relief. Hiram chuckled softly to himself.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hold on! I’ve got a warrant! In the name -of the law—ugh!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The <i>Comet</i> gave a great sway. Its pilot -dared not relax attention to his duties, but he shot -a swift glance at the source of the outcry.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The mischief!” uttered Hiram, in surprise -and concern.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The big bulky constable was clinging to the -machine body, his feet dangling, his face white -and scared-looking, swaying helplessly except for -his frantic hand-hold fifty feet above the ground!</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span> - <h2 id='chapII' class='c009'>CHAPTER II</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>AN INVOLUNTARY PASSENGER</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>Dave Dashaway’s assistant knew his business -too well to attempt any rash or reckless change -in the course of the biplane. At a glance Hiram -had taken in the situation. In a flash he gave the -right order.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Help him—pull him in,” he directed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, he’ll smash the wing and we’ll all go -down in a heap if he hangs on there,” declared -Elmer, quickly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Let me off! Let me off!” puffed and panted -the constable. “Help! I’ll drop! Murder! I’m -a goner!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Easy, officer!” cried out Hiram, in his clear, -ringing tones. “Don’t get rattled or you’ll be -gone, indeed.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Elmer had grasped the arm of the clinging -man. He had strapped himself into his seat, and -this position assisted in giving him a tugging -strength that counted for something. The white, -scared face of the constable came nearer and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>nearer to him. Through great efforts the trespasser -was hauled up over his center of balance, -and he tumbled into the vacant seat all in a -heap.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Let down this balloon! I’ve got a -warrant,” began the constable, breathlessly—“oogh!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>A whirl of the biplane sent the man banging -against the side of the seat till his teeth rattled.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Strap him in,” called out Hiram, “if he don’t -want to get a spill.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, my! Stop! Please stop! Let me -out!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Meantime Elmer had snapped the belt in -place. It was well that he had acted speedily. -The <i>Comet</i> made a switch just there which -caused the involuntary passenger to tremble with -terror, yell outright, and crouch back in his seat.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram directed a smooth volplane and made -an even spurt of speed on a set level. This gave -the intruder a chance to steady his nerves and -regain his breath. He was still, however, big-eyed -and chattering. The young pilot dared not -direct attention from his task of running the -machine, but he managed to turn his face sideways -so as to give Elmer a significant glance. -The latter half smiled as he understood what -was on the programme.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>“Now, see here, officer,” spoke Hiram, past -his shoulder, “I can’t give you any further attention -than to tell you what to do. If the machine -tips——”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Is there danger?” gasped the overcome -constable. “Say, please go down! Easy, you -know! P-please-p—please!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You had better show some sense,” retorted -Hiram, with pretended sternness. “There is always -danger of a spill. Don’t help it any.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“N-no, I won’t,” chattered the officer. “I—I’ll -do just what you tell me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Then sit still and keep still. Elmer, get him -into that airman armor. He’s pretty bulky, and -if we take a flop——”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Br-rr-r!” shivered the unfortunate passenger. -“Oh, don’t talk about it!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Get the aerodrome safety helmet on him,” -pursued Hiram. “It will save his head if he -tumbles.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say, I don’t want to! You’ve got to stop! -I’m an officer of the law and I order you to -lower this balloon.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You want to drop, do you?” called back -Hiram, “All right, if you say so, only——”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No! no! no!” fairly bellowed the constable, -as the pilot described a manœuvre pretty near to -accomplishing a “shoot-the-chutes” dive in -aviation. “You know best. I’ll do as you say.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>He allowed Elmer to fasten on the helmet as -the machine steadied. It made his big shock-haired -head look bigger than ever.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now then, the felt safety buffers,” directed -Hiram, and his willing accomplice bundled the -passenger in between two thick pads covering -chest and shoulders like a wad of pillows.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He’d better have the earflaps and respirators -if you’re going up into the rarefied air,” suggested -Elmer, solicitously.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Don’t go! Say, I’m not well! This air is -good enough for me,” remonstrated the constable.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now for the non-concussion girdle,” ordered -the merciless pilot.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Elmer was almost bursting with suppressed -merriment. He was so sure that Hiram knew -his business and that no real danger was imminent -in that calm air with a perfect head -breeze, that he enjoyed the occasion immensely.</p> - -<p class='c011'>By this time their frantic fellow passenger -resembled a diver, swathed as he was in thick -leather safety devices crowned with steel. -Muffled up and helpless, he squirmed, groaned -and closed his eyes with a sickening shudder -every time he glanced over the edge of the machine. -The unusual sight of the earth fading -away, the swift passage of the landscape, fairly -chilled him.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>For five or ten minutes the passenger was content -to remain mute, trying to realize and become -accustomed to his unexpected condition. The -machine had a duplicate control system. That is, -the rudder wires ran to the right hand second -seat as well as to that of the pilot. This made it -possible for Hiram to confine his attention exclusively -to spark and throttle control, while his -assistant could cooperate as to the steering gear -whenever the tail trailed heavily. Elmer, too, -could cooperate in the aileron and elevator control, -and the flight settled down to a smooth, perfect -rush through the atmosphere.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ahem,” ventured their passenger as he regained -his scattered wits. He spoke in a vague, -uncertain tone. “I told you that I had a warrant -and I want to explain—whew!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram Dobbs was bound to shut off the passenger -from any official complication of matters. -His eye had been fixed to a row of hills ten miles -distant. He had marked out his course and he -had a definite destination in view. Just now he -stirred up the officer considerably with a new -joggling twist of the machine, just as he had -planned to do. The fright of the constable was -renewed. He forgot what he had started to -say.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s the programme?” whispered Elmer, -bending over close to the ear of the pilot.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>“I want to get you to a point of safety before -that fellow has a chance to read that warrant of -his,” was the low-toned reply.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I see; but how are you going to work it?” -questioned Elmer, in some perplexity.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Leave that to me,” returned Hiram, in a -confident way.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, I’m going to.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I want to get beyond the ridge ahead—in -fact, as far away from our starting point as I -can.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I want to explain,” here again broke in their -passenger. “I’ve got a document here——”</p> - -<p class='c011'>There he stopped. Hiram had to laugh and -Elmer chuckled. The constable made several ineffectual -efforts to reach a pocket in his coat. The -muffling devices he wore prevented him. He was -like a man encased in a suit of armor.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Never mind the document,” said Hiram. -“Just tell us what it’s about.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s a warrant, and it charges this young man -with trespassing on the property of a farmer with -an airship. The complainant has a legal right, -<i>ipse dixit</i>, to claim malicious intent, which makes -it a criminal offense.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I thought so. Pretty flimsy,” remarked -Hiram. “They’ve raked up some trifle to give -that miserable Vernon an excuse to keep you in -court for a week or more. All right officer,” he -added, “read your warrant.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>“How can I read it when I can’t get my hands -with these pesky things on them anywhere near -my pocket?” demanded the constable, wrathily.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Very well, then don’t say I obstructed the law -by refusing you your rights.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“When you land I’ll read the warrant,” explained -the constable. “This boy has got to -come with me. It’s defiance of law to refuse.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We will land very soon now,” promised -Hiram. “Whisper, Elmer.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The skillful pilot worked the exhaust purposely -to cover a quick undertoned interview with his -friend. There was a perfect understanding between -them by the time the colloquy was concluded.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All right,” said Elmer simply, and with a -satisfied expression on his face, as he sank back -in his seat.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young air pilot skirted a great grove of -trees and flew the <i>Comet</i> high above a range of -hills beyond. Then, near a little town with a -railroad depot showing in its midst, he prepared -to descend.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram made a thrilling dive that nearly sent -the constable into hysterics. The <i>Comet</i> reached -the ground and settled down upon it as safely -and gracefully as a bird sinking to its nest.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Jump out,” he said simply, to Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The latter unbuckled the seat belt promptly -and leaped to the ground beside the machine.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hold on! Stop!” shouted the constable.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>Elmer showed no disposition to run away. He -only walked briskly up and down, stamping his -feet and exercising his arms.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That boy is under arrest,” continued the officer, -struggling with his burden of wraps.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Not quite yet, officer, I fancy,” retorted -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, he will be soon as I get out and read -my warrant. I order you to help me, young man. -If you refuse, I shall complain of your aiding -and abetting a criminal to escape.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Bah!” cried Hiram, “you know as well as -I do that he is no criminal. Here,” and he assisted -his passenger in getting rid of the hampering -devices. “I’ll help you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>With a great snort of relief the bulky officer -stepped to the ground. His first act was to shake -his cramped limbs. Then he fished in his pockets -for the warrant.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“In the name of the law,” he began with assumed -dignity, producing a folded document.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hold on,” challenged Hiram, “what are you -up to?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’m going to arrest one Elmer Brackett.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I think not,” retorted Hiram, coolly. “It -seems you’ve forgotten something rather important, -Mr. Officer.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s that?” snorted the constable.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We have landed just over the state line and -your warrant is no good in this locality.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span> - <h2 id='chapIII' class='c009'>CHAPTER III</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>ON THE WING</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>The constable stared at Hiram. He glanced -at Elmer with half a scowl. Then he rubbed his -head as if seeking for new ideas. Finally a sort -of sickly grin overspread his flabby face.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You’d make a good lawyer,” he observed. -“Over the state line I am, sure enough, with no -warrant served. Well, I’m not so sorry as you -may think.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’m glad to hear you say so,” declared Hiram. -“You’ll be glad, too, when you come to know that -the man behind the gun in this case is an unmitigated -rascal.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I didn’t know anything about that, I simply -followed orders,” said the official, in a slightly -apologetic tone.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, good-bye, officer, I suppose I can go?” -broke in Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I shan’t hinder you. Only keep out of my -territory.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>Elmer exchanged a look of mutual understanding -with Hiram, and walked slowly away. He -soon disappeared beyond a little thicket, heading -in the direction of the town and the railroad -station.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, officer?” spoke up Hiram, moving -about the biplane to see that everything was in -order.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, lad,” returned the constable, “I suppose -it’s in order for me to get back home after -this fool’s errand.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’ll be glad to take you back with me,” said -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Humph!” and the constable shrugged his -shoulders in a dubious way. “I’m safe on the -ground once more, thank goodness; and I reckon -I’ll stay here.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, come ahead in the machine,” invited the -young pilot. “No capers, officer, honestly. I -had to do some gliding to make you forget business -till my friend was over the safety line, but -I’ll take you home steady as a Pullman, I promise -you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No diver’s suit, though, mind you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That isn’t necessary,” laughed Hiram. -“Just strap yourself in and I’ll give you a nice -ride.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>By the time they got back to the aero grounds -the constable was as friendly as could be. He -shook hands good-bye with Hiram, and winked -at him and chuckled to himself as he walked over -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>to where the lawyer-like man and the disguised -Vernon stood waiting for him. They evidently -had seen the <i>Comet</i> returning and had hastened -to the grounds to hear the news.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram lingered, watching the group until they -disappeared. Dave Dashaway came out of the -hangar as the assistants ran the biplane towards -it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Bright as a dollar, looking every inch the active, -ambitious fellow his friends called him, the young -airman regarded his assistant inquiringly and expectantly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You didn’t wait for me,” observed Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, I was in a hurry,” laughed Hiram. “I -suppose you know what was doing?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’ve heard something about a warrant for -Elmer. I’ve guessed out the plot. Mr. Brackett -was here, quite worried.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He needn’t be,” declared Hiram, reassuringly. -“There he is now. It’s all right, Mr. -Brackett,” added Hiram, advancing to meet the -wealthy manufacturer. “They didn’t get Elmer, -and, what’s more, they won’t get him very soon.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave Dashaway led the way into the little -portable house adjoining the <i>Comet</i> hangar -where the boys slept nights. All sat down on -camp stools.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I hope this new trouble is not going to disturb -your plans,” spoke Mr. Brackett.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>“Not a bit of it,” replied Hiram. “Elmer is -safely out of the way, and everything is arranged -to keep that miscreant, Vernon, from annoying -him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram recounted all that had transpired. The -cloud of uneasiness passed from the brow of the -president of the Interstate Aero Company. He -smiled approvingly at the keen-witted narrator.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Elmer will take a train and go right on to -an arranged rendezvous,” explained Hiram. -“He will be on hand for the start, Mr. Brackett.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I shall start for Washington,” announced the -manufacturer. “I want to see the <i>Comet</i> begin -the big race in which I feel Dashaway and his -friends will win new laurels.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Thank you for your confidence in us,” said -the young airman. “I expect to deserve it. -There’s a reason—you have given us a biplane -that is a marvel.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” declared Hiram, enthusiastically, -“there will be nothing in the field that can even -begin to compare with the <i>Comet</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Our hero and his assistant spent some time going -over the splendid piece of mechanism, after -Mr. Brackett had gone away. The highest skill -had been employed in the construction of the -<i>Comet</i>. From barograph to breeches buoy it was -as nearly perfect and thoroughly equipped as -money and intelligence could make it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>The biplane was of original design. It had a -tube mechanism and universal bearing that were -entirely new in the aviation field. The arrangements -for gasoline, oil and water had been the -main consideration. The capacity for carrying -extra weight the second. The coverings were -rubberized fabric, the machine had the very newest -shock absorbers, and the double-control system -admitted of a manipulation that not only -divided the operation work, but added to the -safety of navigation.</p> - -<p class='c011'>As to the superb balancing and self-righting -powers of the <i>Comet</i>, the boys had demonstrated -these merits only the day previous. With a -ripping crash the machine had entered the perimeter -of a corkscrew glide. Dave found the tilt -so steep there seemed no chance to come out of -the spiral. Hiram, in the second seat, by a deft, -quick operation of the rudder control, changed -the equilibrium. Dave did the rest, and the -<i>Comet</i> passed a hair-breadth ground swoop -clean as an acrobat.</p> - -<p class='c011'>On account of the long flights necessary, probable -landings in desert spots far from civilization, -and the menace of supplies giving out, the <i>Comet</i> -had been constructed of a weight, breadth and -length that would admit of the utilization of a -so-called ballast pit. This was located directly -behind the seats. It was compactly filled at the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>present time, all ready for the start scheduled for -a few days later. With every article cared for, -and after a close calculation of the effect of dislodgment -and replacement, the young aviator in -command of the machine felt that he had -mastered most of the details of the prospective -trip around the world.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Before Mr. Brackett had left them, he had -made arrangements to join them at the aero meet -at Sylvan Park, near Washington. There were -some final details of the journey to arrange for -after they reached the aviation field. So far as -their present situation was concerned, however, -the <i>Comet</i> was all ready for the flight.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The sky was clear, the stars shone brightly and -there was a gentle breeze entirely favorable to -them, as, about ten o’clock the <i>Comet</i> was -quietly rolled out of the hangar. The young airman -purposely evaded any publicity as to their -start on account of Elmer and his enemies. The -two assistants waved them a hearty adieu, but -stirred up no commotion. Within five minutes -the splendid piece of mechanism was speeding on -its way for a point fifty miles distant.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“At Fordham, you said,” remarked Dave, as -they settled down to an even course of progress.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, just beyond the town. We all know the -town, it’s right in our course—and I thought that -the best place to have Elmer wait for us.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>The <i>Comet</i> passed over half a dozen quaint -little villages. Then it followed the railroad -tracks, the signal lights operating as guides. -They knew Fordham, because they had made several -trial spurts to and from the place. They -passed its rows of street lights, slowed down, and -the <i>Comet</i> reached <i>terra firma</i> inside of the town -baseball grounds.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hello!” at once hailed them, and Elmer -came forward from a seat on the bleachers, -where he had been resting. “Everything all -right?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“As a trivet,” pronounced Hiram. “Been a -slow wait; eh?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, I snoozed a little,” replied Elmer; -“lunched some, and had a hard time explaining -my being here to a suspicious old watchman who -looks after the grounds.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Get aboard,” directed Dave, and Elmer sank -into the seat with a contented sigh.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s business now, I suppose,” he remarked. -“Say, fellows, it’s a big thing we hope to do; -isn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” assented the sprightly Hiram; “and -I reckon we’ll have seen some startling sights before -we come this way again.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span> - <h2 id='chapIV' class='c009'>CHAPTER IV</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>A MYSTERIOUS VISITOR</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>Dave Dashaway stood at the entrance to the -hangar of the <i>Comet</i> at Sylvan Park. The machine -had done nobly on the trial field near the -Capitol city. Now it was housed among the -group of competitors in the great race. The -pick of the world’s best airmen was represented -at this international meet, and the scene was one -of activity and interest.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The airship boys were comfortably housed in -the living tent just beyond the hangar. At first -upon arriving it had been decided to have Elmer -stay away from the field until the final start was -made. This procedure was actuated by the fear -that the troublesome Vernon might put in an appearance -and continue to annoy and hamper the -young airman. The next morning, however, Mr. -Brackett arrived.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am here for two reasons,” he had announced. -“First, I wish to see our last word in -biplanes, the <i>Comet</i>, sail off on the race I know -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>you are going to win. Next, I want to be on hand -if that troublesome Vernon tries any more of his -tricks.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I hardly think he will attempt to follow us -this far,” was the expressed opinion of our hero. -“It would cost him some money, and it would be -somewhat dangerous for him to work any -trumped-up charge with so many of our airmen -friends around to defeat his plans.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There is still more than that,” remarked the -airship manufacturer, in a confident way.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What do you mean, father?” inquired his -son.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Just this,” answered Mr. Brackett, “as I left -home my lawyer, who was looking up Vernon, -put in my possession some documents that will -enable me to baffle this wretch at every turn. I -only hope he will appear. It will be to receive -a final quietus, believe me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The big event was now only three days distant. -The <i>Comet</i> was in perfect shape for its long -flight. The boys had used prevision and judgment -in all their preparations; and had not really -much to do. Dave, however, was kept pretty -busy with a constant stream of visitors. Professional -and otherwise, those who had seen descriptions -of their splendid machine in the public -prints were eager to view that work of mechanical -perfection. A group of them were now gathered -inside the shelter building. Experts were examining -and admiring the <i>Comet</i>.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>It pleased Mr. Brackett to exhibit this last -masterpiece from the Interstate Aero Company’s -factory. As a strictly passenger carrying biplane -it had never been equalled. Mr. Brackett showed -all its improvements, from the new chain drive -apparatus to the high pitch revolution screws. -The original model of the <i>Comet</i> had represented -a machine weighing over one thousand five hundred -pounds with a spread of thirty-eight by sixty-three -and one-half feet, pitch speed five thousand -six hundred feet, average flight record fifty miles. -The old style rear propeller drive had been supplanted -by tractor screws. The tubing truss underneath -the center section and skid bracing also -in the rib or plane section was a new feature. A -divergence from the popular headless screw traction -design was the use of the Curwell type of outriggers. -This did away with an attachment at -the end of a monoplane type of fuselage.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was almost dusk when the visitors began to -depart. Dave was giving orders to two of the -hangar men to lock up the machine for the -night, when an automobile drew rapidly up to the -spot. As the young aviator glanced casually at -the machine, he saw that besides the chauffeur it -contained a veiled, girlish form.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>The chauffeur stopped the machine directly before -the living tent. He leaped from the auto -and approached Mr. Brackett, who was standing -near by.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Can you direct me to the <i>Comet</i> hangar?” -he inquired, touching his cap politely.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“This is the place,” explained the manufacturer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And Mr. Dave Dashaway—do you know -where I can find him?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman overheard this conversation. -He stepped forward at once with the words:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am Dave Dashaway. What can I do for -you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The chauffeur moved aside with a movement -of his head towards the automobile. Its occupant -leaned slightly forward, and extended a -daintily gloved hand. As Dave advanced and -lifted his cap she spoke to him in a low, tremulous -tone.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I wish to speak to you for a few moments, -Mr. Dashaway,” she said. “In private,” she -added, with a glance at the several persons in -view.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Certainly,” responded Dave readily, but in -some wonderment. “There is our office, miss. -May I assist you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The little lady uttered a fluttering sigh as our -hero helped her from the machine and led the -way to the living tent. Hiram had just lighted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>a lamp. Both he and Elmer regarded their -friend’s companion in some surprise. They were -too well bred, however, to stare at the newcomer, -who seemed timid and uncertain. The boys -moved quietly from the tent, Dave set a stool for -his visitor and seated himself at a little distance, -awaiting her pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You must not think it strange that I have -come to you, Mr. Dashaway,” she said. “I—that -is, I was directed to you by a very close -friend, who knows you well.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ah, indeed?” spoke the young airman.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, I bring you a letter from a friend of -my dear father, who is as well a close friend of -your own—Mr. Robert King.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am pleased and interested at once, Miss,” -said Dave, trying to set the young lady at her ease -under such strange surroundings. “Mr. King -is, indeed, a close friend, and his friends are very -welcome.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You are most kind,” said the visitor, nervously -searching for the letter in question, and in -her confusion lifting her veil. From her face -Dave saw that she was about his own age. There -was an anxious look in her eyes. She finally -found the letter, and handed it to the young airman -with the explanation:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We went to Mr. King where he is sick at his -home in New York City.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>“Yes, I know,” said Dave. “He wrote me -only last week.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am Edna Deane,” proceeded the young -lady. “My father is himself something of an -invalid and could not come with me to-day. We -went to Mr. King to ask his help in a case where -he only, or somebody like him, could be of any -assistance.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You mean in the aviation way?” inquired -Dave, getting interested.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, Mr. Dashaway,” replied the young girl. -“I want my father to explain to you about it. -He has written our address on the envelope—Hampton -Flats. He wishes to have you make an -appointment to meet him, if you will be so kind.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I certainly shall be glad to be of service to -any friends of the gentleman who taught me all -I know about sky sailing,” began Dave, and then -he added very heartily: “Surely I will come, Miss -Deane. To-morrow morning, if you wish. Shall -we say at ten o’clock? I have some few things -to attend to that will take up my time until -then.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“My father will be very glad,” murmured the -girl, gratefully.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A glance at the letter from the veteran aviator, -Mr. King, had at once influenced Dave. The -old airman wrote briefly, but to the point. He -stated, that were he in shape to do so, he would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>at once assist Mr. Deane. He asked his former -assistant to act in his place, could he at all arrange -to do so. Mr. King hinted that there was an -opportunity for a great humane act. He said he -was sure that when Dave knew its details, his -generous heart would respond to an unusual appeal -for help in a strangely pathetic case.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Meantime Hiram and Elmer had strolled to a -distance. They passed Mr. Brackett, who was -seeing to it that the hangar men safely housed -his pet biplane for the night. Hiram looked -curiously at his companion.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well,” he observed, “sort of mysterious, Elmer; -eh?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You mean that young lady?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I do. Automobile—mysterious veiled visitor,” -said Hiram with a smile.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Maybe it’s another of those venturesome college -girls wanting to make a flight for the name -of it. Dave will tell us when he sees us. No -nonsense about him. He’s too busy for romance.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s so. There she goes, Elmer,” announced -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The boys made out Dave, cap in hand, walking -beside the automobile as it started up slowly, and -conversing with its occupant. Then, curious and -eager to learn the merits of the interesting episode, -they proceeded towards the living tent, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>approaching it by a roundabout route so as not -to look as if they were “snooping around,” as -Hiram put it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Just as they neared it, Elmer grasped the arm -of his companion, bringing him to a halt with a -startling: “S—st!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What is it?” demanded Hiram, staring ahead -in the direction in which the glance of his companion -was fixed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Look for yourself,” whispered back Elmer, -pointing to a crouching figure just behind the tent. -“See—a man, a lurker, a spy! Who do you -suppose he is; and what is he up to?”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span> - <h2 id='chapV' class='c009'>CHAPTER V</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>SOMETHING WRONG</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>The boys stood perfectly still. The crouching -man had not heard them coming nor did he see -them now. He half rested on one elbow and one -knee, close up to the end of the tent. It looked -as if he had been posted there for some time, as -if peering into the tent through some break in the -canvas and listening to what had been spoken inside.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Just now he was guardedly looking past the -corner of the tent and following Dave and the -automobile with his eyes. It was fast getting -dark, but the glint of the headlight of the auto -as it turned towards the entrance to the grounds -swept over him, and Elmer gave a great start.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why,” he spoke suddenly, “Hiram, it’s that -man—Vernon!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You don’t say so,” returned Hiram. “Are -you sure of it?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, I am,” declared Elmer, in a disturbed -way. “He is after me again, and may make -all kinds of new trouble for us.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>“He won’t,” asserted Hiram, with a quick -snap of his lips, and the old farmer-boy fight and -determination in his face. “Get ready to help -me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What are you going to do?” inquired Elmer, -as his companion began to roll up his coat cuffs.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’m going to nail that fellow, good and sure,” -pronounced Hiram. “Maybe your father would -like to see him. Now then!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram made a spring. He landed on the -shoulders of the crouching figure, Elmer close at -his heels. The unsuspecting spy went flat, the -nimble Hiram astride of him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What are you up to, and who are you?” demanded -Hiram. “You needn’t tell,” he added -swiftly, as his prisoner squirmed about and his -face came into view. “You’re that mean rascal -Vernon, and we’re going to know what you are -plotting this time before we let you go. Grab -him, Elmer.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Each seized an arm of the squirming captive. -Hiram arose to his feet without letting Vernon -go, although the latter struggled fiercely. He -managed to break the grasp of Elmer, but Hiram -held on to him—would have held on to him if he -had dragged him all over the field.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s this?” cried Mr. Brackett, attracted -to the spot by the noise of the struggle. Then -he recognized Vernon. “Ah, it’s you is it?” he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>said, bending his brows at the prisoner. “I have -something to say to you,” and he seized the man -by his coat collar and assisted Hiram in dragging -him around to the front of the tent.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, you have?” sneered Vernon, ceasing to -struggle as he found his efforts in that direction -vain. “Well, you want to say it quick and short.