diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50823-0.txt | 7946 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50823-0.zip | bin | 137165 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50823-h.zip | bin | 435310 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50823-h/50823-h.htm | 10138 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50823-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 102077 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50823-h/images/frontispiece.jpg | bin | 49739 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50823-h/images/p_064-5.jpg | bin | 28170 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50823-h/images/p_194-5.jpg | bin | 55054 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50823-h/images/p_262-3.jpg | bin | 53147 -> 0 bytes |
12 files changed, 17 insertions, 18084 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7a53deb --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50823 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50823) diff --git a/old/50823-0.txt b/old/50823-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index d3e1df3..0000000 --- a/old/50823-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7946 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Flying Boys in the Sky, by Edward Ellis - -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: The Flying Boys in the Sky - -Author: Edward Ellis - -Release Date: January 1, 2016 [EBook #50823] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FLYING BOYS IN THE SKY *** - - - - -Produced by Rick Morris and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was -produced from scanned images of public domain material -from the Google Books project.) - - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE FLYING BOYS SERIES - - - - - THE FLYING BOYS IN THE SKY - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE FLYING BOYS SERIES - -Timely and fascinating stories of adventure in the air, accurate in -detail and intensely interesting in narration. - - —BY— - EDWARD S. ELLIS - - -------------- - - FIRST VOLUME - THE FLYING BOYS IN THE SKY - - SECOND VOLUME - THE FLYING BOYS TO THE RESCUE - - -------------- - -THE FLYING BOYS SERIES is bound in uniform style of cloth with side and -back stamped with new and appropriate design in colors. Illustrated by -Edwin J. Prittie. - -Price, single volume $0.60 Price, per set of two volumes, in attractive -box $1.20 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -[Illustration: THE BIPLANE FORGED BRAVELY AHEAD.] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE FLYING BOYS SERIES - - - THE FLYING BOYS - IN THE SKY - - - - - BY - EDWARD S. ELLIS - Author of “Catamount Camp Series”, - “Deerfoot Series”, etc., etc. - - - ILLUSTRATED BY - EDWIN J. PRITTIE - - - THE JOHN C. WINSTON COMPANY - PHILADELPHIA - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - Copyright, 1911, by - THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CONTENTS - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. LEARNING TO FLY 9 - - II. BOHUNKUS JOHNSON 18 - - III. THE AEROPLANE IN A RACE 27 - - IV. TRYING FOR ALTITUDE 36 - - V. A WOODLAND EXPERT 45 - - VI. WORKING FOR DINNER 54 - - VII. THE DRAGON OF THE SKIES 63 - - VIII. THE PROFESSOR TALKS ON AVIATION 72 - - IX. THE PROFESSOR TALKS ON AVIATION 79 - (Continued) - - X. THE FLYING BOYS CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY 90 - - XI. FIRED ON 98 - - XII. PEACEFUL OVERTURES FAIL 107 - - XIII. SCIENCE WINS 117 - - XIV. MILO MORGAN SAVES THE DAY 125 - - XV. UNCLE TOMMY 134 - - XVI. A MYSTERIOUS COMMUNICATION 143 - - XVII. CALLED TO THE RESCUE 152 - - XVIII. PLANNING THE SEARCH 161 - - XIX. THE AEROPLANE DESTROYED 170 - - XX. A PUZZLING TELEGRAM 179 - - XXI. BEGINNING THE SEARCH 188 - - XXII. IN DANGER OF COLLISION 197 - - XXIII. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS 206 - - XXIV. ON THE TRAIL OF THE BACKHANDERS 215 - - XXV. A FALSE CLUE 224 - - XXVI. THE SEARCH RENEWED 233 - - XXVII. BOHUNKUS AT THE LEVERS 242 - - XXVIII. FIRED ON BY THE KIDNAPPERS 251 - - XXIX. RETRIBUTION 260 - - XXX. THE RESCUE 269 - - XXXI. LYNCH LAW 278 - - XXXII. MYSTERIES ARE EXPLAINED 288 - - XXXIII. WHERE IS BOHUNKUS? 