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What are you doing around here?” demanded -the aeroplane manufacturer, sternly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What do you suppose?” retorted the schemer -boldly, thinking brag and bluster only would -serve him now. “I’m in the market with information, -and you had better buy it.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You sit there,” ordered Mr. Brackett, forcing -the miscreant upon a stool with the gesture of disgust. -Then he motioned to Hiram and Elmer -to guard the doorway and sat down facing the -captive. “You have gone to the last length, my -man, in persecuting my son. There is not a -vestige of accusation against him that you can -press legally.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, I think I can make you a little uneasy,” -boasted the conscienceless one.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We shall see. It is only a few days since -my lawyer reported to me the facts of an investigation -into your career. I have a few questions -to ask you. After that, I fancy you will be glad -to get away from us and stay away in the future.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>“Oh, is that so?” said Vernon, coldly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“My lawyer has placed certain documents and -information in my hands,” continued Mr. Brackett. -“One of them,” and he reached into his -pocket and produced a photograph, “is a picture -of a man who served a prison term. Do you -recognize it?” and the speaker held up the photograph -full in the lamp light.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Vernon changed color. He quaked and -wriggled about, but he was silent, for it was his -own portrait, in prison garb.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How far the word of a convict will go against -that of my son, whom you duped into signing -notes he could not pay, and which I will never -pay, for no consideration was involved, I do not -know,” proceeded the aeroplane manufacturer. -“I do know, however, that you dare not make -another move. This document,” and he showed -a folded paper, “describes you as the man who -is wanted in Boston for forfeiting a bail bond. -I have only to send word to the authorities there -of your whereabouts to have you shut up for -some time to come. Now go. If I so much as -hear of your hanging around this vicinity, I will -telegraph to the people who are searching for -you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Mr. Brackett pointed to the doorway. Vernon -arose and like a whipped cur slunk through it. -An expression of relief crossed Elmer Brackett’s -face.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>“I only hope we are rid of him for good,” he -said, fervently.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There seems to be no doubt of that,” declared -Hiram, with a satisfied smile. “Say, -though, I wonder why he was sneaking around -the hangar here?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“To pick up what information he could about -our plans, to disturb them if he could, I suppose,” -said Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Just then Dave appeared. His friends noticed -that he was somewhat thoughtful. No one -alluded to the visit of the girl whom the young -aviator had just escorted to the automobile. -Dave did not seem to have any explanations to -make. The others told him about the discovery -of Vernon and his summary disappearance. -Then the incident was dismissed from their -minds as they all went over to the restaurant at -the other end of the big aviation grounds for -supper.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave told his young assistants that he had an -engagement in the city the next morning. There -were some little purchases to make for the <i>Comet</i>, -and he took Hiram along with him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am going to call upon the friends of the -young lady you saw last evening, Hiram,” he -confided to his friend. “They live at the Hampton -Flats,” and he gave Hiram the location. “If -you like, after you get through with your shopping -you can call there for me. Then we can go back -to the park together.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>“All right,” assented Hiram, “I shan’t be -busy for more than an hour.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was about eleven o’clock when Hiram -started for the Hampton Flats. He finally -turned into the street where the building was -located. As he neared it, a man came hurriedly -down its steps, passed down the street, and disappeared -from view around the corner.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, I’ll be bumped!” exclaimed Hiram, -forcibly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>He came to a dead stop, irresolute as to the -course he ought to pursue. Hiram had recognized -the man as Vernon. He wondered how -the rascal came to be in the building where his -airman friend was.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, he’s nagging Dave, that’s sure,” declared -Hiram. “But why? It won’t do any -good to run after him. I must tell Dave about it, -though, and—there he is now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young aviator appeared at just that -moment. He looked up and down the street and -then advanced towards Hiram as he made him -out. The latter fancied he had never seen Dave -look so grave and thoughtful, but our hero -roused up into instant interest as Hiram said:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I saw Vernon come out of that building just -before you did.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>“What’s that!” challenged Dave. “Out of -that building?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, he did, Dave. Now what do you suppose -he was doing there?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman did not reply. He walked -along in silence. Hiram saw that he was a good -deal stirred up, but all Dave said about the -incident was:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’m glad you discovered this, Hiram, and -told me about it. We want to look out for that -fellow.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>All that day, Hiram noticed that the pilot of the -<i>Comet</i> seemed to be preoccupied. The hum and -bustle of the approaching event, however, took -up the attention of all hands. They had a busy -day of it, and Hiram was so tired out by nightfall -that he had well-nigh forgotten all about -the unexplained incident of the earlier hours of -the day.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Just after daylight the next morning Elmer -stirred on his sleeping cot and drowsily cried -out:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s up? I thought I heard some one -call for Dave.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You did,” replied Hiram, jumping from -under the bedclothes. “I just roused up to see -one of the hangar men scurrying out of here, and -Dave, half dressed, rushing after him. Hurry -up, get your clothes on.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>“What for?” inquired Elmer, sitting up in -his cot and rubbing his eyes sleepily.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Because I caught a remark the hangar man -made.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What was it?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“‘Something wrong with the <i>Comet</i>!’”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span> - <h2 id='chapVI' class='c009'>CHAPTER VI</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>THE STOLEN BIPLANE</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>The alarming words spoken by Hiram were -sufficient to at once bring Elmer out of bed and -onto his feet. Speedy as Elmer was, however, -Hiram was outside, shoeless and hatless, almost -before his drowsy companion had drawn on his -sweater.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s the trouble?” panted Elmer, trailing -after his companion a minute later.</p> - -<p class='c011'>His eyes grew big with wonder and suspense -as he noticed Dave and the hangar man running -around to the rear of the portable biplane shelter. -In front he saw Hiram posed like a statue and -staring hard.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The <i>Comet</i> is gone!” announced Hiram. -“Look there—gone!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>He spoke in a tone of voice as if the whole -world was slipping away from them. Elmer, -gaining his side, saw that the hangar was empty.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, say!” he gasped, “you don’t mean to -say——”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>“Stolen? Yes! That is sure,” came in Dave’s -tones, and the young aviator hurried around to -the spot.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You see, whoever took it drew the steel -frames and canvas out of the whole back,” the -hangar man was explaining. “The wheel marks -yonder run about twenty feet. Whoever did it -knew his business. There was no wasted fooling -around—up and away was the programme.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave stood silent, thinking hard. Elmer came -up to him, worried and anxious. By this time -Hiram had got full steam of excitement on.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See here, Dave,” he cried, “what is this—a -trick, or something serious?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s pretty serious,” answered the young airman. -“Whoever ran away with the <i>Comet</i> had -a bad motive in view—I feel certain of that.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You mean, to keep us from making the start -in the race?” inquired Elmer, anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Just that,” assented Dave, positively. “No -ordinary thief would steal the biplane, for he -couldn’t sell it. Professionals do not meddle with -other people’s machines. I’ve got a lot of suspicions -about this mysterious piece of business, -but there’s no time to lose in theorizing.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, we must get on the track of the <i>Comet</i> -right away,” declared Hiram, adding, “but -how?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>Dave gave a few rapid, undertoned directions -to the hangar man. Then he hurried back to the -living tent, followed by his friends, and all completed -dressing. Then, Dave piloting the way, -they made a brisk run for the office building of -the club in control of the meet.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman was lucky in running across -the manager, a man who knew his business -thoroughly. Inside of an hour, with his perfect -knowledge of details, he had telegraphed every -aviator and practice station in the East to be on -the watch for the stolen machine. Dave was -leaving the office building when they met Mr. -Brackett.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, father!” exclaimed his son, in distress, -“the <i>Comet</i> has been stolen!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The aeroplane manufacturer was stunned by -the announcement. Dave motioned him instantly -to one side. Hiram’s heart took hope as he noted -the business-like look on Dave’s face.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He’s got some plan worked out already,” announced -Hiram to Elmer. “Dave isn’t telling -us all he has guessed out.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Whatever information the young airman was -imparting to Mr. Brackett, the latter seemed -greatly interested, and his troubled face cleared -somewhat as Dave proceeded. Soon the manufacturer -hurried away. Dave consulted his watch -and came briskly up to his young fellow aviators.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There’s just time to get our breakfast,” he -announced.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>The boys had about completed the meal, when -an automobile drove up in front of the -restaurant and the aeroplane manufacturer got -out. Dave hurried to his side. There was a -brief consultation, and our hero beckoned to his -friends.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You had better come with me, Hiram,” said -the young aviator; “I shall need you. If you -will keep track of things around the hangar, -Elmer, it will help out.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave waved his hand to the manufacturer and -his son, and told Hiram to jump into the seat -beside him. They made a quick spin for the office -of the manager. The young airman came out -with several telegrams in his hand. He read -these over carefully while his companion was -cranking the machine. Then he thrust them into -his pocket and took charge of the wheel.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say,” began Hiram, as they left the aero -grounds and started down a lonely country -road; “tell me are you going on a hunt for the -<i>Comet</i>?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” replied the young airman. “I don’t -know that there is much chance of running down -the people who stole the biplane, but they can’t -sail far without being reported.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What is their object in stealing it, anyhow?” -asked Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>“If you want my honest opinion, I think they -are trying to keep us out of the race,” replied -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh!” exclaimed his companion, “then you -think it’s professionals who are at the bottom of -this mischief?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It was certainly an expert airman who piloted -the <i>Comet</i> away so snugly,” declared Dave. “I -believe, though, that he was hired by others.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, Dave, what do you mean?” inquired -the puzzled Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I can’t explain everything to you just now,” -replied Dave. “I am not trying to throw any air -of mystery about this strange disappearance of -the <i>Comet</i>, but you remember telling me about -seeing that schemer, Vernon, come out of the -Hampton Flats in the city?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, yes,” assented Hiram, with a start of -enlightenment.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, I have reason to believe that he is -mixed up with this affair.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You don’t say so! Bound to bother the -Bracketts to the last limit, is he?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, I believe his motives lead in an entirely -different direction this time,” replied Dave, but -he would say no more on the topic just then. -He resumed: “Of course, we must find the -<i>Comet</i> by this time to-morrow, or start in the -race with another machine.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>“Oh, then we’ll go anyway?” asked Hiram, -brightening up. “Say, that’s great!” and he -uttered an immense sigh of relief.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Mr. Brackett has telegraphed for the -<i>Zephyr</i>, which is at Baltimore,” explained Dave. -“It will be on the grounds before night.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Have you any clue as to what has become of -the <i>Comet</i>?” asked Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I have a very strong theory,” replied the -young aviator. “Whoever made away with the -<i>Comet</i> did not venture to fly north—too many -machines were on their way to the meet, and they -would be seen. The manager wired in every direction. -An unknown airship was sighted twice, -early this morning, both times about fifty miles -from Washington, going southwest and making -for the mountain districts.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What do you guess from that, Dave?” inquired -Hiram, eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I think they are trying to hide or lose the -<i>Comet</i> until it is too late to start in the race. Of -course, hopeless as it may seem, we must try and -recover the machine.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, the <i>Zephyr</i> cannot begin to compare -with our special machine,” said Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Besides that,” added Dave, “I hope to find -out who ran away with the biplane. If Vernon -is indeed back of it, that discovery would throw -a good deal of light on a certain subject in which -I am greatly interested at the present time.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>Hiram was prudently silent. He wondered to -himself, however, if the subject at which his companion -hinted had anything to do with the young -lady in the automobile and Dave’s visit to the -Hampton Flats.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was about eleven o’clock when the young airman -stopped at a town named Wayne. He made -a second stop at a little settlement ten miles beyond. -The automobile had now gotten well in -among the hills, and the scenery had grown wilder -and wilder.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Some airship passed over here just before -daylight this morning,” Dave finally reported to -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Do you know the direction it went in?” asked -the latter.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes. We will keep on and make Tarryford. -If we get no information there, I guess we will -have to give up the hunt.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was shortly after noon when they passed an -old farmhouse. As they whizzed by, Hiram remarked -some sheds in ruins, and smoking yet as -if recently consumed by fire. He called the attention -of his comrade to the fact. They sped on. -Less than half a mile accomplished, they saw -ahead a steep, high hill. By the side of the road, -seated on a level rock, was a man holding a rifle -between his knees.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>Something about the grim, watchful manner of -the farmer attracted the curious attention of both -of the boys. Dave brought the machine to a halt -at the side of the road.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say, my man,” he called out, pleasantly, -“have you seen or heard of an airship anywhere -around here this morning?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was quite startling the way the farmer came -to his feet. His eyes flashed and he handled his -weapon in a menacing way.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Have I?” he cried, fiercely. “I reckon so, -and I’m ready to riddle the troublesome old contraption -the minute she shows herself again!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span> - <h2 id='chapVII' class='c009'>CHAPTER VII</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>FOUND</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“We’re going to find out something sure,” declared -Hiram. “Say, Dave, that man knows -something about our machine.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman leaped from the auto and -approached the farmer. The latter stood viewing -the newcomers in a surly, suspicious way.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You say you have seen an airship,” observed -Dave. “Where? when?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The farmer eyed our hero and his companion -shrewdly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What do you want to know for?” he questioned.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well,” answered Dave, bluntly, “someone -stole a biplane from the aero field, near Washington, -last night, and we are looking for it.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, you are?” muttered the man. “Belongs -to you, maybe?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“To a company which we represent.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Responsible for damages?” insinuated the -farmer, with a shrewd glint in his calculating eyes.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>“Is there some damage to account for?” inquired -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I reckon,” pronounced the man seriously. -“Did you happen to notice the last farm down -the road?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We saw it, mister,” nodded Hiram, impatient -to hurry up the man with his disclosures.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I suppose you saw them smoking ruins. -Them was a shed, a pigsty and a stack of hay. -I don’t reckon fifty dollars would replace them.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What has an airship to do with them?” inquired -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Everything. See here, just at daylight this -morning I came to the back door. I heard a -whir and a ping overhead, and I saw an airship -going licketty-switch. Just as it passed over the -house, some one in it must have thrown a lighted -cigar overboard. I didn’t see it fall, but after I -had gone into the house and finished dressing and -came out again, I saw the airship dropping into -the basin on top of Pike Hill up yonder. Then -I smelled smoke. I ran around towards the -sheds. The stack was blazing. I know it was a -cigar that started it, for I found one on the -ground where the fire started, and we smoke -nothing but corncob pipes around these diggings.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And you say the airship landed on top of -Pike Hill, as you call it?” inquired Dave. -“How do you know that?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>“Say, get up on this rock with me. That’s it. -Now then, take a squint past the spur of rock -way up near the crest of the hill. See it?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hello!” instantly exclaimed Hiram, in a -state of great excitement.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, sure as you live it’s the end of a wing,” -declared Dave. “Have you seen anything of the -persons running it, mister?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, I haven’t. The way I figure it out is -that they ran out of steam. Mebbe they thought -no one saw them when they flew over the farm. -Mebbe they’re hiding. Mebbe, when they saw -me start on guard down here with my rifle, after -we’d tried to put the fire out, they were afraid to -budge.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is very likely they alighted on account of -the lack of gasoline,” Dave said to Hiram. “We -didn’t leave much in the tanks last night.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s so,” assented Hiram. “What are you -going to do?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young aviator reflected for a moment. -Then he turned to the man again.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See here, mister,” he said, “I must find out -the condition of that biplane up there. It may -not be ours. If it is, I promise you one thing.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And what’s that?” demanded the farmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Your bill will be paid, and as much more on -top of it for directing us to the machine. Is the -ascent of the hill hard?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>“A stranger might find it so,” replied the man. -“Very few ever go there, and there’s no regular -path to the top. If you’ll wait till some neighbors -I’ve sent for to help rout out those fellows -up there come, we’ll make an attack on them.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I don’t think you will find anybody up there,” -said Dave. “No, I don’t,” he reiterated, as -Hiram regarded him inquiringly. “I reason it -out just as I said at the first, that whoever stole -the <i>Comet</i> planned to hide it where we couldn’t -find it. That is a capital place up there to fit into -their scheme. I’ll tell you, mister, you stay down -here if you want to, and we will go up and see -what we can find out.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I don’t know about that,” demurred the -farmer, suspiciously.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why not?” inquired Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How do I know but what you belong to the -crowd and have been telling me a fool story all -along? Easiest thing in the world for you to -start up in the airship and leave me to whistle -for my damages.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What, with the automobile here for -security?” asked Dave, with a laugh.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s so,” remarked the farmer, thoughtfully. -“All right, go ahead. You’ll find it no -easy job, though. I can tell you another thing—if -I see that airship rising, I’ll plug it.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>“We will report to you before we go away,” -promised the young aviator. “Come on, -Hiram.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The farmer had not misstated the ascent of -Pike Hill. Country bred as he was, Hiram -grumbled heartily at the brambles, and Dave got -tangled several times in a network of hampering -vines.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Whew! the last climb,” announced Hiram, -finally, as they gained a topmost ridge of rocks.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No one here,” cried the young airman. -“See, Hiram, they have let the <i>Comet</i> sink down -into this natural basin here, thinking it was a safe -hiding place.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It would have been a famous one if that old -farmer hadn’t caught sight of the machine,” said -Hiram. “No one would ever think of looking -for an airship in this out of the way place.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The <i>Comet</i> lay slightly tipped to one side, unharmed. -Dave examined the machine casually.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Everything is all right,” he reported to his -companion. “I was correct about the gasoline. -There isn’t enough juice left to run the machine -a mile.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But where are the people who stole it?” -asked Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Went down the other side of the hill, I suppose. -They had accomplished what they were -hired to do. Now then, Hiram, this is a great -piece of good luck.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>“I should say so,” enthused Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You go back down the hill—it will be easier -than climbing up.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I should hope so,” grimaced Hiram, rubbing -his bruised knees.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Tell the man down there about the situation, -and that I am going to fly the machine over onto -his farm and fix things up with him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave waited till his handy assistant had -reached the bottom of the hill. In a few -moments, on the watch for some signal from below, -he noticed Hiram conversing with the -farmer. There were apparent explanations and -discussions. Then Hiram waved his hand as had -been agreed on with the young aviator, and Dave -knew that the coast was clear for a run with the -biplane.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span> - <h2 id='chapVIII' class='c009'>CHAPTER VIII</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>SOMETHING OF A MYSTERY</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>Our hero found the gasoline tanks pretty well -emptied of oil. He realized that the “juice” on -hand would not admit of a long flight. Satisfied, -however, that there was sufficient fuel to fly the -<i>Comet</i> out of its resting place and down to level -ground, Dave got to the pilot post and operated -the self-starter.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The biplane arose promptly to the occasion. -A little deft guiding cleared the hill. The machine -and its occupant came safely and gently to -a new landing place in a field nearby. Hiram -and the farmer hastened to the spot as Dave -alighted.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I call that purty cute,” announced the farmer, -a good deal interested. “Now then, stranger, -what about them damages?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Just what I said,” replied Dave. “You have -done us a great service and we appreciate it. -There is your money.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>“Say, you’re square and white,” declared the -farmer, overjoyed at the possession of so much -cash.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We try to be,” answered Dave, pleasantly. -“Just sign that receipt, will you? The aeroplane -company will pay for this, and I want my voucher -all straight and regular.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave wrote out a receipt on the back of a card -and the man signed it. Then the young aviator -proceeded to the automobile.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Can’t I help you some?” inquired the farmer, -accommodatingly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“If you will loan us a tin pail for a bit it will be -of service to us,” replied Dave. “There is plenty -of spare gasoline in the auto tank, Hiram,” he explained.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It did not take the boys long to transfer enough -of the gasoline to last the <i>Comet</i> for a home -flight. Dave arranged to fly the machine and directed -Hiram to take charge of the automobile.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was about two o’clock in the afternoon when -the adventurers reported on the aero grounds. -Mr. Brackett was delighted at their success and -Elmer was fairly overjoyed. No damage whatever -had been done to the biplane, it was found, -after a careful inspection of the machine.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I say, Dave,” spoke Hiram, as he and his -chief sat eating a fine dinner sent by Mr. Brackett -from the restaurant; “there’s a good deal about -this business that puzzles me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>“I suppose that is true,” responded the young -aviator, with a slight smile. “What principally -is troubling you, Hiram?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, the whole proceeding. If somebody -wanted to put us out of business, why didn’t they -sink the airship somewhere or burn it up?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I think they counted on the <i>Comet</i> remaining -undiscovered until long after the other entries -had started,” said Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Spite, then?” suggested Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, I don’t think that.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Then if that Vernon had anything to do with -it——”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am satisfied that he did,” declared Dave. -“His object was not to keep Elmer from getting -out of the country, though.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, what else could it be?” questioned -Hiram in wonderment.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I shall tell you later, Hiram,” replied Dave -in quite a serious way. “The fact is, there are -some things about stealing the airship that I do -not entirely understand myself. When I have -posted myself on those details, I fancy I shall -have a decidedly interesting story to tell you and -Elmer.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say, can I ask you one question?” propounded -Hiram, and then, as Dave nodded in -assent, he added: “Has that girl, and your visit -to the city and the appearance of Vernon at the -Hampton Flats got anything to do with it?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>“Everything, in my opinion,” answered the -young airman, gravely.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Humph!” commented Hiram. “A romance -and a mystery, eh?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hardly, Hiram,” responded Dave gravely. -“It is business, pure and simple. I will say this -much to you at the present time: whatever dealings -I am having with Mr. Deane, the father of -the girl you saw, may involve all the skill and -nerve the crew of the <i>Comet</i> have at their command.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman had given his interested assistant -a good deal to think over. Hiram, however, -and in fact everybody about the place, were -soon immersed in things strictly professional. At -noon the following day the race around the world -was to start. There were not a large number of -entries, but every individual contestant had his -own pet machine and his coterie of friends and -admirers.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The field was a lively scene all day. The various -machines made trial flights. Then there was -the packing of supplies, which necessarily had to -be of limited volume. All of the contestants in -turn visited the office of the Aero Association to -receive definite route instructions. There was a -good deal of red tape to go through, credentials -to secure, and arrangements made for reporting -progress to headquarters from set points along -the route.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>The young aviator and his assistants spent -nearly an hour over a blue print map which had -been furnished each of the contestants by the -management of the event. Hiram got out a -geography and studied out the situation in a more -detailed way. Elmer, at the suggestions of Dave, -made two copies of the list of points from which -the <i>Comet</i> was to report progress.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The boys were interrupted in this congenial -work by the appearance of one of the hangar -men at the door of the living tent. He beckoned -to Dave, who at once went outside, received some -message, and called back to his friends:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’ve got to go to the city, fellows. Won’t -be over two hours. Keep a close watch on everything -until I get back.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Wonder what’s up now?” remarked Hiram, -speculatively. Then he went to the door and -looked out. “H’m,” he observed, “Dave has a -good deal of mysterious business on hand, it -seems to me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Where has he gone?” asked Elmer only -casually, for he was deeply absorbed in his work.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“To the city he said, and say, in that same -automobile that brought the young lady here day -before yesterday.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>“Well, it must be something important to take -Dave away from here at just this time,” commented -Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young aviator reappeared about two hours -later. The chauffeur who had come for him -brought him back. Dave came into the living -tent all briskness and cheery as usual. The watchful -Hiram, however, whispered cautiously to -Elmer that “he acted as if he had something -heavy on his mind.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The boys made frequent visits to the <i>Comet</i> -during the evening. Hiram noticed that Dave -seemed very solicitous that a double watch should -be kept over the machine during the night. He -hired two extra men to spell the regular watchmen, -and gave them close directions as to their -care of the biplane.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A band of music woke up the three young airmen -early in the morning. It announced a reception -to some French experts who had arrived -to take part in the international flights. Dave -was out of bed first, as usual, and bolted out of -the place, anxious to see if all was well with the -<i>Comet</i>.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram and Elmer began to dress. They felt -buoyant and eager for the work of the day. In -sport, as Elmer finished dressing first, he made a -grab for the pillow on the cot Dave had occupied -and sent it hurtling at the head of his companion.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>“That’s the last pillow you’ll see for a long -time to come,” he announced. “Hello! Why, -Hiram, look here!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The speaker stood stock still, gazing spellbound -at the head of the cot whence he had taken -the pillow. Hiram, joining him, looked down -like himself in sheer, startled wonder.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span> - <h2 id='chapIX' class='c009'>CHAPTER IX</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>THE PATH OF THE EAGLE</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“Well, I declare!” almost shouted Hiram -Dobbs.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I should say so,” vociferated Elmer. “You -see, Dave in his hurry forgot that package under -his pillow. There’s a photograph——”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Of the girl who came in the automobile! -What is it Dave calls her? Oh, yes—Edna -Deane.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And that pile of bank bills, Hiram!” cried -the astounded Elmer, as he gingerly flicked over -the edge of a heap of bills surrounded by an -elastic band. “Big bills! See, look! Why, -there must be hundreds there!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hundreds?” repeated Hiram, equally dumbfounded, -like his comrade. “See the printed -figures on that paper band—‘$5,000.’ Don’t -touch them, cover them up. It’s Dave’s business, -and we have no right to spy into his affairs. All -the same—thunder!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Elmer replaced the pillow. Then both boys -sat down on stools and stared at the cot and -then at each other.