297 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - - -------------- - - THE BIPLANE FORGED BRAVELY AHEAD _Frontispiece_ - - PAGE - - A FANLIKE STREAM OF LIGHT SHOT OUT 64 - - IN THE CENTER STOOD A LOG CABIN 194 - - THE BOMB HAD EXPLODED WITH TERRIFIC 262 - FORCE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - The Flying Boys - in the Sky. - - -------------- - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - LEARNING TO FLY. - - -One mild summer morning in 1910, Ostrom Sperbeck, a professional -aviator, stood on the edge of a broad meadow belonging to the merchant, -Gabriel Hamilton, closely watching the actions of Harvey Hamilton, the -seventeen-year-old son of his friend, to whom the lithe, smooth-faced -German was giving his first lessons in flying an aeroplane. - -It was on the return voyage from Naples to New York of the Italian -steamer _Duca degli Abruzzi_, that Mr. Hamilton and his boy made the -acquaintance of the genial foreigner, who was on his way to the United -States to take part as a competitor in several of the advertised meets -in different parts of the country. The acquaintance thus begun ripened -into a strong friendship and the Professor became the guest of the -merchant, who was a commuter between his country residence and the -metropolis. - -The youth, like thousands of American boys, was keenly interested in the -art of flying in the air, and the Professor was glad to undertake to -give him instruction. The two went by train to Garden City, Long Island, -where the elder found his new Farman biplane awaiting his arrival. -Harvey mounted to the aluminum seat in front of the gasoline tank and -engine, while his conductor placed himself a little below him in front, -where his limbs had free play. The machine was pointed to the southwest -and Harvey enjoyed to the full his first ride above the earth. His -attention was divided between the wonderful moving panorama below and -studying every action of the expert, who was as much at home on his -elevated perch as when seated in the smoking room of the _Duca degli -Abruzzi_, chatting with his friends. He noted the movements of the feet -which controlled the vertical rudder at the rear, and the lever beside -which the Professor sat and elevated or depressed the horizontal rudder -on the outrigger in front, thus directing the ascent and descent of the -machine. - -A thrilling surprise awaited Harvey when, after two stops on the way for -renewing the gasoline and oil, they reached the merchant’s home. -Professor Sperbeck wished to make a preliminary tour through the country -which he had now visited for the first time, and he left his order at -Garden City for the construction of a new biplane. The one that had been -finished was sold to Mr. Hamilton, who made a birthday present of it to -his son, it being a question as to who was the more pleased, Harvey or -his parent. - -Omitting other preliminaries for the present, let us return to the -smooth, sloping meadow where under the eye of the German expert, the -young aviator was receiving his first instruction in the fascinating -diversion. - -“I know that you did not let an action of mine elude you,” said the -Professor, “and you feel that you understand pretty much all.” - -Standing by the biplane, the smiling Harvey nodded his head. - -“I have a dim suspicion in that direction.” - -“You can never make yourself an aviator without self-confidence, but you -may have too much of it. In that case you become reckless and bad -results are certain to follow. Nor can you learn by simply observing the -conduct of another. You have a motto in your country about experience.” - -“It is Benjamin Franklin’s,—‘Experience keeps a dear school but fools -will learn in no other,’” said Harvey, atremble with eagerness. - -“Quite true; well, if you please, you may seat yourself.” - -The lad stepped forward and sat down, his feet resting on the cross -lever below, while he grasped the upright control lever on his right. - -“Suppose you wish to leave the ground and mount into the air?” - -“I pull this lever back; the motion turns up the horizontal rudder out -there in front and the auxiliary elevating rudder in the rear; when I -have gone as high as I wish, I hold the rudder level, and when I wish to -descend, I dip it downward.” - -“Nothing could be more simple; and when you desire to change your -direction to the right or left?” - -“I work this lever with my feet, as we do in tobogganing.” - -“You have two smaller levers on the left.” - -“They control the spark and throttle.” - -“We won’t enter further into the construction of the machine at present. -I am sure you were born to be a successful aviator.” - -The quiet assurance of these words vastly strengthened the confidence of -Harvey Hamilton. He knew the Professor believed what he said, and who -could be more capable of correct judgment? Then, as if fearing he had -infused too much courage into the youth, the instructor added: - -“So far everything seems easy and simple. We were fortunate on our way -here, in having the most favorable weather conditions, but you are sure -sooner or later to run into complex conditions. Columns of cold air are -forever pressing downward and warm ones pushing upward. This constant -conflict creates air holes and all sorts of twists