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>“It’s a mystery,” broke out Elmer, after a -tantalizing spell of silence. “What’s Dave doing -with all that money? It puzzles me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, it’s what is he going to do with it,” corrected -Hiram. “You can make up your mind, it’s -business. The girl’s picture I can’t exactly figure -out. Dave will explain it all when the right minute -comes. Here he is now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Somewhat flushed, the young aviator came -hurrying into the tent. Hiram pretended to be -arranging his necktie and Elmer was lacing a -shoe. Dave proceeded to the bed and threw -aside the pillow. He stored the package he found -there in an inside pocket.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You want to hurry, fellows,” he said. -“There’s a lot to do this morning, you know.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>There was so much to do, that after a hurried -breakfast the crew of the <i>Comet</i> found every minute -occupied for the ensuing two hours. The -<i>Comet</i> was in perfect trim for the start. There -were a hundred little things to think of in the way -of supplies and duplicate parts of machinery. -Mr. Brackett appeared on the scene early, and -went over the biplane he understood so well with -the care and anxiety of an automobile owner entering -his pet car for a race.</p> - -<p class='c011'>All the time bands were playing, banners flying, -and a vast concourse of people had gathered. -There was a speech from the president of the National -Aero Association, with the contestants to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>the fore. The young airman and his friends went -down the line, looking over the various machines -that were to take part in the event. Each one -bore a numeral, and had some distinctive mark -that gave it a clear identity.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We are number three,” said Hiram. “That -was always my lucky number. I went to school -three years, got licked three times before I left -and worked three years on the farm. This is the -third big event I’ve had anything to do with, there -are three of us——”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Three cheers for number three!” cried -Elmer. “There’s father beckoning to me. No, -he wants us all, fellows.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Our hero and the aero manufacturer had talked -over all business details earlier in the morning. -The kind-hearted Mr. Brackett, however, could -not see his proteges start out on a long and -perilous flight without a few words of fatherly -counsel. He gave them some sensible advice, and -Dave fancied he looked with considerable pride -at Elmer. It was with satisfaction that the indulgent -father compared the present courageous -ambitions of his son with the useless life the -prodigal had once led.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A bell was rung at the grandstand. This was -the half-hour preparation signal. The airmen -now proceeded to their machines. The scene became -one of lively activity and gay colors. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span><i>Comet</i>, neat, compact and perfect, showed up for -the beautiful piece of mechanism it was in the -clear, dazzling sunlight. Its crew, nattily attired, -seemed to fit into a pleasing natural picture.</p> - -<p class='c011'>There was no expectation of a general uniform -start when the second bell rang. With the long -perilous journey before them, it was a matter of -small consequence starting on the moment. Some -of the aeroplanes, in fact, would not be in line -for some hours to come. Ever ready at the business -call, however; always on time as a matter of -principle, the young pilot of the <i>Comet</i> wasted no -time. Number three was the first to leave the -field, and got all the first overflow of cheers and -enthusiasm. Until a course due northwest was -attained, Elmer and Hiram sat waving to the -little group outside of their abandoned hangar. -Mr. Brackett kept them in sight until the <i>Comet</i> -was a fading blur, a mere speck in the far distance. -The splendid machine struck its best gait -staunchly, steadily, leaving a gasoline trail behind.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The boys had talked so much over the trip—they -understood the <i>Comet</i> so well, that everything -went like clockwork. Elmer had charge of -the maps and charts. Hiram insisted on being -purser extraordinary. All hands were prepared -for any emergency that might arise.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>The Aero Association had mapped out the -general route the contestants were to pursue. -None was tied to rigid rules, however, outside -of reporting at certain stations. All this had -been arranged by letter and cable. The first reporting -stop was to be made at Chicago, the next -at Winnipeg. Between all reporting points, the -contestants could follow their own route. They -could land when they chose. Each one, however, -must report at the stations designated and secure -the credentials necessary to prove that he was -still in the race.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The route chart showed towns and cities where -an aero club or interested airman could be located. -These would also answer as repair and supply -stations. Even in foreign countries, so far as -could be arranged, the contestants would be able -to locate friends and receive succor or assistance -as needed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We are going to blaze a great international -trail,” observed Hiram, proudly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That is, if we get through all right,” remarked -Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, we’ve got to do that,” proclaimed his -light and airy comrade. “The <i>Comet</i> was made -to do it. I wonder how many of the others will -even reach Canada?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>“There were twelve entries,” spoke their -pilot. “I will say, a finer lot of machines never -started a flight. Of course they won’t all get -through.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It will be kind of lonesome when we get -pretty well scattered, and trailing over some -desert or water waste, way out of range of -civilization; eh, fellows?” suggested Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The <i>Comet</i> made a non-stop run of nearly two -hundred miles. It was mid-afternoon when they -descended half-way across a high mountain range. -Dave went all over the machine and Elmer oiled -and cleaned up the bearings. Hiram gathered -some scraps for a little fire, and they had hot -coffee, as well as ham broiled on long forks, and -the rest of a really good meal.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Then there was a pleasant chat, some exercise, -and they were all aboard again and driving -through a brief mountain rainstorm, coming into -clear weather beyond.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Before dusk Hiram reported four competitors -visible through his field glass. Two of them came -pretty near to the <i>Comet</i>, and one signalled them. -Then their routes deviated, and after a second -landing the boys got ready for a six-hour steady -night run.</p> - -<p class='c011'>About two o’clock in the morning they landed -in a convenient field. The register showed four -hundred and ninety-two miles accomplished in a -little less than fourteen hours, almost straight -flying.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>It was late in the afternoon of the day following -that the <i>Comet</i> came to a stop on the aero -grounds just outside of Chicago. From having -been there before and from their description -chart, Dave was able to locate the place readily.</p> - -<p class='c011'>No meet was on at the time, but enthusiastic -brother airmen were on hand expecting an arrival. -Amid cheers and warm hand clasps, the -tired crew of the <i>Comet</i> were greeted royally.</p> - -<p class='c011'>There was a blackboard outside the office building -of the course. As they neared it Hiram -uttered a triumphant chuckle. Its surface was unmarked -until a man approached it, and chalked on -its line the first arrival from starting point.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“<i>No. Three—the Comet.</i>”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span> - <h2 id='chapX' class='c009'>CHAPTER X</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>A MIDNIGHT ALARM</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“Why, hello, Hiram Dobbs!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young sub-pilot of the <i>Comet</i> turned -quickly at the hail. It was half an hour after the -arrival at the Chicago aero grounds. Hiram -felt pretty important over the royal reception his -comrades and himself had received from the -aviation officials. Never too proud to greet a -friend of humbler pretensions, however, he -turned with his usual broad smile of good nature. -Then he shot out his hand heartily.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A pale, thin lad, somewhat poorly dressed, had -accosted him. Pleased and eager, he clasped the -hand Hiram extended.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well,” exclaimed the latter, “if it isn’t Will -Mason! How in the world do you come to be -here?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You,” answered the lad promptly—“you’re -to blame for my getting a splendid outdoor job, -fine pay and jolly good people to work for,” and -the speaker’s eyes twinkled.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Let’s see,” said Hiram, ruminating. “It was -at Columbus I met you; wasn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>“Yes, too sick to keep drudging my life away -in the poison air of the zinc works,” nodded Will. -“The doctor said I’d last a month longer, maybe. -But there was mother, and I had to stick -at my post till you kindly interested yourself in -me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And Dave Dashaway did the rest by getting -you placed with the Chicago crowd; eh?” added -Hiram. “It worked out? Good!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It worked out because you started the machinery,” -declared the grateful Will. “Oh, it’s -fine, Mr. Dobbs.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hey! what? Wow! O-oh, my!” and, forgetting -all dignity, Hiram fell against a hangar -rope and almost roared. “‘Mister!’” he -gasped. “First time in my life I was called that. -It will be ‘Professor’ next. Oh, but I’m getting -on in the world. I suppose it may come to ‘Sir -Hiram Dobbs,’ unless we fall down somewhere -along the line. Then it will be back to plain -Hiram, or just ‘Hi.’ I’m Hiram to my friends, -though, always; so call me that and I’ll think you -are really a friend.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Will Mason was bubbling over with delight at -his vastly improved condition and heartfelt gratitude -towards the true friends who had helped him -attain it. He was full of the subject and Hiram -had to listen to the details.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>Will told how he had a position clear up to the -end of the year and a dozen prospects for the -next season.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s only helping around the hangars for the -present,” he explained; “but Mr. King sent word -that as soon as he gets well he will give me a -regular place among his assistants. I’ve been -able to send quite a bit of money to mother. This -week there are some amateur airmen here who -want special care for their machines, and I’m -making a heap of extras.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Grand!” commended Hiram. “You’ll make -it. You’re the kind that will.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And I feel so much better in health,” added -Will. “I’ve gained ten pounds, and I feel just -like a bird let out of its cage. That’s your machine -over yonder; isn’t it?” asked Will, indicating -the <i>Comet</i>, which was surrounded by interested -investigating airmen.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s the winner of the international race -around the world, yes,” proclaimed Hiram -grandly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“She looks it,” enthused Will. “I wanted to -ask you about the biplane. You’re going to stay -here till morning, aren’t you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, I guess that is the programme,” replied -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Then you want to house the machine. I -heard that some one stole the <i>Comet</i>. It was -talked around here that some wanted to put the -<i>Comet</i> out of the race because of her good -chances.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>“Oh, is that so?” remarked Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“So, if you want the machine well taken care -of,” proceeded Will, “give me the pleasure of -doing it. You see that hangar over yonder—the -one built of light cement blocks? It’s a remodeled -storehouse. Belongs to Mr. Givins, a -rich amateur. I take care of his machine when -it’s here. He took a run up to Milwaukee this -morning, and won’t be back until to-morrow, he -said. There isn’t a safer, cleaner, more roomy -place on the grounds. You see the windows are -barred and there is a great big lock on the doors.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, say, that’s just famous,” said Hiram. -“Dave will be glad to know of such good accommodations -as you offer, Will.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Besides,” continued the hangar lad, “I’ll -sleep in the place all night. Nobody will run -away with the <i>Comet</i> while I am on watch.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I believe you,” cried Hiram buoyantly. -“Come on, I want you to meet Dave. He will -be mighty glad to see you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Number eight of the contestant group came in -at dusk. Number eleven, a high power machine, -reported an hour later. A wire had come from -Pittsburgh announcing the smash—up of number -five, nobody hurt, but machine totally disabled -and permanently out of commission.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>The young pilot of the <i>Comet</i> had some very -pleasant words for Will Mason. The offer of -the hangar lad to take charge of the <i>Comet</i> for -the night was entirely satisfactory. The local -airmen vied in showing attention to their guests, -and the eight hours stop was an enlivening break -in the long expedition before them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s that you’ve got in that box, Hiram?” -asked our hero, as they left the association building.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Some of those fine dainties they set before us -at that reception lunch,” reported Hiram. “I -tipped the waiter to put it up for me. For Will -Mason, you see.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s good,” commended Dave, “Will is a -fine-going fellow.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, and proud as can be to think you’ll trust -him to keep any stragglers away from the -<i>Comet</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The boys decided to look in on the machine before -returning. A knock at the door of the -hangar brought a sharp mandatory challenge -from the vigilant guardian inside.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Who is there?” demanded Will, approaching -the portal.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Midnight lunch for the watchman!” cried -Hiram, in a jolly tone.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Enter midnight lunch,” ordered Will, unlocking -and swinging open the door.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>“You are pretty fine and cozy here,” remarked -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A lantern burned on a shelf. Will had made -a comfortable bed on a tilted board. He -smacked his lips as Hiram disclosed the contents -of the box.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, it is a regular banquet,” declared the -pleased lad. “What with that and my reading -there’s no danger of my going to sleep.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram picked up a book lying on the shelf -and read its title.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“H’m,” he remarked, “‘Advanced Aeronautics—1850.’ -Say, this must seem queer along -with the flying machines of to-day.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s almost funny in places,” explained Will. -“I wonder what those old fellows with their -big awkward gas bags would think of the nifty -machine here, and a trip around the world in it, -easy as a Pullman sleeper.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We don’t know that yet,” observed Dave. -“There are probably some very unusual experiences -ahead of us.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, well, we’ll take it as it comes, a section at -a time,” said Hiram. “With Dave Dashaway at -the helm, we simply can’t fail.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>They were a sanguine, light-hearted group. -The crew of the <i>Comet</i> chatted in a friendly -way with Will for a few minutes. Then the trio -repaired to a little hotel just outside the grounds. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>The association had made arrangements for them -there. The young airman left word to be called -at daylight and the comrades were shown to a -doubled-bedded room.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“This is pretty fine,” observed Hiram, bunking -in with Elmer and stretching himself luxuriously. -“There won’t be a lot more of it for some -time to come, so let’s see who can sleep soundest.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Our hero was certainly the expert aviator of -the group. He did not carry off the laurels in the -slumber field, however. His comrades wrapped -in profound sleep, Dave awoke and with a shock.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It must have been about three o’clock. It -seemed to the young airman as though a cannon -had gone off near by. His ears still rang with -the echoes. Dave found the window frames of -the room were still rattling.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Wonder what that was?” he mused. He -glanced towards the windows, but there was no -glare of fire. Perfect stillness reigned outside. -About to leave the solution of the question until -daybreak, our hero listened intently as he heard -someone in the next room spring from bed, cross -the room hurriedly and apparently pick up a -telephone receiver.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hello. This the hotel office?” fell upon -Dave’s hearing. “All right. Say, what was that -just went off? Wait a minute? All right.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>There was a brief lapse of silence. Then the -bell in the next apartment rang out sharply. A -message seemed to come over the wire, the young -airman could catch its crackling echoes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s that!” exclaimed the man at the -’phone. “Explosion at the aero grounds? Is -that so? Hangar and machine blown to pieces! -What was it? Oh, dynamite! Well! well!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>With a start and a thrill the young aviator -sprang out of bed.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span> - <h2 id='chapXI' class='c009'>CHAPTER XI</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>IN PERIL</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“Wake up, Hiram,” shouted our hero, seizing -the arm of his sleeping assistant, who, rolling -against Elmer, jogged him into wakefulness also.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ah, what did you say?” droned Hiram. “I -was just dreaming that we were on the last home -stretch with the <i>Comet</i> and——”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hurry up and dress, fellows,” ordered the -young airman, rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, it isn’t daylight yet,” remonstrated -Elmer, with a drowsy stare.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No,” answered Dave, seriously. “But there -is some trouble over on the aero grounds, and we -may be interested.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say,” cried Hiram, fully aroused at the announcement, -“you don’t mean trouble for the -<i>Comet</i>?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I don’t know,” replied Dave. “There was -an explosion. The man in the next room heard -it, too. He called up the hotel clerk, and he -told him that a hangar and its machine had been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>blown to pieces. Take everything with you, fellows,” -advised the young airman. “We won’t -come back here, even if this affair doesn’t affect -us.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Do you think it does?” inquired Elmer anxiously. -“How could there be an explosion of an -airship? Yes, I’m ready.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The boys hurried down the stairs. Dave, in the -lead, found two men who had machines on the -aero grounds. They, too, had been aroused and -were questioning the clerk.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All I got over the ’phone from the office on -the grounds was what I told you,” the clerk was -saying—“building and machine blown to pieces.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Let’s hurry,” said Hiram anxiously, as they -reached the street. The two men from the hotel -ran along with them. They overtook others, -aroused by the explosion, and discussing it and -trying to figure out what it might mean.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The guard at the gate of the grounds knew no -more than what the boys had already learned. -He said, however, that several from the office -building had gone to the scene of the trouble. -Half way across the field, a hangar man running -to the office building with information, met them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s the trouble?” inquired one of the -hurrying group.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“One of the hangars blown up—dynamite, I -guess,” was the reply.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Accident?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>“No, looks more like malicious spitework. -The superintendent and his men are trying to -find out.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Our hero and his comrades could see lanterns -moving about over at the row of hangars where -the <i>Comet</i> was housed. Another man from the -scene was halted by them, and Dave asked -quickly:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Which one of the hangars was blown up?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The concrete one—the one the <i>Comet</i> was -in.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram uttered a groan. Dave grew pale with -anxiety and distress. Elmer grasped hold of his -arm as if the blow had made him reel.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dave,” spoke Hiram, in a trembling tone, -“they stole our machine back at Washington. -They’ve destroyed it, now!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman did not reply. His lips -tightly compressed to hide his emotion, he hurried -on. Then they all came to a stop. In dismay -they stood staring at a mass of ruins—what was -left of the wrecked hangar.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Pieces of concrete blocks littered the ground in -all directions. Parts of an airship mechanism -showed in the glare of the lanterns. The young -aviator felt sick all over. He had known all -along what there was to fear. His mind was -quickly decided as to the motive and source of -the vandal act.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>“Dave,” suddenly whispered Hiram, in a shaking -tone, “the <i>Comet</i> is gone! That may not -matter, for we might get another machine, but—what -about Will Mason?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave thrilled at the question. He steadied -himself as he best could, and touched the superintendent -of the grounds, who was standing nearby, -on the arm.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There was somebody in the hangar,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We suppose so,” replied the official, gravely. -“Young Mason slept there nights and——”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’m all right,” interrupted an excited but clear -voice, and the person under discussion came into -view pulling on his sweater. “Just woke up, -and they told me about this.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Will! Will!” spoke Dave, grasping the -hand of the hangar lad fervently. Elmer was -crying for joy. Hiram threw an arm about the -young fellow and fairly hugged him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, nothing matters so long as you wasn’t -blown to pieces along with the machine,” almost -sobbed the loyal Hiram. “How was it—how -did you get out?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I wasn’t in,” replied Will. “When I moved -the <i>Comet</i> out——”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“When you what?” shouted Hiram, in a -frenzy of suspense.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, I guess you’re thinking your machine -was blown up,” said Will.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>“Of course we do,” answered Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, the <i>Comet</i> is all snug and safe in that -fourth hangar down the row. The man who -owns the wrecked hangar came in with his machine -shortly after midnight. He routed me up, -and I got the <i>Comet</i> out and his biplane in. I -promised you I would keep an all-night watch -over your biplane, and stayed with it.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, Dave, I’m so glad!” cried Hiram, in a -tone of immense relief.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young pilot of the <i>Comet</i> left the group -and drew the superintendent to one side.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“This is a pretty mysterious happening,” that -official had just remarked.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I may be able to throw some light upon it,” -said Dave, in a very serious way. “I feel certain -that the explosion was intended to destroy the -<i>Comet</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Is that so!” exclaimed the superintendent. -“Then it was done by design?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” affirmed Dave, positively. “I think -the Association people should know about it. -Perhaps some search can be made for the persons -who did the work. You know, the <i>Comet</i> was -stolen from the grounds near Washington.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It seems to me I did hear something about -that,” replied the official.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We did not say much about it at the time,” -went on Dave; “but I had my suspicions.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>“What were they?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Someone was very much interested in keeping -us out of the race,” explained the young airman.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You mean professional rivals?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I won’t say that positively,” responded Dave, -“although expert airmen certainly shared in the -Washington end of the plot. I cannot doubt that -instructions were sent to confederates here at -Chicago to catch the <i>Comet</i> and finish the work.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You can’t name any one in this outrage; can -you, Dashaway?” inquired the superintendent, -roused up to a high pitch of excitement and -indignation.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I have a suspicion as to the person at the bottom -of the scheme,” answered Dave. “I have a -further idea as to the men who are carrying out instructions, -but I have no positive proof as to their -guilt. Neither of them is probably here. No, -they must have wired accomplices at this point. -All I can say is, that hired emissaries in a big -plot to keep us out of this race are probably -posted and instructed all along the line, determined -to carry out their plan to prevent our making -the world-circling flight.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I must report this to the officers of the association -at once, Dashaway,” said the superintendent.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>Hiram had sidled up to Dave. He seized the -arm of the latter in a detaining grip as he was -about to move nearer to the ruins of the hangar.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See here, Dave Dashaway,” he said, -earnestly, “there’s a lot you are keeping to yourself, -and I’ve a right to know what it is.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I think so, too,” replied the young airman at -once. “I saw no good accomplished by worrying -you with that I only guessed, until this explosion -occurred. Now I feel it a duty to share -my knowledge with you and Elmer, just as you -are sharing the risk and danger of this journey. -As soon as we get started again, I will have an -interesting story to tell you.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All right, Dave,” agreed Hiram, “only I’m -terribly anxious and curious. Can I ask you just -one question?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, if you choose,” replied Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Is the man behind all this trouble the fellow -I have all along guessed—that fellow, Vernon?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You needn’t guess it,” answered Dave. “You -have hit it just right. It is Vernon.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span> - <h2 id='chapXII' class='c009'>CHAPTER XII</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>THE SECRET TOLD</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“Now then, Dave, we are all ready to hear -that promised story of yours,” said Hiram Dobbs.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” added Elmer Brackett, “there’s no -danger of any spies or eavesdroppers in this -lonely place.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was a lonely place, indeed. Half a week in -time and over a thousand miles in distance removed -from the Chicago aero grounds, the three -young airmen were taking a rest in the midst of -a far-spreading Canadian forest.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Right at the spot where they were camping -was a knob, or hill. At its bottom, a level stretch -of some extent, there spread about a vast, wild -swamp. This afforded a good anchor spot for -the biplane. The <i>Comet</i> rested on its base somewhat -travel-stained, but staunch and reliable as -at the start. The crew of the machine looked as -if they had never felt better in their lives. Wind, -rain and sun had begun to brown them up like -gipsies. Energy showed in their clear, vigilant -eyes, and confidence and ambition in every movement -they made. They had just dispatched what -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>Elmer had described as “a royal feast,” which -sharp appetites had fully enjoyed. Then, each -of the trio outstretched on the grass, they luxuriated -in a restful position that a rigid posture in -the <i>Comet</i> during a day of hard traveling had not -allowed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All right, fellows,” said the young airman, -“I guess the time has come when it is safe for -you to know what you have called a great secret.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, out with it, Dave,” urged Hiram, -“I’ve been dying with curiosity ever since I got -a hint that some big mystery was afoot.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is less of a mystery than an important piece -of professional work,” explained our hero. “I -didn’t tell you about it at Washington, because -I was in doubt myself. When we escaped that explosion -at Chicago, I was afraid it would unnerve -and worry you to have a dread and uncertainty -on your mind. I really thought something was -going to happen to us at Winnipeg. It didn’t. -We’re ahead or out of range of the enemy now, -I feel pretty certain. To sum it all up, I hardly -think we will be interfered with again—at least -this side of the first Coast station, Sitka.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, it doesn’t look as if anybody would try -to chase us through three thousand miles of wilderness,” -remarked Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Anyway, there has been no sign of it so far,” -said Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>“Provided that tramp monoplane we noticed -at Winnipeg isn’t sneaking around somewhere,” -put in Hiram, quite seriously.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave smiled, and Elmer laughed outright, with -the words:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That was all fancy.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Was it?” protested Hiram, getting excited. -“I tell you, that black-looking machine was after -something. You two didn’t see it as many times -as I did. There wasn’t an airman I questioned -who recognized the machine. It was a tramp, a -pirate, and you won’t convince me that it wasn’t -hanging around purposely to make somebody -trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, we missed it, if it was the <i>Comet</i> they -were after,” said Dave. “Now then, fellows.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>With a business like air Dave took from his -pocket a box-like envelope. He proceeded to -undo its flap. Then he drew out its contents. -Just as his peering comrades expected, the young -aviator revealed a heap of bank notes and a -photograph.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hold on, Dave,” interrupted Hiram, as his -friend was about to speak; “we don’t want to -hide anything from you. We have seen that -money and picture before.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, is that so?” asked Dave, in some surprise.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” and Hiram related when and where.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>“No harm done,” said Dave lightly. “You -are good, true chums, I see that. About this -packet: Its story leads back to the day that a -young lady in an automobile came up to our -hangar near Washington. Her name is Edna -Deane, and her father is General Deane, a man -of some means. His son, Morris Deane, was a -noted traveler and explorer. For over two years -he has been missing. It was not until quite recently -that his devoted father and sister learned -that he was either dead or a prisoner.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“A prisoner?” exclaimed the interested -Hiram. “A prisoner? Tell me how and where, -Dave?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“In the heart of Thibet, thousands and thousands -of miles away from here. It is a strange -story, fellows, and a serious one. It seems that -young Deane in his travels ventured to enter the -great sacred city of Lhassa. It meant death or -permanent imprisonment, but he risked it. There -he disappeared. His anxious father and sister -know this, but nothing further. They tried to -hire detectives and daring adventurers outside of -that profession to penetrate to his place of -captivity. Knowing the peril, none would go. It -appears that it is almost impossible to reach -Lhassa by land or water. Every road is guarded -to keep out intruders. General Deane knew -Mr. King. The thought came to him that an airship -might accomplish what ordinary vehicles of -travel could not.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>“I see,” said Hiram. “That might be all -right, if it was simply a dive and a quick rescue.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Which it will not be,” replied Dave, “for -the information General Deane has gathered up -as to the exact fate or whereabouts of his son is -very vague. Well, as I said, the General went to -Mr. King. Our old friend is laid up, as you -know. He directed the general to us, knowing -about the intended trip around the world. That -little business lady, Miss Deane, came to see me. -Then I went to her father.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And he gave you all that money to undertake -the search for his missing son?” guessed Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Not at all,” replied Dave. “He told me a -story that not only interested me, but excited my -sympathy greatly. A year ago an uncle of Morris -Deane died, leaving an enormous estate. The -relative left the estate to a man who had been his -nurse and private secretary for years. His name -is Arnold Wise. It seems he is a perfect villain, -and that is not putting it one bit too strong, I -think.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What about him?” pressed the curious -Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“According to the terms of the will, Wise was -to inherit the estate, unless within two years -Morris Deane appeared and claimed it. At the -time he made his will, the uncle had about made -up his mind that his nephew was dead.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>“Suppose he turns up or is found?” inquired -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Then Wise is to deliver the estate over to -him minus one hundred thousand dollars, which -will be his rightful share. The uncle left a note -urging Wise to seek for his missing nephew.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Did he do it?” asked Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, he did, and found out something, the -general and his daughter believe, although he reported -to them that young Deane was surely dead -long since. They finally got to believing that -Wise was wicked enough to think of having the -rival heir put out of the way. Later events proved -that he is a cruel, soulless man. This brings -us to our old-time enemy, Vernon.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Aha! he’s mixed up with it, too?” cried -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You remember that you discovered Vernon -lurking around the hangars that night near Washington?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, and later coming out of the house where -the Deane family lived,” added Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, I am now satisfied that Vernon overheard -my entire first conversation with Miss -Edna Deane. Also that later he sneaked into -Hampton Flats, and probably overheard enough -more to suggest a new scheme to that crafty -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>mind of his. At all events, there was a faithful -old servant of the dead uncle who had been retained -by Wise. She came to the Deanes and told -them that a man named Vernon had come to Wise -and told him that the general was sending an airship -expedition to find his missing son.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I begin to see the light,” remarked Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“From what happened later,” proceeded the -young airman, “I am satisfied that some bargain -was made between Wise and Vernon. I believe -that Wise hired our old-time enemy to outwit -us. I feel sure it was Vernon who got somebody -to run away with the <i>Comet</i>. Failing to stop -us he wired accomplices in Chicago to blow up -the machine. We have gone so fast that he -probably was not able to reach us at Winnipeg. -He is undoubtedly supplied with plenty of money. -I should not be surprised if he kept up his game -of trying to block us all along the route. That, -fellows, is the story. The money you see here is -the sum of five thousand dollars, supplied by General -Deane to use if necessary to secure the -release of his son.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And the photograph, Dave?” inquired -Hiram. “Keepsake, eh?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Not at all,” replied the young aviator. -“That, shown to young Deane, if we once find -him, is a token that will convince him that we are -sent by friends. Fellows, I know you are like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>me—willing to do all you can for a fellow being -in trouble. It would be a grand, humane act if -we succeeded. The general places no limit to the -reward, but I wouldn’t listen to that kind of -talk.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Good for you,” applauded Elmer. “Say, I -only hope we can find Morris Deane.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We are going to try to,” announced our hero, -quietly, but in a determined way. “Get out the -chart, Hiram, and I’ll show you how I believe we -can take in Thibet without seriously losing time -in the race.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram arose to his feet to obey this direction, -when Elmer got up and began sniffing.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I say, Dave,” he observed, “do you smell it? -Smoke! There’s fire somewhere!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span> - <h2 id='chapXIII' class='c009'>CHAPTER XIII</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>AN EXCITING MOMENT</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“Yes, there is smoke—and fire behind it!” -cried Hiram. “And see—the wind is changing—whew!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The biplane boys had been so engrossed in their -own affairs that they had not noticed until now -that a dense, high-up vapor had gradually clouded -the sun. All of a sudden, however, some new current -of wind drove the smoke downwards. As -it struck the hill it wound around it like a veil. -It came so thick and fast that it began to choke -and blind them. Filmy cinders and a growing -heat in the air were to be observed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See here, Dave,” spoke Hiram, “hadn’t we -better get aloft?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Look at that now,” chimed in Elmer, pointing -across the broad surface of the hill.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The three young aviators stood quite spellbound -for a moment, witnessing a new and novel -spectacle. The top of the knob was covered with -a great growth of dried-up weeds, fine and -fibrous. From time to time, as the branches -dropped away from the parent stem, they had -rolled or were blown part way down the hill.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>Great masses in the aggregate had lodged on -shelves and crevices among the rocks. Now the -sweep of the strong breeze had suddenly arisen -and the suction of the hot, swirling air moved -these accumulations. They blew over each other -and together. Gaining a momentum, here and -there rounded masses began to wad up and grow -as they progressed in their mad course.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I have heard of those,” said the young airman. -“They are called tumbleweeds.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Snowballs!” shouted the excitable Hiram. -“Look at that now!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>A blast of hot air sent a perfect shower of -sparks and smoking filaments over the brow of -the hill. These ignited the rolling spheres, some -of which had become gigantic globes. At one -time over a hundred of the strange, rolling balls -were set aflare.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Fireworks!” added Elmer. “It’s a pretty -sight, but—whoof!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>A great sphere, all ablaze, landed against the -speaker, burst like fluffy thistle down, and -scorched him slightly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All aboard!” ordered Dave, sharply. -“Don’t waste a second, fellows!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, high time, I’m thinking,” declared -Hiram, making a run for some cooking utensils -he had been using in preparing their lunch.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>The <i>Comet</i> as usual was in perfect shape for a -speedy flight. Dave, at the pilot post, his assistants -in their accustomed places, a touch of the -self-starter sent them off on a sharp tangent away -from the hill and across the tinder-like fields of -weeds.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Just in time,” spoke Hiram, as they arose to -a higher level, above the crest of the hill. -“There’s a grand sight for a fellow, if there ever -was one.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Each of the aviators was enwrapt in the vivid -panorama beneath them. Far as they could look—south, -north, and west—acres and miles of -flame-swept surface greeted their vision. By this -time the sparks had ignited the swamp. A solid -wall of flame seized upon the dry stalks with a -roar. The hill was now the center of a glowing -caldron of fire.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That was pretty quick,” remarked Dave. -“We were lucky to get warning in time.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>In places where little thickets beneath them -were burning, entire sight of the ground was shut -out for the heat or smoke. They were now too -high for the heat or smoke to reach them. The -fire, however, was of considerable extent, and even -on the distant horizon there seemed no end or beginning -to the great conflagration.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>They passed over a long lake. It was shallow, -but at that spot the body of water had presented -a barrier to the immediate forward progress of -the flames.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See,” spoke Hiram, “the fire is eating around -the edges of the lake to the other side. Dave,” -he suddenly shouted, “there’s a house!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, and it’s on fire, too,” echoed Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The lake was about half a mile wide. Its beach -was lined with clumps of flags and reeds. These -had fed the flames around the body of water in -two directions. At the south end of the opposite -shore of the lake, the fire had entirely surrounded -a small, cultivated patch with a rude log cabin -in its center. This structure was blazing fiercely. -To the west and the far north the fire was sweeping -in giant strides, licking up everything that -came in its path.</p> - -<p class='c011'>There was just one space between the onrushing -and the backing up section of the conflagration. -This was a little stretch of beach. -As they approached it, the young aviator made a -veer with the biplane that told his companions of -a sudden change of purpose.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What is it, Dave?” asked Elmer, quickly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Don’t you see?” replied Dave. “There are -a woman and child down there.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Gracious!” shouted Hiram—“why, so there -are! She’s running for her life! No, she’s -stopped. Now she’s stepped into the water. -She’s wading in. Dave, Dave, do something!”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>It was truly an exciting situation. All three of -the boys now saw in plain view the forlorn fugitives -of the fire. A woman, terrified and -frantic, was visible. She carried a young child -in her arms. Apparently she had just come from -the burning cabin.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Behind her a rushing wall of fire pursued. -West and north a half-circle of solid flame told -her of impending doom. She ran out into the -lake, but there she faltered, not ten feet from -shore. It seemed that she realized that she could -not get far enough beyond the fringe of flags to -escape the fire, and she stood rooted to the spot -in helpless despair.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We have a bare five minutes before the flames -reach her,” said Dave, his tone a trifle strained -and unsteady, but determined. “Fellows, we -must take her aboard.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Can we land all right?” questioned Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We’ve got to, even at a risk,” replied Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It means a big added weight,” suggested -Hiram. “Something has got to go out.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Lighten up the best you know how,” directed -Dave rapidly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was no careless trick to land. Dave strained -every sense and nerve to carry out the projected -rescue safely. Hiram and Elmer knew the part -expected of them. The former reached back in -the pocket, or compartment, containing their -equipment and supplies.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>“Help me, Elmer,” he said hastily. “Toss it -out,” and he dragged a can of water within reach, -and his companion sent it whirling over the edge -of the machine.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Two out of four heavy rods, duplicates of a -part of the steering outfit, followed, then a large -bag of sugar. Hiram selected from the food -supply articles that could be readily replaced at -the first town they might reach.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That will do,” he announced, just as the -<i>Comet</i> sailed downward, struck the ground, and -glided to a stop.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span> - <h2 id='chapXIV' class='c009'>CHAPTER XIV</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>THE TRAMP MONOPLANE</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>Instantly Hiram leaped from the machine, -Elmer following him. The woman had waded to -a rocky reef coming up out of the water. There -she had sunk, throwing her apron over her head -and clasping her babe close to her breast.</p> - -<p class='c011'>She had not seen the airship. In fact, it was -all the boys could do to keep their eyes clear from -smoke and cinders. Hiram ran straight out into -the water.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Get up, lady, quick,” he cried, touching her -arm. “We have come to get you out of here.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The woman shrieked in alarm, but dropped the -covering from her face. Her brain was reeling, -it seemed, and her senses were benumbed by all -the strange happenings about her.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Help me, Elmer,” directed Hiram, and together -they drew her out of the water and led her -up to the biplane. She stared at it blankly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I—I don’t understand,” she said, and swayed -in a lost manner, as if she was about to swoon.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>“Get her in, quick!” ordered Dave, with a -glance ahead of them as a rain of sparks flew over -and past the machine.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The woman was now almost passive in the -hands of her helpers. They got her into the seat -Elmer usually occupied, while he climbed over -into the space to its rear. Hiram got aboard. -Then the <i>Comet</i> shot up into the air.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The woman turned pale and shrank back. She -clung to her little child and stared wildly about -her.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Don’t be afraid, lady,” spoke Hiram, soothingly. -“It’s all right. There is no one else -around here; is there?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Not a soul,” gasped the woman, faintly. “I -was alone—all alone,” she continued in a dreary -tone. “Oh, it was awful, awful! I feared I -would never see my husband again.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“May I ask where he is?” pressed Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He went to Doubleday to get some winter -supplies,” explained the woman. “It takes three -days. I hope he got there safely.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The pilot of the <i>Comet</i> and Elmer were able -to hear all that was said as their comrade patiently -drew out her story. The burned cabin was the -only habitation in the wilderness district.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How far away is this Doubleday?” inquired -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>“It is about a hundred miles,” she explained; -“nearly south of here. There’s a sort of trail to -follow through the valleys, but I guess it’s all -burned over.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Of course we will take the lady to Doubleday, -Dave?” suggested Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, we must do that,” replied the young airman.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Twenty miles covered, the <i>Comet</i> passed the extreme -southern limit of the fire. There was a full -moon, and as darkness came on Dave was able -to still keep track of the landscape.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was not quite nine o’clock in the evening -when some scattering land lights showed in the -distance.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That must be Doubleday,” spoke Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I think it is,” said the woman. “I have been -there only once or twice with my husband. That -little cluster of lights, I think, is the town -tavern.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was in the center of a vacant square back of -this rambling old frontier building, that Dave -brought the <i>Comet</i> to a halt. He left Hiram and -Elmer with the machine. The woman took leave -of them with grateful tears in her eyes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I hope my husband has not started back for -home,” she said, anxiously—“I hope he wasn’t -caught in the fire.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>When they got around to the front of the inn, -Dave inquired for her of the landlord as to her -husband. Abel Lyme, she said, his name was. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>The tavern keeper said he was stopping there, but -was probably just then at the general store. His -wife was so anxious, she could not wait for his -return. The young airman wished to secure some -supplies to make up for what they had been -obliged to throw out of the <i>Comet</i>. Both went -over to the store.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It took Dave half an hour to get through with -his business, ordering the goods he bought sent at -once up to the tavern. It took him half an hour -longer to get rid of the husband of the woman -they had rescued. The grateful fellow, poor as -he was, paid hardly any attention to the loss of -his home. He was so thankful that the lives of -his wife and child were saved, so overcome with -admiration of the daring exploit of Dave and his -comrades, that he overwhelmed the young aviator -with offers of reward clear down to his last dollar. -On his return to the inn Dave found his faithful -assistants guarding the biplane and waiting for -orders.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s the programme?” inquired Hiram -briskly, but stretching himself as if a good nap -would not be unwelcome.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s a fine night for traveling,” remarked the -pilot of the <i>Comet</i>; “but it has been rather a hard -day for us. Every hour counts, of course, but I -think we may do all the better work for a little -rest. Three or four hours sleep will make us -fresh for a non-stop moonlight run about midnight.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>“That haymow over there strikes my fancy,” -announced Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All right,” replied our hero. “Take your -turn. You, too, Hiram. I’ll stay on guard duty -till you spell me. I expect some supplies from the -general store here.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I reckon they’re coming now,” said Hiram. -“I’ll stay and help you get them aboard.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>A man with a loaded pushcart came into view -from the front of the tavern. He was noticed -by the landlord, who talked with him and then -kept up with him until they neared the two young -aviators.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why,” exclaimed the tavern keeper, with a -stare at the <i>Comet</i>, “came back, did you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Eh?” spoke Hiram—“came back from -where?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“S-st!” warned Dave, in an instant making a -broad guess, at least canvassing a quick suspicion -that came into his mind. Then he addressed the -landlord with the words: “We need some store -supplies, and we’ll be very much obliged if you -will allow us to anchor here for a few hours.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Sure, sure,” answered the man readily. -“This is an airship, really and true; isn’t it -now?” and the speaker walked clear around the -machine, inspecting it in open-mouthed wonder. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>“Well, well, what a contrivance. I’ve seen pictures -of these affairs. That’s how I knew what it -was when you flew over the town just after dusk.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“H’m!” whispered Hiram, nudging his companion -secretly. “I see.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave “saw,” too. An airship had sailed over -a few hours previous! As the young aviator well -knew, it was not the <i>Comet</i>. Naturally, it might -be some one of the other contestants in the great -race around the world. Thinking of his enemies, -however, Dave was wise enough to remain wary -until he was sure of the identity of the machine -referred to by the inn-keeper.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Where’s the man that came here about an -hour ago?” questioned the landlord, looking over -the young airmen and beyond them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave gave his hand a vague swing westward -and skywards.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” nodded the man, “I saw you go that -way. Landed on Lookout Hill, didn’t you? -The man who came here to have his bottle filled -said so. He asked me if I had seen any other -airships around here. There’s a good many of -you for such a light little machine as that of -yours.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman let the landlord do most of -the talking, replying evasively. Some others, attracted -by curiosity, approached the spot. It was -getting late, however, and nobody stayed long.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>“Let’s see, where is Lookout Hill from here?” -Dave asked carelessly of the man with the pushcart, -after the inn-keeper had gone away.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s it,” said the man, pointing. “Where -some one’s got a campfire, it looks. See, right -through the trees yonder, beyond the creek.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, yes,” replied Dave. “Here’s a dollar -for getting here so promptly with those goods, -and helping us.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now then, Hiram,” said our hero, as the supplies -were placed in the biplane and they found -themselves alone, “it is you and I for a council of -war.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I understand,” nodded his lively assistant—“you -mean about the other airship?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Just that. One arrived here to-night, as you -know.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The landlord mistook our machine for the -one he saw.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, and spoke of a man who came here later -from the machine that passed over the town,” -added Dave. “That light the other fellow -showed us is probably the campfire at the landing -place of the airship. I am going to find out who -is in charge of it, friend or foe.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Supposing it’s the pirate tramp we saw at -Winnipeg?” propounded Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>“Then we know our danger. They evidently -are not aware that we are here. You stay on -guard here. It can’t be more than two miles to -that campfire. I will be back soon.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Going to spy on them?” suggested Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes. I will be back and report just as soon -as I find out who these airmen are,” responded -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>He gave his comrade definite orders to arouse -Elmer if anything suspicious occurred, and to give -an alarm at the tavern if help was necessary. -Then Dave started out on his lonely expedition.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Our hero knew nothing of the traversed route -leading to Lookout Hill. Fortunately the fire -glow in the distance continued.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave followed a regular road. A lateral path -led in the direction of the hill. Arrived at its -base, he made his way up one side.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There is the campfire,” mused the young airman, -as he passed through a thicket on a level with -the glow ahead of him. “Ah, just in time.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave caught hold of a bush and took a downward -swing. He saved himself a good hard fall, -however, by clinging to the bush. The whole face -of the plateau he found was full of treacherous -pits. He proceeded slowly and cautiously now.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A fringe of bushes surrounded the spot where -the campfire was. Dave crept to their edge. One -glance with the radius of the dying glow of the -fire showed him an interesting picture.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>At one side stood a monoplane. Its dark color -and a peculiar arrangement of the planes enabled -our hero to recognize it at once.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is Hiram’s pirate tramp machine, sure -enough,” reflected Dave, “and the men.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>One of these was walking up and down in something -of a rage, it seemed. Propped up against -a tree trunk was a second man, clasping a bottle. -This latter person was swaying as he sat. His -eyes blinked. There was a vacant expression to -his face.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s all right,” he was saying, in a maudlin -state. “Want to sleep.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s all wrong, you mean!” raved the other -man. “I want to tell you one thing! I shan’t -lose a chance of a thousand dollars to humor a -worthless, irresponsible reprobate like you. I -simply won’t stand it.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Then—he! he! sit down,” chuckled the other—“like -I do.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’m through with you,” cried his companion, -in tones of positive fury, and shaking his fist at -the other. “I’ll get the <i>Comet</i> alone. Sleep, -you loafer, and when you wake up find your way -back to Winnipeg on foot as best you can.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The speaker seized the half-filled bottle and -dashed it to pieces on the nearest rock.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All right,” mumbled the sitter. “Get some -more.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>“Bah, you wretch!” shouted his comrade, and -he gave the swaying, helpless man a kick that sent -him onto his side with a groan.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’ll make it alone,” Dave heard the man mutter.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young aviator knew his bearings now. -There was not the least doubt in the world that -these two men were new emissaries of Wise -through the villain, Vernon. They had been -hired to locate and destroy the <i>Comet</i>.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span> - <h2 id='chapXV' class='c009'>CHAPTER XV</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>STRICTLY BUSINESS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>Our hero had accomplished his mission. He -had learned all that he had come to Lookout -Hill to find out. The two men and their mysterious -machine had been located. Their connection -as accomplices of Dave’s enemies was positive.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Here is something to think over before we -make a definite move,” reflected the young aviator. -“These fellows will, of course, hear about -us if they go back to the town, which they probably -will do. Then it will be a new, closer chase.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The professional curiosity of the pilot of the -<i>Comet</i> held him to the spot momentarily. He -made a detour of the campfire. His object was -to inspect the monoplane.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A score of ideas crowded Dave’s thoughts. He -might tell his story to an officer of the town, possibly -have the tramp airship and its crew arrested, -or at least detained. Again, he might quietly -start up the <i>Comet</i>, strike a new route, and count -on outdistancing all pursuers.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave glided along in the shelter of the underbrush -until he came up directly to the monoplane. -A near glance told him that it was a superb machine. -Whoever the airmen hired by the wily -Vernon were, they thoroughly understood their -business, that seemed sure.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>The young aviator was so engrossed in his -inspection of the machine, thinking so fast as to -what was best to do, that he was taken all unawares -as some one nearly ran upon him. It was -the man he had just seen at the campfire.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hello, who are you?” shot out the man, and -he paused not five feet from the young airman and -looked him over from head to foot.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I heard of your machine and came to take a -look at it,” replied Dave, on his guard and watching -his challenger closely, for he had a bad face.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, you did?” said the fellow, moving a step -nearer. “That’s a strange jacket you wear. -Why, you’re an airman yourself and—you’re -Dashaway!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The man was too quick for Dave. As he -spoke he made a deft spring. It showed that he -was a natural acrobat. His grip on Dave’s arm -was like iron.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Let me go. Suppose I am?” demanded -our hero, struggling.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, then I have a little business with you,” -coolly answered his captor. “Oh, you’re Dashaway. -I saw you twice in Winnipeg. Come -on. Tom! Tom!” he called out loudly, to his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>companion, as he found himself unable to budge -his prisoner, although he weighed nearly double -what Dave did.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The man near the campfire neither responded -nor stirred. He was past helping his comrade. -There was a reason why the young airman was -able to make so sturdy a resistance. His free -hand clutched a sapling right at hand. His foot -he had twisted in among the network of strong -roots.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The combatants stood directly at the edge of -one of the pits that honeycombed the plateau. -Its edge crumbled as the man gave Dave a jerk.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Look out!” cried our hero, “if you don’t -want both of us to get a tumble.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You come on,” ordered his captor, savagely. -“I’ll stand no fooling. Come—on!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>He gave Dave a terrific jerk. It was so forceful -that our hero’s grasp of the tree tore loose, -and he toppled over. In doing so his assailant -lost his balance. He stumbled over Dave’s entangled -foot. In some astonishment the young -aviator found the fellow had completely disappeared -as he got to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He’s done for himself, sure enough,” said -Dave, and he peered down into the pit. It was -about twenty feet deep. He heard a groan. -Then he traced a rustling about. His eyes becoming -accustomed to the darkness, Dave was finally -enabled to make out his enemy trying to climb -up the steep sides of the pit.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>The roots he clutched at gave way in his grasp -and a shower of dirt and gravel drove him back. -The young aviator discerned that the man was not -seriously hurt. He realized also that sooner or -later his enemy would manage to get out of the -pit. If not at once, at least when his now helpless -comrade came to himself, the man would be -rescued.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He is just where I want him,” thought the -young aviator. “It won’t do to leave him the -machine.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave walked up again to the flying machine. -He soon estimated its condition and capacity. He -found it to be a capable piece of mechanism.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hi, stop—Oh, thunder!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>This was shouted out after the runaway as the -machine lifted into the air, Dave at the helm. -Its rightful pilot spoke, but, his call barely completed -as he grasped at the edge of the pit, down -he slid again to its bottom.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Fifteen minutes later the machine dropped to -earth in the field behind the inn at Doubleday, -not a hundred feet from the <i>Comet</i>. Hiram came -running towards it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You, Dave?” he called out cautiously.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“With company,” answered Dave promptly.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>“Gracious! It’s the pirate tramp, isn’t it?” -cried the astonished Hiram. “Why, what does -it mean? How did you manage it?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Don’t ask any questions just now,” responded -the young airman. “Wake up Elmer.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We’re going to get out of here?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Quick as we can. There’s a reason.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram bolted for the haymow. Elmer very -shortly came up to the spot where Dave stood.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“For mercy’s sake, two of them!” he exclaimed, -rubbing his eyes and staring in surprise -at the captured airship.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, this is the pirate,” explained the young -pilot. “The fellows who ran it tried to follow -us from Winnipeg. Turn about is fair play, fellows. -Some of the same gang stole our machine -near Washington for a bad purpose. We will -retaliate by borrowing theirs now for a good purpose.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” put in Hiram, with animation, “get -them and the machine safely out of harm’s way.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I intend to,” said Dave. “You’ll have to fly -the craft, Hiram.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I reckon I can do it,” asserted Hiram -promptly. “What’s your idea, Dave?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“A two hours’ flight, due west. Then we will -hold a new council of war. We had best not -delay. I don’t know how soon the fellow who -runs that craft may be on our trail.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>No one appeared to observe or hinder the airship -boys as they made their preparations to resume -their journey. The pilot of the <i>Comet</i> gave -his trusty assistant explicit orders as to what was -required of him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The biplane started first from the ground. In -the clear moonlight its course was not difficult to -follow. Soon the leader and its consort were -started on a steady course, due west. Hiram -was in gay humor. Dave had explained the details -of his encounter with the enemy, and the new -pilot of the pirate airship chuckled as he drove -it forward.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The incident had fully awakened Elmer, and -Dave found him good lively company. There -was a rare spice of adventure in the incident of -the night.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You handled things just grand,” voted Dave’s -enthusiastic admirer. “I wonder how those fellows -are feeling just about this time?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was after midnight when the young aviator -directed his companion to take the distance -record.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ninety-seven miles,” reported Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I guess that will do,” said our hero. “We -are going to land.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>A pleasant stretch of forest glade looked inviting. -The <i>Comet</i> came to anchor. In about -ten minutes the other machine made an easy descent -almost at the side of the <i>Comet</i>.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>“Well done, Hiram,” commended his friend, -warmly. “Your lessons under old John Grimshaw -are bringing famous results.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Glad you think so,” answered Hiram, with -affected indifference, but he looked both pleased -and proud.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s about midnight,” said Dave. “We will -turn in soon as we can, fellows. I will take the -first watch.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Going to stay here until daylight?” inquired -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, and for a good breakfast,” replied the -young airman. “We need the rest, and there is -little likelihood of our enemies catching up with us -now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I should say not,” echoed Hiram with a -chuckle.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, you have spiked their guns for keeps, -Dave,” added Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was a little later than sunrise when Hiram, -on the last watch, woke up his comrades. He -had a fire of twigs going.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Coffee on the boil, fellows,” he announced -cheerily; “ham done to a turn, and the bread being -a little dry I thought we would have some -buttered toast.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hurrah!” shouted the hungry and jubilant -Elmer. “I feel as if I could eat a -horse.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>“Yes, this brisk Canadian air certainly gives -a fellow a great appetite,” declared Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Next town we stop at,” spoke Hiram, “I -want to get some pancake flour. I’ve been just -hankering for some old fashioned flapjacks. I’ve -got a griddle among the traps, and I know I can -turn out some elegant pancakes.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“This is good enough for anybody,” insisted -Elmer, his teeth deep in a piece of luscious ham -cooked to a turn.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say,” spoke Hiram a few minutes later, “I -strolled around the end of that grove of trees -yonder before I woke you up. There’s a road -just beyond them, and there’s a town not half a -mile away.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Is that so?” questioned the young aviator. -“That suits my plans precisely.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How is that?” asked Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I will show you after breakfast,” replied -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>He got a pad of writing paper from the supply -aboard the biplane. Dave was busy writing for -some time. Then he got the repair outfit of the -<i>Comet</i>.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Come on, you can help me,” he said to Hiram -and Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman partially upset the captured -airship. His comrades very soon understood -what this manœuvre meant. Dave removed a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>dozen or more screws and bolts. Then he unhinged -alternate struts and set to work on the engine. -The parts removed were stored aboard -of the <i>Comet</i>.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I guess that will cripple the craft enough to -serve our purpose,” said Dave. “I don’t want -to be a vandal and wholly destroy as pretty a -machine as this is.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Can’t afford to take any risks with the bad -crowd trying to break us up though,” reminded -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I don’t intend to,” answered Dave. “It will -take a long trip clear back to Winnipeg to replace -those parts. If those fellows we left back at -Doubleday come on after the machine, it will be -fully a week before they can think of taking up -the chase again.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“By that time we will have reached Alaska; -won’t we, Dave?” queried Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And far beyond, if we fill the schedule blocked -out,” replied the young pilot of the <i>Comet</i>. “I’ll -be back soon, fellows.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave lined the grove of trees and was soon lost -beyond it to the present sight of his friends. In -about half an hour he reappeared, walking briskly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s all right,” he reported. “Get the <i>Comet</i> -in trim.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Going to start up, eh?” remarked Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>“We had better, I think, to avoid complications,” -said Dave. “The town beyond here has -a telephone service probably, running to Doubleday. -The note I wrote told of the dismantled -machine here. It also explained enough to warrant -a ’phone call, explaining about it, sent to -Doubleday. Those Winnipeg fellows can get their -machine by coming for it.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You mean what is left of it,” corrected Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I hired a boy I met to take my note to the -postmaster of the town near here,” explained the -young aviator. “I think I have been as fair all -around as we can afford to be under the circumstances.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s right,” assented Hiram, with vigor, -and Elmer echoed the sentiment.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The coast is clear—as far as Sitka, anyhow,” -proceeded the young airman. “And now, fellows,” -he added briskly—“business, strictly business.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span> - <h2 id='chapXVI' class='c009'>CHAPTER XVI</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>A SIBERIAN ADVENTURE</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“Brrr-rr!” chattered Hiram Dobbs, with a -shiver. “I say, Dave, have we got to stand this -much longer?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I sincerely hope not,” replied the young pilot -of the <i>Comet</i>, in a really concerned tone. “I -hoped to outride the storm. But it appears to -me the snow is coming down thicker and faster -every minute.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’m just about drifted in,” piped up Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The scene was a vast void, a chaos. The three -young airmen were much in the situation of a ship -driven before a blinding gale in unknown, fog-covered -waters. All bearings were lost. The -angle glide was obscured with snow; Dave resembled -a great white statue. The biplane was the -rushing center of large driving flakes whirling in -eddies all about them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>They had run thus for nearly an hour, but now -the machine, staunch and reliable as it was, threatened -to depart from its usual good conduct record. -The planes were crusted and over-weighted. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>bulk of snow Hiram and Elmer tried to dislodge -from other parts of the machine was duplicated -before they could go the entire rounds.</p> - -<p class='c011'>There had been several ominous creaks. Once -the <i>Comet</i> struck an air pocket. Through some -deft but dangerous skidding the pilot evaded this -peril. A sudden change in the wind almost precipitated -a new catastrophe.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I don’t know what we are going to strike,” -said our hero; “but we’ve got to make a landing. -No machine could stand much more of this.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Good,” cried Hiram heartily, as the <i>Comet</i> -made a rapid dive that was nearly a somersault. -“It’s solid land all right. I was afraid it might -be water, and a ducking just now—brrr—rr!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>When Dave had told his friends way back in -Canada that their motto must be “business, -strictly business,” he and they had set themselves -zealously to work to carry out the sentiment. -Dave was an expert airman. The <i>Comet</i> was a -noble machine of its type. They had met with -“good luck,” too, Hiram had insisted. The biplane -crossed the vast stretch of Canadian wilderness -without a mishap.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At Sitka no new trap nor harmful attempt on -the part of their enemies had confronted them. -A government official had been deputized by telegraph -from Washington to receive and identify -the contestants as they arrived. The crew of the -<i>Comet</i> were proud and happy to learn that they -were the first on the scene.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>They rested a day at Sitka. Dave realized -that the hardest part of the route lay before them. -It was no easy task to pilot a course past Cape -Prince of Wales, across Bering Strait and make -sure of reaching Stamavoie, a point in Kamchatka -where arrangements had been made for -gasoline and other supplies.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Elmer had started keeping what he called a -“log.” During the ensuing six days he had some -odd and spirited incidents to record. They had -left the mild fall weather behind them and encountered -genuine wintry blasts. The expert -young pilot took no unnecessary risks. Their -stops were frequent, and for the most part fortunately -they managed to land near settlements or -habitations. Dave had to accommodate the machine -to new wind conditions. He and his friends -suffered a good deal with the cold. It was now -late afternoon, and according to calculations and -the charts they were traversing Siberian territory.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The storm had not abated one whit as all three -of the boys left the biplane. They found themselves -ankle deep in a soft clinging snow.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We can’t stay here,” said the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hardly,” replied Hiram, “unless we want -to see the machine and all hands covered up in a -snowdrift within an hour.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>“We have lost our exact reckoning,” added -Dave, “and no landmarks to go by. We are -somewhere between Zashiversh and Virkni. -Probably we have landed on what is known as the -Nijni steppe. It is something of a barren waste, -if I remember right, but dotted here and there -with stations and a few little farms.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Wish we could find one of them,” grumbled -Hiram, good naturedly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No chance of supper if we don’t,” observed -Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See here, fellows, we’ll push the machine -along, anyway, and see what we come to,” remarked -Dave. “Any shelter is better than this -all out of doors position. Even a stretch of timber -or the side of a hill would seem homelike -just now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s better to keep moving, anyhow,” declared -Hiram, stamping his feet vigorously. “This will -be a big thing to tell about if we ever get home -again, fellows.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Steady,” ordered Dave, and he slowed up -the biplane, the wheels of which ran along pretty -lightly, deep as the snow was. “The ground -is changing. Stop the machine. I’ll prospect a -bit ahead.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>In addition to the enveloping gloom of the -storm, it had begun to get dusk. Dave proceeded -alone. He discovered that the ground was rough -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>and rising. Then he ran against a tree, and clearing -his sight of the obstructing snowflakes he -made out that they had come upon a little stretch -of timber.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Come on, but cautiously,” he called back to -his comrades.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The <i>Comet</i> was pushed along and halted between -two heavily needled trees, affording it considerable -shelter. Hiram gave a shout of delight -as he discovered a spot where the ground was almost -bare. A double row of immense fir trees -formed a protecting canopy for several yards.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Come in out of the wet, Dave!” shouted Elmer, -in a jolly tone, joining Hiram, and all hands -shook the snow from their garments.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Shelter, plenty of fuel and a chance for a -warm meal,” observed Hiram with satisfaction. -“Here’s some good bits of wood,” and he began -gathering up pieces of dead branches with which -the spot was littered.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’ll get a lantern,” said Dave, moving over -towards the biplane.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“This is not half bad,” declared Elmer, assisting -his comrade in gathering up the loose fuel.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say, what’s that?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram spoke in a startled tone. He dropped -his armful of wood and stood stock still. Elmer -edged nearer to him.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>An ominous sound had greeted their hearing. -It was a howl near at hand, sharp and resonant. -Then it was repeated. Staring in the direction -from which the sounds came, Hiram jumped back, -shouting out sharply:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s wolves! Dave, look out! Elmer, grab -a club! Quick! Here they come!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Scurrying forms came flying into the tree-formed -arcade. The outlines were dim, but none -the less threatening and terrifying. Hiram had -grabbed up a heavy piece of wood. Elmer was -no coward, and did not lose his nerve. He armed -himself speedily as his comrade had done, and -ranged himself by his side.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s wolves,” declared Hiram—“two, three, -half a dozen of them. Stand steady”—whack!</p> - -<p class='c011'>Fiery-eyed, red-tongued, seeming to skim the -ground, the foremost animal of an alarming pack -came flying towards the boys. Hiram had struck -out. The blow was aimed with all his strength -and skill. It sounded like a hammer landing hard -on a thick metal ball.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The animal fell back to all fours and limply -turned to one side. Two others leaped boldly -over its slinking body.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Strike your hardest,” puffed and panted -Hiram. Whack! whack! One of the new combatants -of the boys limped off with a shattered -paw. The other, infuriated with pain from a -terrific clip across the jaws, made direct for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>Elmer. Its claws clutched its prey by the -shoulders. Its distended mouth sought the lad’s -throat.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Once, twice, thrice the billet of wood in the -grasp of Hiram arose and descended. The wolf -dropped away, dripping with blood, but Elmer -was saved from its murderous fangs.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“They’re coming,” he cried “A half dozen of -them! Oh, good! It’s all right now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Over the imperilled lads and beyond them, and -squarely into the faces of the howling pack, a -great glare suddenly shot out. Dave had caught -the situation at Hiram’s first outcry. He could -not in a hurry reach the armament of weapons -carried by the <i>Comet</i>. The big reflector lantern, -however, was kept always in a handy spot, especially -at nightfall. Dave had secured this. -Lighting it as he ran, he flared its broad beams, -focused to a dazzling brilliancy. The wolves, -blinded and affrighted, drew off with sullen, menacing -growlings.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Light the fire. It will be an added safeguard,” -ordered the young airman rapidly, and he -moved in a circle, swinging the lantern glow continuously.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram hurriedly got leaves, chips and branches -together in a heap. He flared a match and ignited -it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>“Those animals have given us up as hard cases, -I guess,” observed Elmer, with a laugh, half -nervous, but quite triumphant.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We must draw the machine closer to us,” suggested -Dave. “Help me, Elmer.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The campfire began to blaze, Dave, with the -lantern, ventured as far as the spot where the -<i>Comet</i> was. With the aid of his companion the -biplane was wheeled a few yards along the arcade, -where it seemed they must make a camp, at least -until the storm abated.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram was getting ready to secure some food -and cooking utensils from the machine, when he -paused, bent his ear, and his face expressed a -new alarm.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hark!” he cried out sharply. “What was -that?”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span> - <h2 id='chapXVII' class='c009'>CHAPTER XVII</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>A GRATEFUL FRIEND</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>The oncoming night in the dreary solitude with -which the young airmen were environed seemed -filled with alarms. All three listened intently.</p> - -<p class='c011'>At a further distance away than at the first, -the renewed howling of the wolves broke forth. -The pack seemed to have chanced upon some new -trail of prey.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why,” Hiram was the first to break the thrilling -silence, “do you hear that, fellows?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Sleigh bells!” cried Elmer, instantly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, and I hear the neighing of horses,” -added our hero. “More than one. Listen!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Muffled yet unmistakable, the sound of sleigh -bells jangling sharply broke upon the air. There -followed loud echoing neighs. Then there rose a -sudden scream.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, Dave!” gasped Hiram, “it was a human -voice! A man’s scream, I’ll wager! There -it is again!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“One of you keep with me,” shouted Dave, -in an urgent tone. “This way!”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>Seizing the reflector lantern, the young aviator -dashed along the arcade. It was Hiram who first -heeded his order. He had grabbed up the heaviest -club at hand. At the end of the arcade Dave -halted for a moment, confused by the blinding -snow eddies and the dim obscurity.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That way, straight ahead,” panted the -wrought up Hiram, as another wild scream rang -out.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was mingled with the echoes of the sleigh -bells in quite another direction. It was mixed -with the baying and howls of the wolves nearer -at hand.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The pilot of the <i>Comet</i> dashed on. The snow -was deep and clogging. Hiram labored at his -heels. The eye of light showed nothing until -they had gone nearly fifty feet. Then its rays -illumined a startling picture.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Upon the snow, lying upon heavy fur robes, -was a man. Supporting himself upon one elbow, -he was slashing about him with a short, horn-handled, -thick-bladed knife. Around him more -than a dozen wolves were seeking to spring upon -and disable him. The minute the light dazzled -the ravenous pack, they drew away, baffled.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The rescued man was clad in heavy furs. His -cap, the gloves he wore, his whole equipment indicated -comfort and wealth. He seemed to take -in the situation at a glance. As he struggled to -his feet, a motion of his hand showed deep gratitude.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>He shuddered as he bent his ear to catch the -retreating bayings of the wolves. Just a faint -echo of the sleigh bells was now audible. A look -of satisfaction came into the man’s face as he -discovered this. He spoke some words in a -language the young airmen could not understand. -Dave pointed to the campfire, and the man -bowed. Then Hiram helped him pick up the -scattered sleigh robes. Dave leading the way, all -hands started for the arcade.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Who is he?” whispered the curious Elmer -to Hiram, as the trio came within the radius of -the cheery blaze he had built up with great armfuls -of wood.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Russian, I guess,” replied Hiram. “He -can’t tell us, though, for we don’t understand -him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Did the wolves attack him?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It looks that way. I think the horses got -frightened and ran away. They seemed to have -tipped him and the sleigh robes over into the -snow. I tell you, we reached him just in time, or -those hungry brutes would have had him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The rescued man came up to the fire, removing -his gloves and extending his chilled hands towards -the grateful blaze. One coat sleeve had -been ripped from end to end in his encounter -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>with the wolves, his face bore a deep scratch. -Otherwise he seemed uninjured from his recent -thrilling experience.</p> - -<p class='c011'>He glanced strangely and then with interest at -the three boys in turn. He stared hard as his -eye fell upon the biplane. His glance lingered -upon it in a puzzled, studious way. Finally he -turned to its pilot, and extended his hands upwards, -as if imitating a bird flying. Dave -nodded.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Then the man spoke. From the deep -gutterals, mingled long drawn out words and -“skis.” Dave decided that he was speaking in -the Russian tongue, and shook his head. More -mellow and natural sounding, some words followed -which Dave took to be French. He -smiled, but showed that he did not yet understand.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is English, then?” spoke the man, with -very fair pronunciation.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, English—American,” replied Dave, -pleased to be understood. “We stopped our -airship here on account of the storm.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is so?” answered the man. “A few -versts further, and you would have reached the -station. That is Mokiva. I am the superintendent. -You shall come there to share the best -I have. You have saved my poor life.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>And then quite solemnly the man went the -rounds. He shook each of his young friends -by the hand, looking them steadily in the -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram hurried up the meal, got some hot -coffee ready, and passed it around. It warmed -up, and acted as an excellent accompaniment to -some canned pork and beans, some toasted cheese, -and plenty of crackers.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The glow of the fire was penetrating and comforting. -They were seated on the thick, heavy -robes. Hiram was quite jolly over their pleasant -situation.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The rescued man had to talk slowly and pick -his words to make them understand him. He -told them that his name was Adrianoffski. He -was a trader, and lived at Mokiva, about twelve -miles distant. He had been at another station -across country, and had started to return home, -not dreaming that he could not reach it before -dark. The unexpected snowstorm had overtaken -him, and the wolves had gotten after the sleigh. -The tragic climax had been averted by the prompt -action of Dave Dashaway.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It more than compensated the boys for their -trouble as they got better acquainted with the -man. It seemed that he had agents, friends, and -trading stations, all through Russia and in several -Asiatic countries. With some of these he -only exchanged goods, while others he owned. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>At the end of two hours the interested young -airmen had learned more of real geography right -on the spot than they had ever picked up at -school.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The storm let up finally. An adverse wind, -however, had set in.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I hardly think we had better risk the hard -work and danger of a run to-night,” our hero -advised his helpers. “We are fairly comfortable -here.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s right,” assented Elmer, who had been -enjoying it immensely, writing up his “log.” -“We’ll have great fun when we get home in -some snug and cozy corner, telling our friends -of what a real snowstorm is.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There’s something!” exclaimed Dave, suddenly, -starting up from his resting place on the -robes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, it’s another sleigh!” cried Hiram. -“If they see our fire, whoever is coming, we will -have some more company.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ah, it is well,” broke in Adrianoffski, his -eyes brightening. “I much thought they would -seek me.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The speaker reached inside his heavy coat and -drew out a whistle, and proceeded to blow on this. -It was so small that the boys were fairly amazed -at the shrill, clear, far-reaching sound it made. -The Russian sent out a dozen or more calls. -They seemed timed to some rhythmic signal, for -as the boys listened there was a response.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>Going to the end of the arcade, they noticed -lights approaching. These outlined three horses -attached to a sleigh bearing lamps. The vehicle -came directly up to them and halted. Two men -leaped from the sleigh and approached their employer -with pleased words.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“My horses ran home, as I thought they -would,” Adrianoffski explained to the boys, after -conversing with his servants in their native -dialect. “My people at once started out to find -me. Ah, this is excellent. You shall partake of -the best at Mokiva this night.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We would be glad to go with you,” said -Dave, “but we dare not leave our machine unguarded.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Unguarded?” repeated the Russian with -forcefulness. “My friends, you know not the -fidelity of these, my people. They shall remain -here all night, and your airship shall be guarded -as though it were pure gold. Fear nothing, these -men are trusty and tried.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>A thought of all Adrianoffski might tell them -of practical details of their route ahead, induced -the young airman to agree to his wishes. He -made sure that the Russian instructed his -servants as to due watchfulness in their vigil. It -was understood that they should be brought back -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>to the camp very early in the morning. Then -the boys, muffled up in cold-defying fur robes, -took a real bracing Russian sleigh ride.</p> - -<p class='c011'>They found that the station comprised two -large warehouses. In one of these Adrianoffski -had his living quarters. They were comfortable, -even luxurious. Nothing would do but that another -meal should be served. Then the host of -the airship boys took them to his office and library -combined.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Our hero had explained at the camp on the -steppe about their proposed race around the world. -Adrianoffski was deeply interested. He had a -large globe showing the world, and he made -Dave indicate the route they had come, and the -proposed one ahead. In turn, with considerable -pride he showed red crosses he had made in red -ink all over European and Asiatic Russia, Persia, -Turkey and Northern Africa.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I have learned something of many languages -and peoples,” he said. “As you see, I have posts -or stations all over this part of the world. You -saved my life. Let me direct you to good -friends, who will surely cherish you for that -kindly act.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave passed his finger over that part of the -globe marked Thibet. For a long time he questioned -the trader.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>“There is a wonderful city there, called -Lhassa,” observed the young airman. “You -know of it?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I know of it,” assented Adrianoffski—“ah, -well, indeed. It is here, a few versts only from -Lhassa, that my trusted partner, Ben Mahanond -Adasse, has his great depot. He trades solely -in Thibet. You would go there?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“To Lhassa, yes,” answered Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Impossible!” exclaimed the Russian, with -almost startling force. “My son, you know not -what you say. Lhassa—it is the city of mystery, -the sacred metropolis of the tried and chosen. -For an outsider to appear at its gates is capture—life -imprisonment. For a foreigner to penetrate -to its secret recesses, is sure death.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But your partner, this Ben Mahanond -Adasse?” questioned the young aviator, “I -could visit him without risk?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“With certain welcome,” promptly responded -Adrianoffski. “He is powerful, he is favored. -He could protect you. But go no further than -his home, lest you go to your doom. As to my -partner—see, I give you a talisman, a token.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The Russian removed from his finger a large -seal ring, and pressed it into the hand of Dave -Dashaway.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span> - <h2 id='chapXVIII' class='c009'>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>IN STRANGE LANDS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>Dave and his boy friends had no cause to regret -their meeting with Adrianoffski. Their stay -at the trading station, brief as it was, had given -new impetus and encouragement to the expedition. -The Russian gave them points as to their route -that enabled them to save time and distance. Besides -that, he named places where they might stop -and be assured of friendly and helpful service -from his agents.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I tell you, meeting Mr. Adrianoffski was fine -luck,” said Hiram, enthusiastically, one morning, -as they started up for the day’s flight. “We are -pretty sure to reach Lhassa without much -trouble; aren’t we, Dave?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“To reach its vicinity, you mean,” corrected -the young airman. “I am greatly depending on -this Ben Mahanond Adasse to whom our Russian -friend has directed us.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>They had left the severe wintry blasts behind -them two days flight out of Mokiva. While the -weather was not at all summery, the milder -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>climate as they proceeded southward was in -pleasing contrast to what they had endured in -the bleak and barren solitude of Siberia.</p> - -<p class='c011'>So far everything had gone pretty close to -the schedule the pilot of the <i>Comet</i> had laid out -when they left Washington. They reached -stations as planned. There was no trouble in -securing gasoline and other supply stores. Then, -too, there were pleasant breaks in their arduous -flights. The ring Adrianoffski had given Dave -acted magically when shown at depots along the -route to which he had directed him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was at Kolyvan that a full day’s stop had -to be made. There were some machine repairs -necessary. Through telegrams and newspapers -the airship boys were able to glean some information -as to their competitors in the race. -Out of the twelve that had started only four had -reached Sitka. The closest rival was machine -number seven, reported at that point six hours -after the <i>Comet</i> had left.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The machine crossed Thibetan territory about -noon time. Dave was able to determine this -from charts, points given by Adrianoffski, and -the contour of the district. It was an interesting -panorama they viewed all the rest of that day. -They passed over great camel trains traversing -the barren plains. They had a chance to see the -native yaks, trained to perform all the duties of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>horses. The extensive lamaseries, or monasteries, -some of them built on the very apex of well-nigh -inaccessible cliffs, amazed them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The <i>Comet</i> was viewed by gaping groups -whenever they passed over a settlement. Dave -had a town called Zirva for his evening destination. -It was near here that Ben Mahanond -Adasse had his trading station. The young air -pilot calculated upon arriving after dark. It -might interfere with his plans to have the <i>Comet</i> -publicly seen so near to the sacred city of mystery.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Judging from the landmarks described by -Mr. Adrianoffski,” said Dave, towards the middle -of the afternoon, “I think we are quite near to -Zirva.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That is the trading post of his partner?” -spoke Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” nodded the young aviator. “Those -glittering spires and domes in the distance must -be Lhassa. We must look for a secure and -secluded landing place.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>This they found soon afterwards. It was at -the edge of a rugged hill. Beyond it were some -straggling settlements, but the <i>Comet</i> was -screened from these as it approached the hill -from the east.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I don’t care about attracting the attention of -the natives,” explained our hero. “They are -quite fanatical, and have probably never seen an -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>airship before. They might think it some demon -of the air, or an infernal machine come to destroy -their gods and temples.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, I think myself we had better keep in the -background as much as we can,” agreed Hiram. -“It would be a pity to have a mishap now, with -the hardest part of the route covered.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But how are you going to locate this -Adasse?” inquired Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“According to what Mr. Adrianoffski told -us,” replied Dave, “his station cannot be more -than a few miles from here.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s your plan about finding him, Dave?” -asked Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, as soon as it gets dusk I will venture -down into the valley there. You two will stay -here on guard. Keep ready for a quick flight, -if any of the natives discover the machine.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The trio enjoyed the luxury of a grateful rest -on the ground while they conversed. Hiram, -speedy to recuperate and always active, strolled -away from his comrades. He looked out over -the country. Then he became interested in watching -a man just below the point where the <i>Comet</i> -had landed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say fellows,” he observed briskly, coming -back to his friends; “if you want to see something -queer just take a peep over the edge of -that rock yonder.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>“What is it, Hiram?” inquired Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You have to come with me to find out,” was -the reply. “I can’t imagine what a funny old -fellow down below there is up to.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All right, we’ll take a look,” said Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There he is,” pronounced Hiram, after the -others had followed him a little distance, and he -pointed past a shelving rock.</p> - -<p class='c011'>On the level of the valley below a native was -squatted before a flat boulder. He held in his -hand a comical metal object with an ivory handle. -He seemed turning the handle. The boys, even -at the distance they were, could hear a click-clack -sound, apparently proceeding from the device.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say, whatever is that contraption?” asked -the puzzled Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Looks like a cross between a nutmeg grater -and a music box,” suggested Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave ventured no opinion. Like the others -he continued to watch the curious pantomime of -the native. The lips of the man moved incessantly, -making a dull monotonous drone. -Finally he placed the device on the stove before -him and closed his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>His body swayed and he flung his arms aloft. -Then he bent his forehead clear to the ground. -All the time he kept up a steady monotone.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>Finally he arose to his feet and picked up a -knapsack and a long, sharp-pointed spear. He -was about to resume his way. Just then a huge -bird resembling an eagle, only snowy white, -sailed down from a tree on the hillside. It -swooped over the boulder and made a peck at -its surface. The next moment it soared aloft, -the trinket in its bill.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The native uttered a wild, frantic shriek. Of -a sudden he was transposed into a being denuded -of reason. As the bird flew up over the -crest of the hill, the man cast himself prostrate -on the ground; writhing there in agony. Beating -his head with his hands, his face distorted, he -acted like some person in a fit.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, that’s something odd to see,” began -Hiram—“what is it, Dave?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman had watched the course of -the thieving bird, eagle, macaw, crow, or whatever -it was. He saw the bird sail along until its -glance fell upon the biplane. Then it dropped -to one of the wings. The bauble retained in -its bill, it walked over to one of the seats, dropped -its prize, and began pecking at the seat cushions.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Our hero was on his feet in an instant of time. -He ran towards the machine, intent on scaring -away the predatory intruder. Dave had picked -up a stick. This he hurled at the bird. It gave a -sullen croak and took to wing, disappearing on -the other side of the hill.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>The young airman was curious and interested -enough to lean over into the body of the machine -and secure the object dropped by the bird. -He was viewing it critically and with some comprehension -of its use, when his comrades joined -him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What is it, Dave?” queried Hiram eagerly. -“That old fellow below yonder is tearing up the -ground and rolling all about in a fearful fashion.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I know what it is,” pronounced Dave, “and -I think we had better get it back to its owner -and save some mischief for him. This is what -is called a prayer mill. See, this handle turns -a silken scroll on a reel all covered with -queer-looking characters. These represent the -prayers the Thibetans make to their great idol, -Da-Fan-Jan. The priests supply them to the -worshippers. They are highly prized. I have -read about them, and have seen pictures of these -queer prayer mills, as they call them.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You’re not going down there to give it back -to the native; are you?” asked Hiram; in some -surprise, as Dave looked about him to discover -the easiest way of descending the hillside.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, I think I had better,” was the reply. -“You don’t know how these superstitious people -value such charms. This prayer mill may have -been cherished in that man’s family for centuries. -It is regarded an heirloom, and the person losing -it probably thinks he is condemned if he does not -recover it.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>Our hero hurried his steps. Descending the -hillside alone he chanced to glance at the native. -The man had now arisen to his feet. All his violent -manner had disappeared. His face wore a -look of sullen despair.</p> - -<p class='c011'>He had taken his spear and fastened its end -stoutly under an edge of the boulder in a slanting -position. Its keen point showed breast high. -The man had retreated some twenty feet. There -he stood posed for a run. Dave recalled something -he had read of the hari-kari of the rude -Asiatic tribes. Suicide, swift and terrible, was -the rule where some great loss, disgrace, or -bereavement unsettled the mind.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He means to impale himself with all his force -on that spear point and end his life,” decided the -young aviator. “Hoi-hoi!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Just in time did Dave distract the native from -his tragic purpose. He fairly tumbled down the -hill as the man, running at full speed, had almost -reached the waiting instrument of death. Dave’s -shout made him waver. As he dangled the -prayer mill towards the wretched man, the latter -came to a pause like a statue.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The eyes of the native were glued to the -amulet as if he was fascinated. To his overheated -fancy Dave possibly suggested some -“white god” sent from the clouds to restore the -precious prayer mill.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>The young airman came directly up to the -native and extended the trinket. The dark, bony -hand of the devotee reached out and clasped it. -He burst into tears, kissed it, caressed it. He -thrust it into his bosom, and raising his arms in -wild gyrations began a shrill, joyful chant.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When it was concluded he cast himself on the -ground. Crawling abjectly he embraced Dave’s -knees. He lifted his eyes in gratitude.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A stout steel chain bearing at one end a serviceable -watch and at its other the ring -Adrianoffski had given Dave, met the glance of -the grateful suppliant.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oi-e! oi-e!” he suddenly shouted. His -fingers touched the ring. His eyes, showing an -intelligence he could not express, rested on the -face of the young aviator.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span> - <h2 id='chapXIX' class='c009'>CHAPTER XIX</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>STRANGE COMPANIONS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>Our hero was not slow in discovering that the -native saw something in the ring he wore which -centered his attention and interest. As Dave -smiled and looked upon him in a friendly way, -the man showed less strangeness and timidity.</p> - -<p class='c011'>He touched the ring now and arose to his feet. -He again touched the ring and then two of his -fingers. Dave fancied that he understood his -companion. He believed that the man wished to -inform him that there was another ring—two -rings, both alike.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Then the native again inspected his restored -prayer mill. He gazed at it fondly, with a great -smile of joy. He pointed at the spear and -shuddered and shrank away from it. Then he -fairly beamed on the young airman. He -dropped to the ground and placed Dave’s foot -on his neck. He acted as if he wanted his new -friend to know that he was his slave for life.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>After the man had gone through all these -manœuvers Dave held up the ring. The native -made a motion to describe a long flowing beard. -Adrianoffski wore such and doubtless his -partner did also. Now our hero felt certain that -not only was the ring familiar to the native, but -likewise that he was telling that its duplicate belonged -to Ben Mahanond Adasse, and that he -knew the merchant.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Where?” spoke Dave, and exhausted his -pantomimic skill in trying to express the word in -signs. He pointed first in one direction and then -in the other. His companion followed every -gesture he made intently, seeming anxious to understand -what he meant.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The man pointed to the southwest, and moved -his finger along the horizon. He tried to express -distance. The young aviator by signs conveyed -the idea that he wished to see the owner -of the other ring, the man with long flowing -beard.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The native nodded a dozen times with intelligence -and satisfaction. He promptly took -up his knapsack and spear and faced about, posed -to assume the part of a guide.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The pilot of the <i>Comet</i> did not wish to leave -his friends without apprising them of his intentions. -He motioned to the native to remain -where he was. He then went up the hillside -about half way. He knew that his comrades -could now hear him.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>Dave in a sing-song voice, so as not to make -the native suspect that he was speaking to anybody, -managed to tell Hiram and Elmer as to -his plans. When he came back to the valley the -man started away and Dave followed him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was not more than three miles from the -hill that they began to near a high enclosure. It -was formed of high, thick stakes driven close -together, and was a kind of palisade. The native -halted at its rear. He selected one knotted -stake and ran up it with the agility of a monkey. -He disappeared on the other side. Then there -was the sound of a metal latch moving, and a -section of the palisade opened. Dave’s guide -pulled him inside a yard. He led the way to a -flat, broad building that filled all the front of the -place. They entered a room dimly lighted, piled -high with furs, pelts and wicker boxes of -merchandise. It was a great warehouse, the -young airman surmised, stored with rich silks -from Persia, teas from China, ivory and oils -from India, and miner’s supplies for the secret, -guarded gold mines of Thibet.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When they came to a door with a sash in its -upper part, Dave glanced curiously through this -window. The front of the building was open. -Upon platforms there were displayed in great -confusion all kinds of goods. A noisy throng was -bartering and bustling about, as if it was some -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>street fair. Beyond them were rude wooden -wheeled vehicles, and yaks, camels, and even -bison, used as beasts of burden.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Rude and uncultured as the native was, his -loyalty to Dave seemed to arouse some instinct -of caution. He motioned his companion to remain -where he was, and passed out into the -emporium. In a very few minutes he returned -with a long-bearded man. Dave noted his -resemblance in feature and dress to Adrianoffski.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is Mr. Adasse?” spoke Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The merchant bowed assentingly, but stared -wonderingly at his visitor. It appeared that few -persons foreign to the country ventured thus far -into Thibet.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I came from Mr. Adrianoffski,” explained -Dave. “He gave me this ring,” and our hero -exhibited the object in question.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Ah, then, you must be a very good friend,” -exclaimed the Russian, his face brightening into -a warm welcome at once. “My poor roof, as -was his, is yours.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Adasse led Dave to a far end of the house, -where there was a comfortable room. Its owner -spoke English quite as well as his partner. He -told his guest that he would get through his -trading as quickly as possible, and return to entertain -him.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>This did not occur for nearly an hour. It was -dusk by then, lamps were lit, curtains drawn, and -two native servants brought in an appetizing -meal.</p> - -<p class='c011'>All this time the native to whom Dave had -restored the prayer mill lay down upon a mat -in the room. Adasse explained to his guest that -the man was named Faiow. He was a trusted -agent, sometimes employed by Adasse in making -sales to persons in Lhassa.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman found Adasse to be quite as -kindly disposed towards him as Adrianoffski had -been. Dave inquired closely as to Lhassa and -its mysteries. Finally he made up his mind to -implicitly trust his host.</p> - -<p class='c011'>From an inner pocket Dave drew a photograph. -It was the one furnished to him at Washington -by Miss Edna Deane. The picture of her -missing brother.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I have come a long distance to find this man,” -said Dave. “He is an explorer, detained in -Lhassa.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You expect to find him!” exclaimed Adasse, -in a startled tone. “Ah, my friend, you seek -death in even speaking of it, should one of the -faithful hear you. Many rash explorers and adventurers -have ventured to pass the gates of -Lhassa. They have never returned.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The speaker as well as the young airman -started as a voice behind them uttered a sharp -intelligent sound. It proceeded from Faiow, -who, unheeded by them, had been moving about -the room. Looking up, Dave saw the man with -his eyes fixed upon the photograph.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>“Speak to him,” said Dave, quickly. “I believe -that picture suggests something to him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Adasse directed some questions in the native -tongue to Faiow, and there was quite a colloquy -between them. Then the Russian turned to his -guest with the words:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He knows the man. He has seen him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Where? when?” inquired Dave, eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He does not tell. He says he will take you -where you, too, may see him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Take me into Lhassa?” asked Dave, wonderingly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes. His gratitude towards you is almost -fanatical. Let me question further.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was at the end of a second conversation with -the native that Adasse imparted some new information -to the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Faiow has the right of entry to Lhassa as a -trader,” he explained. “Once a week he carries -dates boiled in wild honey to the great temple of -Oi-Fou-Jan. It is there that he has seen a man, -a stranger, the face in that picture. He says -there are several of these intruders in the city. -They have been imprisoned in strong dungeons, -or given menial work to do for the priests. The -grand Llama will not permit them to be executed, -for the blood of such is believed to profane the -sacred city.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>“But how will it be possible for me to visit -the city?” inquired our hero.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Faiow will arrange all that, he says,” replied -Adasse. “You wish to know where your -friend is?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” nodded Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He promises to show you. No outsider is -allowed to enter the city gates unveiled. He says -it is better to go now. He will provide you with -a garb like his own. Weekly he carries two bags -of dates boiled in honey to the city priest. You -will help him, appearing as his servant. You -will probably pass muster. But, if you are suspected, -it will mean sure death.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am ready to take the risk,” pronounced -the young airman, resolutely.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was half an hour later when Dave started -for the sacred city with the native. Each carried -a bag, each wore the native costume, and -each was veiled.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The pilot of the <i>Comet</i> knew that his fellow -aviators would take good care of the biplane. -He was anxious primarily to find out where -young Deane was imprisoned. He did not understand -the Thibetan tongue, and therefore could -not converse with his guide. He felt sure, however, -that he could rely on the fidelity and intelligence -of Faiow.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>They reached the gates of the city in about -two hours. Faiow and his companion were admitted -without challenge. Dave was filled with -interest at all the strange sights he viewed. Immense -temples and queerly constructed stores -and houses were on every hand. A busy populace -filled the lighted streets. Faiow finally -reached a temple, in front of which was a great -squat idol, its feet alone ten feet across. Its -hideous head reached up nearly to the roof of a -high, broad, stone pillar-shaped structure.</p> - -<p class='c011'>In front of it Faiow halted. He touched the -arm of his companion to attract his attention, -and pointed to the roof of the building. This -was guarded with a sort of railing. At intervals -along this lamps were burning.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Ever and anon a bird resembling a stork would -light on the railing. A man approached them, -bearing on the end of a golden rod a fragment -of food. He would feed this to a bird, and then -go to another of his feathery visitors.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman thrilled, as in the full flare -of the many lights he closely studied the face of -this strange hermit aloft. Even at that distance -he was able to observe that the lone roof sentinel -was not a native.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is my man,” spoke the young pilot of the -<i>Comet</i> to himself. “I have found the missing -Morris Deane!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span> - <h2 id='chapXX' class='c009'>CHAPTER XX</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>RESCUED</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>The native uttered a low, warning sound, and -touched the arm of the young aviator. Dave -was absorbed in studying the singular being on -the roof of the structure, but at a glance he saw -a street guard approaching. He knew that the -movements of his companion urged him not to -arouse any suspicion. He followed him as he -turned away.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Our hero took a final view of the pillar-like -building and its surroundings. He tried to fill his -mind with landmarks so he could locate it again. -Not, however, by the land route. Dave Dashaway -realized that the biplane must play a part in -his plans if he hoped to succeed in the rescue of -young Deane.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What does it mean—the strange situation of -my friend?” was Dave’s first question, after -he and his guide had returned to the trading post.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Adasse spoke for a long time in his native -tongue to Dave’s guide. Then he explained:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Your friend is a perpetual prisoner on the -roof where you saw him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>“But for what purpose?” inquired our hero.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“A true devotee must not touch an evil bird; -it is contagious, they think, nor a sacred bird -either,” continued the Russian; “it is sacrilege. -The duty of your friend is to keep the unclean -birds away from the sacred pillar in the daytime. -At night he feeds the sacred birds with honeyed -dates. They know the food is awaiting them and -come nightly.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He is there alone, then?” asked Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He lives always on duty on that roof,” replied -Adasse. “There, I suppose, he has a -shelter of some kind, probably a tent. There is -a grating in the roof. Through this his food is -probably passed to him. Beyond it and around -the pillar are constantly armed guards.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You have done a great deal for me,” said -Dave gratefully. “I must leave you now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I shall forget all you have told me,” observed -the Russian, significantly; “except that it -has been pleasant to entertain a friend of my -partner. There is nothing I may do for you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There is this,” replied the young aviator—“Mr. -Adrianoffski has given me the address of -an agent fifty miles west of here. I wish you -would explicitly direct me to him.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>After receiving and memorizing his information, -Dave proceeded at once to rejoin his -friends. The native insisted on going with him -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>as far as the hill. When they parted he handed -Dave a basket bag. Then through signs and -grimaces he tried to indicate the gratitude he -felt towards the restorer of his precious prayer -mill.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It must have been after midnight when Dave -reached the summit of the hill. He found -Hiram seated near the <i>Comet</i>, armed with one -of the rifles the machine carried. Elmer lay -asleep on the ground.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All safe and sound, eh?” commended the -young airman, in a pleased tone.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, we haven’t been discovered or visited,” -reported his loyal assistant. “We began to -wonder what kept you away so long, though.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Wake up, Elmer, and I’ll tell you both all -about it,” announced Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>His two friends listened with the intensest interest -to his narrative. Hiram glanced curiously -at the basket bag as Dave spoke of it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Wonder what’s in it?” questioned Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’ll find out,” suggested Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It proved to contain over a dozen packages. -These were wicker covered porcelain jars. Removing -their covers, Hiram smacked his lips -with satisfaction as he sampled their contents.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say,” he gloated, “just sample these dainties! -Why, it beats homemade molasses candy all hollow!”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>All hands did some “sampling.” They found -preserved ginger, honeyed dates, some melon rind -finely flavored—in fact a series of native confections -as toothsome as they were rich and -novel.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What’s the programme now, Dave?” inquired -Hiram, the spell of feasting concluded.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Morris Deane, of course,” responded the -young airman, promptly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“To-night; right away?” asked Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We must lose no time getting on our route,” -replied our hero. “It seems to me that we have -been most fortunate in meeting the people who -have assisted us so grandly in locating the man -we are after. I feel positive I can find the -structure where I saw Deane. Its roof is large -enough for a safe descent. Get ready, fellows.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say, it will be a great feather in your cap if -you get this Mr. Deane safely away from there; -won’t it, Dave?” spoke Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I hope to do just that,” replied the pilot of -the <i>Comet</i>, confidently. “You can imagine what -joy his friends will feel to have him restored to -them.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Especially that pretty little miss who drove -up to the hangar near Washington in that automobile, -Dave,” suggested Elmer, mischievously.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The <i>Comet</i> was in starting trim, and the young -aviators took their places. The air and the -breeze showed ideal conditions for an easy -flight.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>There was clear moonlight, but Dave counted -on the city being asleep. As he neared it, however, -the bright lamps on the top of towers and -temples caused him to take to a high area to avoid -being discovered.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Circle after circle he described in a narrowing -course, at last making sure that he had located -the structure he had visited with the native. He -indicated this to his comrades. All of them were -infused with suspense and expectation.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The expert young aviator hovered over the -structure. He estimated time, distance and risks. -The <i>Comet</i> made a superb dip. It skimmed the -parapet of the pillar and landed silently on the -roof. In doing so, however, one of its wings -tipped over one of the many ornate lamps lining -the sides of the enclosure.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave sprang from the machine, his eye fixed -on a small skin tent at one corner of the roof. -Glancing within it, he saw lying upon a mat the -man the native had pointed out to him six hours -previous. Our hero seized his arm and shook -him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Quick Mr. Deane!” he called out. “We are -friends—friends from your people.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Startled and confused at the suddenness of the -waking up, the pillar sentinel sprang to his feet. -He seemed about to rush towards the grating in -the roof to sound an alarm.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>“Look, look,” continued Dave, rapidly, producing -the picture of Edna Deane. “It is your -sister! She sent this as a token! Quick, now!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dave, make haste!” called out Hiram, -sharply. “There’s something wrong!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman almost dragged the bewildered -captive across the roof. He acted in a -great hurry, for something had emphasized -Hiram’s warning cry. A series of yells rang -through the grating in the roof. Beyond it a -man was dancing up and down in frantic state of -excitement.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The pilot of the <i>Comet</i> at once decided that -this must be some watchman or sentinel. He had -discovered the arrival of the airship. Now he -was shouting out the news of his discovery, -probably to others within the structure.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Another cause of alarm was an incipient blaze -directly on the roof. The lamp that the wing of -the biplane had overturned had spilled its contents. -The oil had ignited, some rugs had -taken fire, and the blaze had caught a canopy -near by. The <i>Comet</i> itself was menaced by the -rising blaze. Dave reached the machine and gave -rapid orders to his assistants.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>“Get in, quick!” he directed his companion, -but the rescued captive was too overcome to act -for himself. Hiram helped pull him over into -his own seat, vacating this and getting into the -storage space behind it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave got to the pilot post at once, and glanced -back. Elmer was flapping back the encroaching -flames with a robe. Just then the grating in the -roof was unlocked. Up through it came a dozen -native guards.</p> - -<p class='c011'>But for the fact that these men were so -startled at the unusual scene presented to them, -the <i>Comet</i> and its passengers might never have -left the mystic city of Lhassa. Thrown off their -mental balance by a sight of the unfamiliar machine, -the guards stood staring helplessly about -and then rushed forward to extinguish the fire -on the roof.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That was a tight squeeze,” gasped Hiram -Dobbs.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We’re safe—grand!” cried the relieved -Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The man they had rescued shrank back as the -<i>Comet</i> arose like some great bird. Just then the -loud brazen notes of an alarm bell sounded out. -Then some shouts followed the speeding biplane. -Leaving a vast turmoil behind them, the airship -boys glided off into space, over the city, past its -outer walls, making straight west for the haven -of safety Dave had in view.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>The young airmen did not attempt to converse -with the rescued Deane. The latter, thin, pale -and weak, was overcome with the excitement of -the past few minutes. He sat like one in a daze, -staring in marvelling wonder at the receding -landscape. He made no move when Elmer -belted him into the seat. He could not yet -realize his removal from the wretched post of -servitude which he had lately filled.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was a lucky thing for our hero that Ben -Mahanond Adasse had given him explicit directions -as to the trading post fifty miles away -from Lhassa, where Adrianoffski had another -partner. It saved time and enabled a direct -route, and two hours later the <i>Comet</i> descended -to the ground in an open space behind a warehouse -on the edge of a native settlement.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Look after our friend and keep a sharp lookout,” -Dave directed his assistants, and left the -machine and walked around to the front of the -building nearby.</p> - -<p class='c011'>There were no lights or signs of habitation -about the place. The young aviator seized a -weighted cord suspended from a hook near the -entrance to the building. He swung this time -and again against the door.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A gleam of light soon showed, and the door -was unbarred. A man wearing a fez appeared, a -suspicious blink in his sleepy eyes. He stared -challengingly at the disturber.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>“You are Talzk Prevola?” inquired our hero, -at once.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“An English!” exclaimed the man. “I am he -whom you bespeak. But what of you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave produced the signet ring. As before -along the journey its magical effect was immediate.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is from Adrianoffski,” said the trader. -“You are welcome. Enter, my son. The place -is yours.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave was sure that the man was Prevola, and -he was just as certain that he could be trusted implicitly. -He briefly spoke of his acquaintance -with Mr. Adrianoffski and the claim he held -upon his confidence and gratitude.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I have a friend,” explained our hero, “who -must be conveyed quickly and safely to the nearest -railroad point in Russia. He must be taken -out of Thibet speedily and secretly.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The order of my friend’s friend is law with -me,” declared Prevola, gravely. “You but -speak, I obey.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I will shortly return,” said Dave, and he -went out to the biplane and approached it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I wish to have a talk with you,” he said to -Morris Deane. “Help him out, Elmer.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The rescued young man was assisted from the -machine. Our hero linked his arm in Deane’s in -a friendly, reassuring way. He led him to where -a pile of wood lay and made him sit down beside -him.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>“Mr. Deane,” he said, gently, “you understand -that we are friends sent to rescue, to save -you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am just trying to comprehend it all,” was -the reply, in a wavering tone of voice. “It -seems incredible, astounding,” and the speaker -passed his hand over his face in a vague manner.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Try and realize it all,” urged the young airman, -“for time is precious.” And then our hero -told all that there was to tell.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Each succeeding moment Morris Deane -seemed to take in more clearly the extraordinary -disclosures the young pilot had to make.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I never dared dream of escape, of a rescue,” -spoke Deane. “And you and your friends have -done this noble act! Can I ever show my gratitude? -Think of it, that hopeless life at Lhassa, -and now freedom—freedom!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The speaker threw up his hands in an ecstatic -way. He looked at his rescuer with tears in his -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” replied the young airman, “it is freedom—your -anxious father—your devoted sister—a -fortune awaiting you and—home!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span> - <h2 id='chapXXI' class='c009'>CHAPTER XXI</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>WAR</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“What was that, Dave?” asked Hiram -Dobbs.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“War,” replied the young pilot of the <i>Comet</i>, -and he used the word very seriously, “we have -taken the wrong course, but there’s no going back -now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The champion biplane was sailing over a broad, -deep valley two hours after dusk. Everything -was in brisk going trim. The days that had -elapsed since the rescued captive, Morris Deane, -had been cared for by the young airmen had -passed pleasantly. They had crossed Russia, had -reported at Teheran, had seen some of the -wonders of Arabia, and now were traversing -Turkish territory.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The affairs of young Deane had been adjusted -with supreme satisfaction for our hero. It -warmed his loyal heart to think that through the -unselfish efforts of the crew of the <i>Comet</i>, the -brother of Edna Deane was now speeding safely -and comfortably on his way to those who had -mourned him.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>The trader friend of Adrianoffski had done -everything in his power to make sure the homeward -journey of the fugitive. The young airman -had insisted on paying him liberally for his cooperation. -He had arranged so that Morris -Deane could be provided with money current in -the different countries through which he must -pass. The trader was to convey Deane out of -Thibet concealed in a cart carrying merchandise. -He was to be provided with a disguise. Until he -passed the Russian frontier and was placed upon -a train bound for St. Petersburg, two trusty -agents were to accompany and protect him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The boys felt happy over all this. They had -lost little time and gained some experience in doing -a humane act. Then the regular schedule of -progress was resumed. Now, as noted, Hiram -had put a startling question. The pilot of the -<i>Comet</i> had responded with an ominous assertion.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When Hiram had asked: “What was that?” -a sudden glare in the distance followed by a -harsh, detonating crash had caused his sudden -query.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Our hero had explained that it was “War.” -He intimated further that this was a possible -menace to their expedition, in that they might not -retrace the route they had come.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I hoped to keep out of the Turkish trouble,” -proceeded the young airman; “but we must take -the edge of it, I fear. You know we passed over -a great military camp just before dusk.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>“Yes, and they sent a brisk volley after us,” -reminded Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Without calculating the way the <i>Comet</i> can -fly,” added Elmer, with a chuckle.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We had better keep at a pretty high level just -the same,” observed Dave. “I will be glad when -we get out of these intricate mountain ranges. -Then we can see what is ahead of us and get our -bearings.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Just then another explosion sounded. It was -mingled with a series of minor reports, echoing -from past the ridge of hills to the East.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That sounded like a powder mill blowing up, -followed by a lot of musket shots,” suggested -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I have no doubt that it was a bomb,” replied -Dave. “Fighting is going on somewhere beyond -us.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>For some time echoes of near explosions -reached the airship boys. Then there was a lapse -into silence. The contour of the country changed -and the hills lessened, and at length a level expanse -spread out before them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>They could make out lights scattered all over -the area. Here was a settlement, beyond it a -town. Then in the distance they noticed what -the young aviator decided to be a camp. Still -farther beyond, flashes and booms apprised him -that some kind of a combat was going on.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>“We had better get out of this,” remarked -the young pilot.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“O-oh!” fairly shouted Hiram, in spellbound -wonder.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Of a sudden, from the direction of the camp, -there shot up a broad, dazzling beam of radiance. -It moved steadily, broadened and began to sweep -the western horizon. Slowly traversing the sky, -the sharp rays focused upon an object speeding -through the air. A further sweep, and a duplicate -for just an instant was framed by the piercing -glow.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“A searchlight!” cried the startled Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And two airships,” added Hiram. “Dave, -what are we going to do?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman’s active brain was busy. -He fancied he took in the situation. They were -passing over a camp. Ahead of them was a -walled town, now being attacked. The two airships -to the west were probably bomb-carrying -machines, stealing over the enemy to drop death-dealing -projectiles into the midst of their camp.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dave,” whispered Elmer, almost too excited -to speak, “we have been seen!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>This was true. A lateral sweep of the searchlight -brought the <i>Comet</i> into clear view. The -operator of the great eye of radiance focused -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>the piercing rays directly upon the <i>Comet</i>. -Then, sweeping along, for an instant only they -showed an airship almost directly over the craft -of the young aviators.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Another one,” cried Hiram sharply—“ugh!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>He shivered. All hands felt a jar, an impact. -They heard a distinct whiz.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Something was dropped!” pronounced -Elmer, hoarsely. “There!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Directly beneath them some descending object -reached the ground. There were a thousand -darting sparks of fire, then a tremendous boom.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“An airship from that camp,” said Dave, -rapidly. “They took us for one of the enemy! -We must get out of range! Hold steady, fellows!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The pilot of the <i>Comet</i> knew that the moment -had arrived for prompt, expert tactics. There -might be as swift machines as his own among the -war craft in action, but he doubted if any of -them was constructed to take the higher level the -<i>Comet</i> could attain. The machine made a -superb shoot on a sharp tangent. Its progress -was so rapid that it almost took away the breath -of the excited crew. Again the groping searchlight -sought to reveal the situation aloft.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hurrah—safe! beat! They’re not even in -the race,” crowed the jubilant Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>The sweeping glow showed the machine that -had dropped a bomb towards a supposed rival -fully a thousand feet below the <i>Comet</i>. Now its -pilot put on full speed. Out of range of camp, -town and the firing limit the splendid biplane -sailed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Two days later, none the worse for their -unique experience, the airship boys arrived at -Cairo. The <i>Comet</i> seemed to be no particular -novelty to the crowd which greeted its arrival in -the center of a great public square. They -greeted the machine and its crew, however, with -cheers. Dave left the machine in charge of his -assistants, who were kept busy answering questions -from the curious bystanders.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was nearly an hour before Dave returned. -He arrived seated on a wagon containing new -fuel and food supplies for the <i>Comet</i>.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Going to make any kind of a stop here, -Dave?” inquired Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Not a minute longer than it is necessary,” -was the speedy reply. “We are third in the race, -fellows, and that means no delay.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” nodded Elmer excitedly, “a man in -the crowd speaking English said he knew we -were one of the machines in the international -race, and that two others had reported here at -Cairo and had left again.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>“That is true,” answered the young airman. -“Number seven is three days ahead of us, number -eleven, six hours. Help get things in order, -fellows. We can’t afford to lose any time now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>When the <i>Comet</i> started up again the cheers -and good wishes of the crowd were renewed. -Dave made a fifty-mile run, came down in a -lonely spot, and at once brought out the route -charts.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Look here, fellows,” he said, his finger -tracing a course across the map; “there are -three routes to choose from. From Morocco, -the Azores, or Senegal; the Cape Verde Islands, -St. Paul Island, and Cayenne. Those are the -routes most talked about at the start. They are -favored because they are the farthest north and -the most direct. I have a better, a least safer, -idea.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’ll warrant you have, Dave, if it’s to be -found,” declared Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What is it?” inquired Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The objection to those routes,” explained -the young airman, “is that the water stretches -are of wide extent. What I dread most is the -fear of being caught away from land.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Is there a shorter route than those you -speak of?” asked Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, there is,” asserted Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What is it?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>“Egypt, the Sahara Desert, the French -Congo, Ascension Island, St. Helena, Trinidad, -Rio Janeiro, and we are on American soil.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Capital!” cried Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I wouldn’t lose an hour, Dave,” advised -Elmer, with real anxiety. “Ever since we found -out that there are two of the crowd ahead of us, -it seems as if I’d be willing to sleep in the seat -in the machine all the way to get ahead of -them.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was a warm, clear day when the <i>Comet</i> -came to a rest at the city of Mayamlia, in French -Congo. Looking back over the ten days consumed -in making the run across Egypt, through -Fezzan, the width of the great desert, over darkest -Africa, and into the Soudan, the airship boys -had viewed a country never before thus inspected -by an aerial explorer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Baked, boiled, and soaked,” was the way -Hiram put it, good-naturedly, but very grimly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“And sandstorms and deluges,” added Elmer, -with a grimace.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The flight had certainly been a hardy but instructive -one. More than once the adventurous -young aviators had a thrilling experience amidst -unfamiliar air conditions. Twice they had been -discovered in temporary camps by natives. The -watchfulness and skill of their pilot had baffled -efforts at capture.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>“Just to think,” said Hiram, gazing longingly -at the ocean—“just a bit of water to cover, and -we are on home territory.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” smiled our hero, “it looks nice and -easy on the map. Remember one thing, though, -fellows: here at Mayamlia we take in full supplies. -The food and fuel will be easy as far as -Helena or Trinidad. Between those points and -the final flight to Rio, though, the gasoline supply -is what we must look out for.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We’re going to make it—I feel it in my -bones!” crowed the optimistic Hiram Dobbs.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span> - <h2 id='chapXXII' class='c009'>CHAPTER XXII</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>LOST IN THE AIR</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“This is serious, fellows,” spoke Dave. -“Get ready for the worst.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What is the worst?” inquired Elmer -Brackett.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“A sudden drop. You had better have the -breeches buoys ready.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, Dave!” cried Hiram Dobbs, in actual -distress. “You don’t mean to say that the brave -old <i>Comet</i> is going back on us just as it looks -as though the home stretch is right ahead of -us?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s the fog, fellows,” explained Dave. -“We have beaten around in it for twelve hours, -until I feel certain we are all out of our course. -In a word, we are lost.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Lost in the air!” exclaimed Hiram—“who’d -ever have thought of it!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, just like a ship in strange waters,” said -Dave. “If we were not so far from the mainland -we left last week, there might be some hope. -According to my calculation, we have missed St. -Helena. If that is true, we can count on no -land this side of Trinidad.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>“That must be hundreds of miles away,” remarked -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Worse than that,” declared Elmer, who was -pretty well posted on chart and “log” details. -“If the fog would only lift!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That is our only hope,” declared Dave. “I -do not wish to alarm you, fellows; but we must -face the music like men. I don’t believe the -<i>Comet</i> will last out six hours.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“As bad as that?” said Hiram, in a subdued -tone.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” asserted the young airman. “If we -could sight some ship I would not hesitate to -descend upon its deck. This fog, of course, shuts -out any chance to depend on that. The trouble -is with our wires. That strain we had in last -night’s wind seems to have played havoc with -the entire steering gear.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Can’t it be fixed?” inquired Elmer, anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Not while we’re flying,” replied Dave. -“You know, the post is really a lever and the -wheel a handle. The cloche, or bell-like attachment -that runs to the warping wires, has got out -of kilter. You know, the steering post is made -of one-inch, twenty-gauge steel tubing. At the -lower end of this is a fork made of pieces of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>smaller tubing, bent and brazed into place. The -fork forms part of the universal joint on which -the post is mounted. From this run the warping -wires through pulleys to the elevators.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram nodded intelligently at this technical -explanation. Elmer, too, understood what their -pilot wished to convey to them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Some of the tubing is loose,” continued the -young airman. “I have felt it vibrate for the -past hour. If any part gives way, and a puff of -wind should come up, we will lose all control of -the steering gear.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The mischief!” ejaculated Hiram, who always -got excited readily. “We’re in a bad fix; -aren’t we?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Bad enough to keep on a low level, for fear -we may turn turtle at any moment,” declared -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young aviator had not misstated conditions. -The situation was a critical one, and he -had known it for some time. Even now, as they -made a straight volplane, there was an ominous -creak in the tubing joints, and the machine wabbled.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Fellows, she’s going!” declared our hero. -“We’ve got to drop or take a risk of a sudden -plunge that may end everything.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>The <i>Comet</i> had no float attachment. Hiram -got the breeches buoys and the life preservers -ready. The fog was so heavy they could not -see the sky above nor the sea beneath them. -Dave allowed the machine to drift on a long, inclined -dip. Something snapped. The <i>Comet</i> -wavered from side to side but did not upset. -There was a second sudden jar.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Get ready. It’s a sure drop, any way we -manage it,” shouted Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>All hands were ready to leap from the machine -when it struck. Suddenly Dave shut off -the power at a contact. The machine grated, -ran on its wheels, and came to an astonishing but -substantial standstill.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dave, Dave,” cried the delighted Hiram, -springing out. “Land, solid land!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It can’t be! Must be a rock!” gasped -Elmer, unbelievingly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Whoop! hurrah!” yelled Hiram. “Oh, -glory!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave’s young assistant acted mad as a March -hare. He could not help it. He sang and -danced. Then he reached down and grabbed up -handfuls of the light sand at his feet, and -flung it joyously up in the air as if it were grains -of precious gold.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Sure as you live,” exclaimed the bewildered -Elmer. “It’s solid land—oh, what luck!”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>The young aviator was filled with surprise and -satisfaction. Such rare good fortune seemed incredible. -He stood still, not caring if it was a -sand bank or a desert island. They had escaped -a fearful peril—and the <i>Comet</i> was -safe.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Who cares for the fog. Why, if it’s only a -ten foot mud bank we’re so glad nothing else matters -much just now,” declared the overwrought -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s something better than that,” responded -our hero brightly, all buoyed up now after the -recent heavy strain on nerve and mind. “We -must have landed on some island not down on the -chart.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Let us explore,” suggested the impetuous -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Let us eat first,” added the hungry Elmer. -“It’s brought back my appetite, after that big -scare.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave went all over the machine, more with -the sense of touch than actual eyesight inspection -in that enveloping fog. He came back to his -comrades not a whit discouraged.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How is it, Dave?” asked Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I can’t tell exactly,” was the reply. “Some -of the tubing is loose and the gear is out of -center. With what tools we have and duplicate -parts, we may be able to fix things up good enough -to carry on to the South American coast.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>“Let’s do it, then,” suggested the eager Elmer. -“Those other fellows may get the biggest kind -of a lead on us while we are delaying here.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“They are probably having troubles of their -own,” remarked Dave. “It would be impossible -to do anything in this fog. Besides, it will take -us at least a day to repair the <i>Comet</i>. We -might just as well take a resting spell and a bite -to eat.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The food supply aboard the biplane was -abundant, but no attempt was made to cook a -meal. The airship boys indulged in a lunch composed -of crackers, cheese and some lemonade, in -the manufacture of which beverage Hiram had -become something of an expert.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I say,” he suddenly exclaimed, ten minutes -later, as he bolted a mouthful of cracker—“look -there!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The speaker pointed, and all hands arose to -their feet. In the far distance a growing yellow -glow began to diffuse itself over the western sky. -As suddenly and completely as the dense fog had -come down upon them earlier in the day, a grand -clearing up transpired.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, it’s just like the rolling up of a -curtain,” cried Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The airship boys stood viewing a swift panorama. -Vague shapes and outlines began to stand -out before their vision. The blue sky showed to -their left, the ocean at quite some distance. The -sinking sun sent up its radiant beams and they -made out that they were on an island.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>Its rounding end was disclosed as they swept -the scene with interested glances. Little patches -of forest and grassy plain showed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, a famous camping spot,” spoke the -elated Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How lucky we didn’t miss it,” added Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young pilot could now inspect the <i>Comet</i> -more clearly. He reported his conclusions after -going over every part of the machine.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I think time and patience will fix things up,” -he announced.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How much time?” inquired Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I hope not a great lot of patience,” said -Elmer, with a longing thought of the home mainland.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There will be some brazing and hammering -to do,” explained Dave. “We will have to build -a fire. It will soon be dark and we must wait for -daylight. Now then, fellows, don’t waste any -nerve force worrying. What we lose to-day we’ll -try to make up for when we get started again. -We will find a good camping spot, have a pleasant -evening, and a full night’s sleep. That will put -us in fine trim for real business in the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Begone dull care,” sang Hiram, in a jolly -tone. “We’ll forget that we’re circling the globe -for one ten hours, and be common, everyday boys -out on a picnic lark, and report for duty in the -morning.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>“There’s an inviting spot,” observed Dave, -pointing to a copse on a little rise in the near distance.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Before dusk the airship boys had gotten the -<i>Comet</i> safely placed, blankets out, a campfire -built, and were settled down comfortably for the -evening. There was nothing to indicate that the -island was inhabited with wild beasts. It seemed -to be a little emerald patch set down in the ocean, -a sort of lost Crusoe reef, too small to have a -name or a place on the marine charts.</p> - -<p class='c011'>One by one the boys drifted into slumberland. -It must have been nearly midnight when Hiram -and Elmer awakened to find Dave shaking them -vigorously.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Get up, fellows,” directed the young airman. -“Something’s going on that we have got to investigate.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span> - <h2 id='chapXXIII' class='c009'>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>THE BLAZING BEACON</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“What’s the trouble now, Dave?” speedily -inquired Hiram, getting to his feet and Elmer -after him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No trouble at all, I fancy,” was the reply; -“quite the contrary, in fact. Look there.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young pilot of the <i>Comet</i> pointed across -country towards the beach. Where a hill ran up -to a sharp promontory jutting out over the ocean, -a bright light showed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why,” cried Hiram, “it’s a blazing heap of -some kind. Looks as if it was up off the -ground.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, and it doesn’t burn like wood or oil. -Notice the smoke and the way the flames leap up -in the air? What do you suppose it is, Dave?” -inquired Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I can’t imagine, unless it is some beacon,” replied -the young aviator.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We can soon find out,” declared Elmer. -“Wait a minute.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>The speaker ran to the biplane. He soon returned, -his telescope in hand. This he leveled at -the distant glow.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You’re right, Dave,” he announced excitedly. -“It’s a beacon, sure, and it’s pitch, sure. See for -yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes,” assented the young aviator, levelling -the glass. “There is no doubt that it is a signal -of some kind. I can make out the skeleton legs -of some kind of a brazier.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Hiram came in for a show at the spyglass. -His decision enforced that of his friends.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What will we do—investigate?” he asked -of their leader.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We must do that,” replied Dave. “It can’t -be very far away.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What will we do with the machine?” questioned -Hiram, who did not relish being left -behind.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We can roll it to the beach and keep it with -us,” explained Dave. “Come on.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Maybe this is an inhabited island after all,” -suggested Elmer. “I’d like to know. We -don’t want to run into cannibals and have them -roast us.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The airship boys got ready to leave their temporary -camp. They gained the beach, where progress -was level and clear for the <i>Comet</i>. The -blazing beacon was an excellent guide, and they -neared it rapidly. When they came to the foot -of the hill, they discovered a deep embrasure in -its surface.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>“Run the machine in there,” directed our hero. -“Nobody is likely to disturb it before we return.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was with a good deal of curiosity and excitement -that the boys ascended the hill. That -gained, Dave took a broad survey of its top. No -habitation or person was in view. At the edge -of the highest point, commanding an open view -of the ocean, was a large brazier, such as is used -in light blacksmithing work. Its broad flanging -top held a barrel, evidently containing pitch or -some readily inflammable material. The fire sent -up dense clouds of thick, black smoke. At the -same time, however, the bright flames shone far -out over the waters with a brilliant glow.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Queer,” observed Hiram, staring at the -brazier with no clue as to the hand that had -lighted it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, some one started that fire, and quite -recently,” declared Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I wonder why? And who it could be?” -chimed in Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We had better set about finding out,” suggested -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young airman took the lead in a search -for the mysterious owner of the brazier. Finally, -as they approached a slight dip in the surface of -the ground, he swung his arm back to command -a halt.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>Where some trees showed, the reflection from -the fire outlined a ragged tent made out of a -sail. Near it were some boxes and barrels. -There was a small table and a stool, a little oil -stove, and some cooking utensils.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A hammock swung between two trees. Lying -in this, apparently asleep, the curious explorers -made out a human form. The young airman -waved his comrades back and cautiously approached -the unexpected layout before him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>A near glance showed our hero that the occupant -of the hammock was a white man garbed -in nautical costume. There seemed to be no -other person in the vicinity. Dave reached out -and gave the hammock a rough swing.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Its occupant must have been a light sleeper. -With wonderful suddenness and a sharp yell he -bounded from his bed. He was a thin, short -man, not weighing more than ninety pounds—so -undersized, in fact, as he stood gaping at Dave -in open-mouthed wonder, that the latter felt -inclined to laugh at the grotesque figure he -made.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why—where—when!” gasped out the man, -and, almost overcome, he could utter no further -coherent words.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>“Do I happen to come here—and my friends? -That beacon directed us; who are you?” asked -our hero.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Shipwrecked mariner,” was the reply, in a -mournful tone.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You are a castaway, then?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s it—good ship <i>Flying Scud</i>, Nantucket. -Been here two months. What’s your craft?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“The airship <i>Comet</i>,” replied our hero.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“W-what?” and the man looked astounded -and then grinned. He rubbed his eyes to convince -himself that he was not dreaming. Then he -gazed at Dave in a hurt way, as if he felt that -our hero was making fun of him.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s true,” the young airman hastened to -say. “Myself and my friends arrived here by -accident only a few hours since. The power on -our machine gave out, and we landed in the fog, -not knowing where and we don’t know now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>By this time Hiram and Elmer had advanced to -the spot. The man scanned them closely. He -rubbed his head in a worried, uncertain sort of a -way, as if figuring out something that puzzled -him. Then he said, after a long pause:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I was in hopes my beacon had called a ship. -Seeing as it isn’t, I suppose there is no chance of -my getting away from here?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why not?” challenged Dave, encouragingly. -“Did you ever ride in an airship, my friend?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>“No, never saw one. I’ve read about them -and have seen pictures of them. To a regular -tar, used to solid planks for nigh onto twenty -years, those flimsy things don’t appeal, somehow.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s because you don’t know what real -sailing is,” declared Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Where is this new-fangled contrivance of -yours?” inquired the man, looking into the sky -and then all around the hill.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Come with us and we’ll show it to you,” -promised Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“All right. Then I’ll show you my ship.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, you have one?” inquired Elmer in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What is left of the good old <i>Flying Scud</i>, -yes,” answered the castaway, mournfully. “You -see, friends, she must have struck a reef and -sprung a leak. Anyhow, that dark, stormy night -when I found myself drifting on her alone, I had -to figure out that the captain had given her up -as doomed. They had abandoned her in the long -boat while I was asleep in the forecastle. Anyhow, -when I came on deck, I found the ship -deserted. Maybe the crew thought I had been -swept overboard. Perhaps they couldn’t find me—you -see, I’m so small,” concluded the speaker, -plaintively.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say, mister, how did you get out of it?” -asked the interested Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>“The <i>Flying Scud</i> was rolling like a dancing -sailor. I thought it was the last of Jabez Hull, -yours truly. As she sided over, I strapped a life -belt on me and dropped into the sea. Well, to -make a long story short, I landed on this island. -The next morning I found the old ship a wreck -but her bow out of water, down on the beach -yonder. She’s been there since. Can’t be -budged, can’t be used, but I’ve been breaking her -up to build some kind of a craft to get away in. -Then, too, I’ve got food and furniture for my -camp here. I ain’t much of a ship carpenter and -got sort of discouraged, and for a week I’ve -got busy and burned up a barrel of tar as a -beacon.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The boys pulled the <i>Comet</i> into view when -they reached the spot where they had stowed it. -The flare from the beacon enabled a full view -of the biplane. It seemed as though Jabez Hull -would never cease staring at it. He forgot all -about his own forlorn situation in asking half a -hundred wondering questions as to the machine -and what it could do.</p> - -<p class='c011'>When he led the airship boys down the beach -and showed them the wreck, it was their turn to -become interested. What pleased the young -aviators most of all was the discovery of a small -portable forge. This the castaway had removed -from the ship to assist in building his boat of -escape. This, scarcely begun, was lying on the -sand.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>“Fellows,” said Dave, to his assistants, “this -is a great stroke of luck for us. We can repair -the machine in a good way, with a forge and -tools to help us.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, and there’s a whole tank of gasoline -aboard the <i>Flying Scud</i>,” volunteered Hull.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The boys went back with the castaway to his -camp. No one thought of sleeping amid the excitement -of the occasion.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We must get up early in the morning,” said -Dave. “We must lose no time in starting on -our way.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See here,” spoke up the castaway; “I suppose -there’s no chance of my thinking of having -a show to get away from here with you?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We shall certainly try to find a place for you,” -replied Dave, promptly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You will?” cried Hull, joyously. “Oh, but -that’s grand! See here, friend, you know what -I’ll do if you fellows get me safely to the American -coast?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What, now?” questioned Hiram, who liked -to hear the odd old mariner talk.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’ll give you twenty thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Our hero said nothing, but Elmer stared hard -at the speaker and Hiram nudged him and -winked.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>“Provided,” continued Jabez Hull—“provided -you take my treasure also along in your airship.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Your treasure, Mr. Hull?” repeated Dave. -“What does it consist of?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“A keg—yes, friend, probably the most -valuable keg in the world. It weighs over fifty -pounds, and it’s precious as diamonds. Land me -anywhere near to a big city till I realize, and I’ll -hand you over twenty thousand dollars in good, -solid, hard cash.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span> - <h2 id='chapXXIV' class='c009'>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>THE HOME STRETCH</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>“Ready for a start,” ordered Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was under new and favorable circumstances -that the young pilot of the <i>Comet</i> spoke the -words. The lonely island in the South Atlantic -was now a mere fading memory, the many -leagues traversed by land and sea lost in the past. -The <i>Comet</i> and the airship boys were stationed -in a field near to a little hostelry on the outskirts -of Rio Janeiro.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was rare good fortune, indeed, that the -young adventurers had happened across Jabez -Hull. Within twenty-four hours after discovering -the shipwrecked mariner the <i>Comet</i> was on -her way due west, with a new passenger.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The forge, tools and metal material once belonging -to the wrecked <i>Flying Scud</i> had come in -most usefully. Dave knew enough of popular -mechanics to utilize them practically. He declared -the biplane as solid and perfect, after a -careful overhauling and repairing, as when the -machine had left the original starting place of -the great international race around the world.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>The “treasure” of the eccentric Jabez Hull -had been taken aboard. It represented a keg -sewn up in a coarse canvas jacket. Hiram was -alive with curiosity to know what possible -material the package could contain to equal in -value the vaunted twenty thousand dollars. On -that point, however, the castaway had insisted on -preserving utter silence.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’m a man of my word,” he said, “and that -is all there is about it. Land me anywhere -on American territory and I will divide my -riches.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>With this the airship boys were forced to be -content. Room was made for the precious keg -by leaving behind on the island the greater part -of the exigency equipment of the <i>Comet</i>. The -young pilot felt that now all they need fear was -the giving out of the gasoline supply. There -was plenty of this aboard the wrecked ship, and -they managed to find storage for quite an extra -supply of it.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was a daring dash, this final one over leagues -of open sea in their frail aircraft. Once begun, -however, the airship boys were dauntless and tireless. -Fine weather and favorable winds assisted -them, and without a single notable mishap they -had reached the great Brazilian metropolis.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The young aviator was anxious to get to a telegraph -office at once. He left Hiram and Elmer -in charge of the <i>Comet</i>. Jabez Hull insisted on -accompanying him to the city.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>“I want to get action on that keg of treasure,” -he said. “I know several shipping houses in Rio. -I’ll be back here to the airship by noon.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Make it noon, sharp,” advised Dave, “for -we cannot afford to lose a single second in the race -now.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’ll be here on time, don’t you fret,” declared -the castaway.</p> - -<p class='c011'>He and Dave parted when they reached the -heart of the city. The young airman was back -with his friends before noon. He had gotten in -touch with Washington. What he learned made -him more than anxious to resume the flight.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We are third, fellows, so far as heard from, -I am sorry to say,” he announced to his anxious -comrades, and this put them in a great flutter.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You don’t mean to say that any of the machines -has reached goal?” cried Hiram, his heart -sinking to his boots.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No,” replied our hero; “but number seven -was reported at Para yesterday. This morning -number two was at Cayenne. They are hundreds -of miles nearer home than we are.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Then it’s a run day and night from this on,” -insisted Hiram, bustling about excitedly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It will have to be, if we expect to make good,” -said Dave. “Mr. Hull has not returned yet?”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>“Not a sign of him,” reported Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>They were all busy for the next hour, getting -things in shape for a speedy and sustained flight -on the home stretch. Dave glanced at his watch.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It is after noon,” he observed. “I don’t see -how we can afford to wait any longer for Mr. -Hull.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, we simply mustn’t,” declared the impatient -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Get ready for a start, then. Here, Elmer,” -and Dave wrote a few lines on a card. “Take -that to the hotel keeper and tell him to give it -to Mr. Hull when he shows up.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What were you writing?” inquired Hiram, -as Elmer darted away on his mission.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Directions as to how he can wire us and -where he can find us later,” replied our hero.</p> - -<p class='c011'>They waited ten minutes after the return of -Elmer, but there were no signs of the missing -passenger of the <i>Comet</i>. The machine went aloft -as if filled with the spirit that infused its crew. -They were soon whizzing on their way north.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Wonder what our queer shipwreck friend will -say when he finds us gone?” inquired Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“He will understand the urgency of the situation, -for I explained it in my note,” said Dave. -“He has some money with him, I know, and will -doubtless make for Washington at once.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>“I say,” broke in Elmer; “what do you fellows -think about this boasted treasure of his?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I, for one, don’t think anything about it at -all,” responded Hiram, bluntly. “He’s either a -dreamer or a skeesicks. His not coming back to -us looks as if he had served his purpose in getting -to safe territory and has abandoned his old keg.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I’d like to know what it holds,” said Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, it isn’t gold and it isn’t diamonds,” replied -Hiram, rather contemptuously. “I noticed -in shifting it this morning that its canvas jacket -was greasy at one place, just as if the keg was -full of oil.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Never mind,” spoke Dave. “It will do for -ballast till we reach home. Then, if Mr. Hull -does not appear, we will have to open the keg -and see what is in it.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The <i>Comet</i> made five hundred miles in three -laps. Once only, at Caracas, did they have to -stop for gasoline. It was early one morning when -the <i>Comet</i> came to a stop near Belize.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave as usual hurried to the nearest telegraph -office, and soon had the wires busy. His anxious -assistants greeted his return all in a quiver over -expected news.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“What have you found out, Dave?” projected -Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, we’re all on edge to know if there is a -chance to get in first,” added Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>“Number seven is two hundred miles ahead of -us—just sighted at Vera Cruz,” said the young -airman. “No word has been received about number -two since our last report.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Oh, Dave,” cried Hiram, in a wild fever of -longing and suspense, “we’ve just got to reach -goal first!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We shall make a very hard try, at all events,” -replied our hero, doughtily. “Get out the chart, -Elmer. We must save every needless crook and -turn from this on.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>The eager boys were soon inspecting the chart. -Vera Cruz was two hundred miles away. Number -seven had over six hours’ lead, estimating the -situation on a full speed basis. The young air -pilot did some intense calculating. Then he drew -his finger across the chart past New Orleans, -across Louisiana, and on a line as the crow flies -for Washington.</p> - -<p class='c011'>That day was one of the greatest stress for the -airship boys. There was no thought of sleep, -and they cared little for food. Hiram chattered -the greater part of the time. Elmer was so anxious -that he was restless and worried. Dave kept -at the wheel, grim, determined and persevering.</p> - -<p class='c011'>They ran steadily all the next night. At a little -town over the border of Georgia they had to stop -for gasoline. The storekeeper from whom they -obtained it gave them some information that -spurred them up afresh.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>“You’re the second in the last three hours,” -he informed them.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You mean the second airship?” inquired -Hiram, eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Just that. One flew over about daylight.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How headed? What did it look like? Where -did it go?” In his hurry and eagerness Elmer -stumbled over his words recklessly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The man could not describe the airship, but -enough was gathered from him in a general way -to give the boys some idea of the course taken -by their predecessor.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s number seven, I have every reason to -believe,” said Dave, when they started up again.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Then it will be a close finish,” declared -Hiram. “We’ve gained on her a good deal, you -see.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was superb running for several hours after -that. The landscape beneath them, now wild and -desolate, seemed to spin along like a rapid -panorama. They were traversing an uphill and -down dale course, when Hiram suddenly uttered -a positive yell.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dave, Elmer,” he shouted—“look there!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s number seven, sure as you live!” echoed -Elmer, excitedly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I think so, too,” agreed their pilot more -quietly, but all his senses were on the keenest -alert.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>Over beyond a high ridge all hands saw distinctly -an airship. Its outline answered to the -description of number seven. The way it sailed -told that it was an expert racer and under the -control of a true professional.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was lost to view behind a tree-capped ridge. -When the <i>Comet</i> in its course has got past this -obstruction, the airship had disappeared.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s gone, but where?” called out Hiram.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“There it is,” suddenly cried Elmer.</p> - -<p class='c011'>About three miles ahead of them was a little -settlement. This side of it a fenced-in farm -showed. In the center of its barnyard the airship -boys saw the machine that had been sailing aloft -a short time previous.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Apparently it had descended on account of -some break or accident. There seemed to be no -valid reason why it should land at a remote farmhouse.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, there’s trouble,” exclaimed Hiram.</p> - -<hr class='c012' /> - -<p class='c011'>“There surely is,” said the young pilot of the -<i>Comet</i>, and the trio viewed a somewhat startling -spectacle.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The owner of the other airship stood near his -biplane. Four men surrounded him. Three of -them were armed with guns, and they confronted -the airman in a menacing way.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span> - <h2 id='chapXXV' class='c009'>CHAPTER XXV</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>CONCLUSION</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c010'>The airship boys at once saw that their fellow -aviator was in trouble. Our hero made a direct -descent. The <i>Comet</i> came to a standstill beside -the other machine. Its pilot leaped out and approached -the group.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave at once recognized number seven, and -the young man, Pierce, who ran it. He hailed -him in a friendly fashion. Then he turned to -the four farmers. A frowsy, obstinate-looking -old fellow with a pitchfork was evidently the -father of the three stalwart youths armed with -shotguns. First he regarded the newcomers with -surprise, and then suspiciously and with dislike.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, what is the trouble here?” inquired -the young airman.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s the trouble,” growled the old man, -pointing to a row of upset bee hives and a break -in the field fence beyond. “Do you see that -horse over there making for the woods? Well, -that’s old Snorter, my primest animal. This -here young fellow comes down in his b’loon and -scares the hoss nigh into fits.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>“Ran out of gasoline and a bolt out of gear,” -explained the pilot of number seven.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You have no right dropping into my yard!” -shouted the farmer, wrathfully. “It’s trespassing.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s right,” drawled the biggest of his -sons. “I’m a deputy of the sheriff in this county. -You have violated the law. I shall have to take -you to Millville to court to answer in an action of -wilful trespass.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yes, and I shall insist that you be held in a -civil suit for damages,” declared another of the -sons.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Young Pierce cast a hopeless look at his machine -and anxiously at Dave. The latter took in -the situation at a glance.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“See here, mister,” he said to the old farmer; -“we are desperately sorry that this has happened.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Yah!” sneered the shrewd old schemer—“money -talks.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“How much?” demanded our hero, without -hesitation.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, them bees is a special brood. The -hives and the fence ain’t much, but there’s old -Snorter. He may wander away and get lost; he -may fall into some of those lime pits beyond the -timber and get hurt. Then again, he’s so frightened -he’ll probably run away at the least scare -after this. One hundred dollars, I told this young -man here.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>“But I haven’t got it,” cried Pierce. “I offered -to give you an order on Washington, and -you won’t take it.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Not I,” retorted the hard-fisted old fellow. -“Cash down on the nail head.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I ran short at Savannah,” explained Pierce -to Dave. “I fancied I could get through with -the twenty dollars I had left, being so near -home.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave took out his pocket book. The old -farmer’s eyes glistened as our hero handed him -five crisp twenty-dollar banknotes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Now then, Pierce,” spoke the young airman, -“that’s settled. What’s the trouble with your -machine?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It did not take the expert Dave long to find -out. Within half an hour he had the faulty gear -sound as ever. The <i>Comet</i> had a full supply of -gasoline. A transfer of some of it was made to -the tanks aboard number seven.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The farmer and his sons, fully satisfied now, -stood watching operations. Hiram and Elmer -hustled about, giving their leader and his fellow -aviator all the help they could.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Everything is in trim,” announced our hero, -finally. “Good-bye and good luck.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>Pierce held the hand so generously extended -by Dave in a tremulous grasp. Tears of gratitude -and esteem had rushed to his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Dashaway,” he said, in a choked, broken -voice; “you’re a man, every inch of you!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Number seven went aloft. Dave called “all -aboard!” Hiram pulled his face at the mean-spirited -old trickster who had bled them. Elmer -shook his fist at the farmer crowd.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“That’s you!” exclaimed Hiram. “Just -fitted Pierce out to beat us, and delayed us, besides.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Wasn’t it the best kind of fair play?” challenged -Dave.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“So good,” declared Elmer; “that I’d almost -rather come in second with the big heart you’ve -got, than think I’d left a fellow airman in the -lurch.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, it’s a free for all now, I hope,” spoke -the anxious Hiram. “When a fellow is so near -the winning post as we are, it makes him selfish, -I guess. Yes, you did just right, Dave Dashaway; -only, if you see some stray tramp limping -along, don’t stop to give him a lift.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>Within an hour the advance pilot of the race, -number seven, was nowhere in view. Our hero -had made a study of this one close rival in the -field as well as repair the machine. He had found -out where it was weak and the <i>Comet</i> strong. -Barring accident, the young pilot of the <i>Comet</i> -felt sanguine that his machine would reach the -winning post first.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>The airship boys did some splendid running. -They made no stops except for fuel and water. -They ate and slept on the wing. Hiram counted -the moments and Elmer the miles. At midnight, -thirty hours later, they were within two hundred -miles of Washington.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was a momentous climax in their earnest -young lives. They had circled the globe. They -had overcome every obstacle in their path. They -had won, the proud pilot of the <i>Comet</i> and his -eager assistants hoped and believed.</p> - -<p class='c011'>With a cheer, husky with emotions, seeming to -swell up in his heart like a fountain of joy, Hiram -Dobbs arose in the machine as it settled down -almost at the very spot whence it had started—“oh, -almost years before!” Elmer declared.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Dave Dashaway stepped from the machine. -The cares, the hardship, the worry, the doubt of -long arduous weeks seemed to fall from him like -a garment. He gave one vast sigh of relief and -satisfaction. Every eye was at once directed towards -the club house. Some field men came running -from the distant hangars.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Say,” spoke Hiram, with a queer anxious jerk -in his voice—“the bulletin board!”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>His heart sank as he ran towards it. Elmer -followed close on his trail. There were notations -opposite the various numbers. Had someone -preceded them—had someone won the race?</p> - -<p class='c011'>And then, after a single glance, Hiram threw -his cap up in the air, his face beaming, and -Elmer grasped his hand, delirious with excitement. -Dave, coming up, found them dancing -about as if half mad with joy.</p> - -<p class='c011'>For the lines on the bulletin board bore only -such notations as these: “Number ten—abandoned -at Winnipeg.” “Number six—wrecked -at Cape Nome.” “Number five—abandoned,” -and others “out of commission.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>There were blanks after number seven and -number two. As the airship boys stood there, a -man came quickly out upon the veranda which -held the bulletin board. He cast an excited glance -at the travel-worn <i>Comet</i>. He waved his hand -gaily at the three young champions. Then with -a piece of chalk he wrote on the third blank line:</p> - -<p class='c011'>“<i>Number three, Comet; pilot, Dashaway—first.</i>”</p> - -<p class='c011'>A date, an hour, a minute, even down to odd -seconds followed. The world knew that the airship -boys had won the great international prize!</p> - -<p class='c011'>There were so many pleasant and rapidly occurring -events transpiring close on the heels of -the great race around the world, that for over -two weeks our hero and his loyal comrades had -a busy, interesting time of it.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>Twelve hours after the arrival of the <i>Comet</i>, -number seven came into the goal. She was a bird -with a broken wing. A patched-up plane told of -a last dash under decided disadvantages.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Don’t you crow over me, Mr. Dave Dashaway,” -said the energetic young Pierce, playfully. -“I win second prize, all alone by myself. You -three have to divide yours. But, better than the -international trophy, is the big thing you did for -me, and people are going to know about it, too,” -declared Pierce, and he kept his word.</p> - -<p class='c011'>Mr. Brackett was very proud of the son who -had “made good” in an exploit calling for more -than ordinary ability and grit. To our hero he -insisted all the credit was due, and the young airman -realized that he had made strong, lifetime -friends.</p> - -<p class='c011'>It seemed to the airship boys the very happiest -moment of their lives, the day a dainty little miss -drove up to the <i>Comet</i> hangar, and Miss Edna -Deane, with tears of joy and gratitude, and her -lovely face fairly glowing, told them what heroes -they were.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“My brother is resting with a relative in England,” -she narrated. “Father has gone to bring -him home. If you are a thousand miles away -from Washington when they return, you must -promise, all three of you, to come to the family -reunion, of which you are surely members, as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>friends and brothers. Father and brother will -have something interesting to say to you. We -are very, very grateful—and, oh, so proud of -you!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It’s worth something to find a little sister like -that,” cried Hiram, as their visitor left them, all -sunny smiles and happiness.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“‘Something interesting’ means a right royal -reward, of course,” spoke Elmer. “Why, fellows, -if we keep on, we’ll soon have the capital to -start an aero meet all our own!”</p> - -<p class='c011'>It was just a week after that, early one morning, -that the airship boys, seated in the aero association -club room, were hailed joyously by an -unexpected visitor.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Why, Mr. Hull!” exclaimed Dave, greeting -the newcomer warmly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The shipwrecked mariner looked like a new -man. He wore a spick and span suit, and was -cleanly shaven. He seemed well fed and happy.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Missed you at Rio,” he announced; “but -knew you’d do the square thing. Met a chum -who financed me, and came on to get my keg.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Which is safe and sound in the storage room -here,” announced our hero.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, all we’ve got to do is to get it hauled -down to a chemical works in Washington to get -our money—half of it is yours,” observed the old -salt.</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>“Say, Mr. Hull,” broke in the irrepressible -Hiram; “what in the world is in that keg, anyway?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Can’t you guess?” asked the old salt.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“We haven’t the least idea, unless it’s grease.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Grease! Ha! ha!” laughed the sailor. -“Not much, my lad. Give another guess.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I don’t see what could be worth such a sum -of money as you claim,” returned Hiram, his -face showing how puzzled he was.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“You haven’t opened the keg?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No,” answered Dave, promptly.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“It ain’t leaked none either?”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Not enough to count.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I am glad o’ that, lads. I wouldn’t want -that stuff to git away from me, after all the -trouble I had gittin’ it, an’ all the trouble you had -carryin’ it so far.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“But we are wildly excited to know what it -is!” cried Hiram. “Please don’t keep us waiting -any longer.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Hiram has made all sorts of wild guesses,” -laughed Dave. “First he thought you had gold -dust—but gold dust isn’t greasy.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“No, it ain’t gold dust.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Then what?” pleaded Hiram. “Come, out -with it, Mr. Hull.”</p> - -<p class='c011'><span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>“Ambergris,” promptly replied Jabez Hull. -“Found it floating on the water off that island -where you met me. I suppose you know it’s -worth just double pure gold an ounce, and so -rare that the price never goes down.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>“Well, what next?” asked Hiram, some time -later.</p> - -<p class='c011'>“I don’t know,” answered Dave. But many -more adventures were in store for our hero, and -what some of them were will be related in the -next volume of this series, to be entitled: “Dave -Dashaway, Air Champion; Or, Wizard Work in -the Clouds.”</p> - -<p class='c011'>So we leave our young friends for the present, -happy, honored and still ambitious. They had -been leaders and heroes in the aviation field. -Their efforts had been practical and not reckless. -They had shown a new course around the world. -They had proven a new possibility in aerial science, -and fame and fortune had been the reward -of Dave Dashaway and his intrepid airship boys.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>THE END</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span><span class='xlarge'>THE DAVE DASHAWAY</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>SERIES</span></div> - <div><span class='large'>By ROY ROCKWOOD</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>Author of the “Speedwell Boys Series” and the “Great Marvel Series.”</span></div> - <div>12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.</div> - <div class='c000'>Never was there a more clever young aviator than Dave</div> - <div>Dashaway. All up-to-date lads will surely wish to read</div> - <div>about him.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c013' /> -<div id='figad01' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/ad001.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>DAVE DASHAWAY THE YOUNG AVIATOR</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or In the Clouds for Fame and Fortune</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'> This initial volume tells how the hero ran -away from his miserly guardian, fell in with -a successful airman, and became a young -aviator of note.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS HYDROPLANE</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or Daring Adventures Over the Great Lakes</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>Showing how Dave continued his career as a birdman and -had many adventures over the Great Lakes, and how he -foiled the plans of some Canadian smugglers.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or A Marvellous Trip Across the Atlantic</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>How the giant airship was constructed and how the daring -young aviator and his friends made the hazardous journey -through the clouds from the new world to the old, is told in a -way to hold the reader spellbound.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>DAVE DASHAWAY AROUND THE WORLD</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or A Young Yankee Aviator Among Many Nations</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>An absorbing tale of a great air flight around the world, -of adventures in Alaska, Siberia and elsewhere. A true to -life picture of what may be accomplished in the near future.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>DAVE DASHAWAY: AIR CHAMPION</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or Wizard Work in the Clouds</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>Dave makes several daring trips, and then enters a contest -for a big prize. An aviation tale thrilling in the extreme.</p> -<hr class='c013' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span><span class='xlarge'>THE WEBSTER SERIES</span></div> - <div>By FRANK V. WEBSTER</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c013' /> -<div id='figad02' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/ad002.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div>Mr. WEBSTER’S style is very much like</div> - <div>that of the boys’ favorite author, the late</div> - <div>lamented Horatio Alger, Jr., but his tales</div> - <div>are thoroughly up-to-date.</div> - <div class='c000'>Cloth. 12mo. Over 200 pages each. Illustrated.</div> - <div>Stamped in various colors.</div> - <div class='c000'>Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c000'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Only A Farm Boy</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Dan Hardy’s Rise in Life</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Boy From The Ranch</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Roy Bradner’s City Experiences</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Young Treasure Hunter</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Fred Stanley’s Trip to Alaska</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Boy Pilot of the Lakes</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>Nat Morton’s Perils</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Tom The Telephone Boy</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Mystery of a Message</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Bob The Castaway</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Wreck of the Eagle</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Newsboy Partners</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Who Was Dick Box?</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Two Boy Gold Miners</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Lost in the Mountains</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Young Firemen of Lakeville</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Herbert Dare’s Pluck</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Boys of Bellwood School</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Frank Jordan’s Triumph</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Jack the Runaway</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or On the Road with a Circus</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Bob Chester’s Grit</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or From Ranch to Riches</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Airship Andy</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Luck of a Brave Boy</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>High School Rivals</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Fred Markham’s Struggles</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Darry The Life Saver</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Heroes of the Coast</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Dick The Bank Boy</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or A Missing Fortune</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Ben Hardy’s Flying Machine</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Making a Record for Himself</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Harry Watson’s High School Days</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Rivals of Rivertown</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Comrades of the Saddle</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Young Rough Riders of the Plains</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Tom Taylor at West Point</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Old Army Officer’s Secret</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Boy Scouts of Lennox</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or Hiking Over Big Bear Mountain</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Boys of the Wireless</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or a Stirring Rescue from the Deep</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Cowboy Dave</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Round-up at Rolling River</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Jack of the Pony Express</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or The Young Rider of the Mountain Trail</i></div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The Boys of the Battleship</div> - <div class='line in2'><i>or For the Honor of Uncle Sam</i></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c015' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span><span class='xlarge'>THE SADDLE BOYS SERIES</span></div> - <div><span class='large'>By CAPTAIN JAMES CARSON</span></div> - <div class='c016'>12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>All lads who love life in the open air and a good steed, -will want to peruse these books. Captain Carson knows his -subject thoroughly, and his stories are as pleasing as they are -healthful and instructive.</p> -<hr class='c013' /> -<div id='figad03' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/ad003.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c017'> - <div><span class='large'>THE SADDLE BOYS OF THE ROCKIES</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or Lost on Thunder Mountain</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>Telling how the lads started out to solve -the mystery of a great noise in the mountains—how -they got lost—and of the things -they discovered.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c019'> - <div><span class='large'>THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Hermit of the Cave</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>A weird and wonderful story of the Grand -Canyon of the Colorado, told in a most absorbing -manner The Saddle Boys are to the front in a -manner to please all young readers.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c019'> - <div><span class='large'>THE SADDLE BOYS ON THE PLAINS</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or After a Treasure of Gold</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>In this story the scene is shifted to the great plains of the -southwest and then to the Mexican border. There is a stirring -struggle for gold, told as only Captain Carson can tell it.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c019'> - <div><span class='large'>THE SADDLE BOYS AT CIRCLE RANCH</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or In at the Grand Round-up</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>Here we have lively times at the ranch, and likewise the -particulars of a grand round-up of cattle and encounters with -wild animals and also cattle thieves. A story that breathes -the very air of the plains.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c019'> - <div><span class='large'>THE SADDLE BOYS ON MEXICAN TRAILS</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or In the Hands of the Enemy</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c018'>The scene is shifted in this volume to Mexico. The boys -go on an important errand, and are caught between the lines -of the Mexican soldiers. They are captured and for a while -things look black for them; but all ends happily.</p> -<hr class='c015' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span><span class='xlarge'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>SERIES</span></div> - <div>By ROY ROCKWOOD</div> - <div>Author of “The Dave Dashaway Series,” “Great Marvel Series,” etc.</div> - <div>12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c020' /> -<p class='c011'>All boys who love to be on the go will welcome the Speedwell -boys. They are clean cut and loyal lads.</p> -<hr class='c013' /> -<div id='figad04' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/ad004.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS ON MOTOR CYCLES</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Mystery of a Great Conflagration</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>The lads were poor, but they did a rich -man a great service and he presented them -with their motor cycles. What a great fire -led to is exceedingly well told.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR RACING AUTO</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or A Run for the Golden Cup</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>A tale of automobiling and of intense rivalry on the road. -There was an endurance run and the boys entered the contest. -On the run they rounded up some men who were wanted by -the law.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR POWER LAUNCH</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or To the Rescue of the Castaways</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>Here is an unusual story. There was a wreck, and the lads, -in their power launch, set out to the rescue. A vivid picture -of a great storm adds to the interest of the tale.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS IN A SUBMARINE</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Lost Treasure of Rocky Cove</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>An old sailor knows of a treasure lost under water because -of a cliff falling into the sea. The boys get a chance to go -out in a submarine and they make a hunt for the treasure.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR ICE RACER</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Perils of a Great Blizzard</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>The boys had an idea for a new sort of iceboat, to be run -by combined wind and motor power. How they built the craft, -and what fine times they had on board of it, is well related.</p> -<hr class='c015' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span><span class='xlarge'>THE FRED FENTON</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>ATHLETIC SERIES</span></div> - <div>By ALLEN CHAPMAN</div> - <div><span class='small'>Author of “The Tom Fairfield Series,” “The Boys of Pluck Series” and</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>“The Darewell Chums Series.”</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.</p> -<p class='c014'>A line of tales embracing school athletics. Fred is a true -type of the American schoolboy of to-day.</p> -<hr class='c013' /> -<div id='figad05' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/ad005.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>FRED FENTON THE PITCHER</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Rivals of Riverport School</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>When Fred came to Riverport none of -the school lads knew him, but he speedily -proved his worth in the baseball box. A -true picture of school baseball.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>FRED FENTON IN THE LINE</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Football Boys of Riverport School</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>When Fall came in the thoughts of the -boys turned to football. Fred went in the line, and again -proved his worth, making a run that helped to win a great -game.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>FRED FENTON ON THE CREW</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Young Oarsmen of Riverport School</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>In this volume the scene is shifted to the river, and Fred -and his chums show how they can handle the oars. There are -many other adventures, all dear to the hearts of boys.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>FRED FENTON ON THE TRACK</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Athletes of Riverport School</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>Track athletics form a subject of vast interest to many -boys, and here is a tale telling of great running races, high -jumping, and the like. Fred again proves himself a hero in -the best sense of that term.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>FRED FENTON: MARATHON RUNNER</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Great Race at Riverport School</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>Fred is taking a post-graduate course at the school when -the subject of Marathon running came up. A race is arranged, -and Fred shows both his friends and his enemies what he can -do. An athletic story of special merit.</p> -<hr class='c015' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span><span class='xlarge'>The Tom Fairfield Series</span></div> - <div>By ALLEN CHAPMAN</div> - <div>Author of the “Fred Fenton Athletic Series,” “The Boys of Pluck</div> - <div>Series,” and “The Darewell Chums Series.”</div> - <div>12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 40 cents, postpaid.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c020' /> -<p class='c011'>Tom Fairfield is a typical American lad, full of life and -energy, a boy who believes in doing things. To know Tom is -to love him.</p> -<div id='figad06' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/ad006.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<hr class='c013' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>TOM FAIRFIELD’S SCHOOLDAYS</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Chums of Elmwood Hall</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>Tells of how Tom started for school, -of the mystery surrounding one of the -Hail seniors, and of how the hero went -to the rescue. The first book in a line -that is bound to become decidedly popular.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>TOM FAIRFIELD AT SEA</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Wreck of the Silver Star</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>Tom’s parents had gone to Australia and then been cast -away somewhere in the Pacific. Tom set out to find them and -was himself cast away. A thrilling picture of the perils of -the deep.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>TOM FAIRFIELD IN CAMP</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Secret of the Old Mill</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>The boys decided to go camping, and located near an old -mill. A wild man resided there and he made it decidedly lively -for Tom and his chums. The secret of the old mill adds to the -interest of the volume.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>TOM FAIRFIELD’S PLUCK AND LUCK</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or Working to Clear His Name</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>While Tom was back at school some of his enemies tried -to get him into trouble. Something unusual occurred and Tom -was suspected of a crime. How he set to work to clear his -name is told in a manner to interest all young readers.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>TOM FAIRFIELD’S HUNTING TRIP</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or Lost in the Wilderness</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>Tom was only a schoolboy, but he loved to use a shotgun -or a rifle. In this volume we meet him on a hunting trip full -of outdoor life and good times around the campfire.</p> -<hr class='c015' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span><span class='xlarge'>THE MOTOR BOYS</span> Second Series</div> - <div><i>(Trade Mark, Reg. U. S. Pat. Of.)</i></div> - <div>By CLARENCE YOUNG</div> - <div><span class='small'>12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 60 cents, postpaid.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='figad07' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/ad007.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<p class='c014'>This, the Second Series of the now -world famed Motor Boys virtually starts -a new series, but retains all the favorite -characters introduced in the previous -books. The Motor Boys Series is the -biggest and best selling series of books -for boys ever published.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div><span class='large'>NED, BOB AND JERRY AT BOXWOOD HALL</span></div> - <div><i><span class='small'>or The Motor Boys as Freshmen</span></i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>Fresh from their adventures in their automobile, their -motor boat and their airship, the youths are sent to college to -complete their interrupted education. Some boys at the institution -of learning have heard much about our heroes, and so -conclude that the Motor Boys will try to run everything to suit -themselves.</p> -<p class='c014'>A plot is formed to keep our heroes entirely in the background -and not let them participate in athletics and other contests. -How the Motor Boys forged to the front and made warm -friends of their rivals makes unusually interesting reading.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div>Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c013' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>CUPPLES LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='large'>Transcriber's Notes:</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c022'>Punctuation has been standardized. Minor spelling and typographic errors have -been corrected silently, -except as noted below. Hyphenated words have been retained as -they appear in the original text, except as noted below.</p> -<p class='c023'>On page 139, "knap-sack" has been changed to "knapsack" for internal -and time-period consistency.</p> -<p class='c023'>On page 144, "long-flowing" has been changed to "long flowing".</p> -<p class='c023'>On page 202, "areo" has been changed to "aero"</p> -<p class='c023'>On the ad page "Tom Fairfield Series", "camp-fire" has been changed to -"campfire" for internal consistency.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Dave Dashaway Around the World, by Roy Rockwood - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE DASHAWAY AROUND THE WORLD *** - -***** This file should be named 50323-h.htm or 50323-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/3/2/50323/ - -Produced by Rick Morris and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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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