and gyrations that -play the mischief with aviators, unless they know all about them. - -“You have seated yourself, but don’t try to start till I give the word. -I wish first to put you through a little drill. I shall call certain -conditions and you must do the right thing on the instant. Are you -ready?” - -“Fire away,” replied Harvey, on edge in his expectancy. - -“Ascend!” - -Like a flash the youth pulled the control lever back. - -“Too far; lessen the angle.” - -He promptly obeyed. - -“Volplane!” - -Harvey pushed the lever forward, but not too far. - -“Quite well; go to the right.” - -The youth started to shift the rear rudder with his feet and smiled. - -“That is hard work.” - -“Why?” - -“Because of the gyroscopic action of the propeller; it is much better to -turn to the left, though I suppose one can manage a long turn to the -right.” - -“The Wright brothers have no trouble in swinging that way.” - -“Because they use two propellers, revolving in opposite directions, thus -neutralizing that gyroscope business.” - -“You are tipping to the left!” shouted the Professor. - -On the instant the aviator swung the control lever to the right. - -“You are caught in a fierce tempest.” - -Since Harvey could not well make the right evolution he replied: - -“I should dive into it.” - -“That’s right; never run away from a maelstrom. I suppose you feel -competent to make a voyage through the air?” - -“I don’t see why I cannot,” replied Harvey; “I studied everything you -did on our way from Garden City and I think I know what to do in any -emergency.” - -“Admitting that that is possible—which it isn’t—it is all-important that -before you leave the earth you should get acquainted with your machine.” - -“Ask me about its parts and see whether I am not.” - -“That isn’t what I mean; you got that information from the answers to my -inquiries at the factory at Garden City, which I asked for your benefit. -You must be as familiar with the aeroplane as with your pony which you -have ridden for years and feel as much at home in your seat as if you -had occupied it for months. It will take time to acquire that -knowledge.” - -“I am at home now,” replied Harvey, who could not help thinking his -friend was over-cautious. - -“Your danger is of having too much self-confidence. Remember and do -exactly what I tell you to do and nothing else.” - -The pupil assured his instructor of the strictest obedience. - -“Very well.” - -The Professor stepped to the rear, grasped a blade of the propeller and -gave it a vigorous swing. That set the motor going with its deafening -racket, but it was so throttled that the machine stood still for a -minute or two, Sperbeck holding back all he could with one hand until -the pressure became too great to resist. Then the aeroplane began moving -forward, with fast increasing speed. When it had traveled a hundred -yards, Harvey grasped the lever ready to point the front rudder upward -upon receiving the order from the Professor. The noise of the motor -would have drowned the loudest voice, and the youth kept glancing around -for the expected signal. But it was not made. Instead, the Professor -motioned with one hand for him to circle to the left. Harvey was -disappointed but did not hesitate for an instant. He came lumbering and -lurching over the sward, and, shutting off the motor, halted a few paces -in front of his instructor, who had lighted a cigarette. - -“It is best to cut grass for two or three days,” explained the teacher. - -“It surely will not take that long,” replied Harvey in dismay. - -“I trust not, but no ascent will be attempted to-day.” - -Harvey forced himself to smile, though he made a comical grimace. - -“Put me through the paces; I’m bound to learn this business or break a -trace.” - -Several spectators had gathered on the edge of the field and were -watching the actions of the two with the aeroplane. They would have come -nearer had not Harvey warned them by a gesture not to do so. He did not -mind their enjoying the sight, for they could do that when a little way -off as well as if closer, but they were likely to get in his way, and -hinder matters. - -Again and again the biplane went awkwardly forward on its three small -wheels with their rubber tires. The field contained ten or twelve acres, -thus giving plenty of space for maneuvering. Once he came within a hair -of running into the fence, because as it seemed to him the machine did -not respond with its usual promptness, but he showed rapid improvement -and the Professor complimented him on his success. - -“I’m playing the part of a navigator of a prairie schooner,” said the -youth, “though they are drawn by animals instead of being propelled by -wind. I suppose, Professor, that before the summer is over you will let -me try my wings?” - -“That depends upon how well you get on with your first lessons.” - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - BOHUNKUS JOHNSON. - - -Suddenly a shout came from the edge of the field, and a negro lad -vaulted over the fence and ran toward the couple. As he drew near he -called: - -“Why didn’t yo’ tole me ’bout dis, Harv?” - -“I did call at your house for you, but Mr. Hartley said you were -asleep.” - -“What ob dat? Why didn’t yo’ frow a brick fru de winder and woke me up? -Gee! What hab yo’ been trying to do, Harv?” - -The newcomer was about the same age as Harvey Hamilton, but taller, -broader and larger every way. He was the “bound boy” of a neighbor and -had been a playmate of the white youth from early childhood. He was as -much interested in aviation as Harvey, and had been trying to build an -air machine for himself, or rather helping his friend to construct one, -but their failure was so discouraging that they gave it up. What was the -sense of attempting such a task when Mr. Hamilton stepped in and bought -one of the best of aeroplanes for his son? - -Professor Sperbeck had met Bohunkus Johnson, being first attracted by -his odd name and then by the willingness and good nature of the colored -youth. Bunk, as he was generally called by his acquaintances, was much -disappointed because he had not been present earlier, but no one was to -blame except himself. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he walked about -the aeroplane, which he had admired upon its arrival, inspecting and -trying to understand its workings. - -“Hab yo’ flowed?” he asked, abruptly halting and looking at Harvey who -retained his seat. - -“Not yet.” - -“Why doan’ yo’ do so? What’s de use ob fooling round here?” - -“Professor Sperbeck thinks I should learn more before leaving the -ground. How would you like to try your hand?” - -Bohunkus took off his cap and scratched his head. - -“I guess I’ll watch yo’ frow flipflaps awhile.” - -Harvey turned to the Professor, who shook his head. - -“You don’t wish to smash the biplane so soon. You will have enough -tumbles without his help. If you are ready you may try it again.” - -By this time Harvey had become somewhat accustomed to the sensitiveness -of the machine. It required slighter movements of the lever than he had -supposed and the response was sometimes quicker than he expected. He -understood what his instructor meant by insisting that an aviator should -become familiar with his machine. - -Bohunkus was asked to hold the rear of the aeroplane until the revolving -propeller acquired more velocity. The dusky youth buried his heels in -the dirt and held the framework with might and main. The pull rapidly -increased, while he put forth all his strength, which was considerable. -The Professor gave no help, but trying to keep his face straight, -watched things. Despite all he could do, Bunk was compelled to yield a -few inches. He still resisted desperately, but while he could not add to -his power, the uproarious motor fast did so. Suddenly it made a bound -forward, and Bunk sprawled on his face, with his cap flying off. His -hold had slipped and the machine shot forward with a speed far greater -than any one of the three could have reached. - -“Hang de ole thing!” exclaimed Bunk, climbing to his feet and brushing -the dust from his clothes; “what’s de use ob it yanking a feller like -dat?” - -The roaring motor was too near for either of his friends to understand -his words, but it was easy to imagine their substance. - -When Harvey had completed his circuit of the field, Bunk asked that he -might try his hand. He certainly was not lacking in assurance, but the -Professor would not consent. - -“You might do well, but the chances are you would not. You will get your -chance after a time. You may ride with Harvey if you wish.” - -With some hesitation, Bunk climbed into the seat behind his friend. - -“Am yo’ gwine to go up?” he asked. - -“Not at present. Why do you wish to know?” - -“So I can jump if yo’ don’t manage things right.” - -He grasped one of the supports on either side and braced himself. -Naturally he was timid, but it did not seem to him there could be much -danger so long as they remained on the ground. Half way round the field, -his self-confidence returned, and his dark face was lighted with a broad -grin as the machine came to a stop near where the Professor was waiting. - -“Why can’t yo’ fly fru de air by staying on de ground?” was the next -bright question of Bohunkus; “dat would be as nice as habin’ Christmas -come on de fourth ob July, so yo’ could slide down hill barefoot.” - -“Suppose I relieve you for awhile,” suggested the instructor. Harvey -sprang to the ground and Mr. Sperbeck took his place, indicating, when -Bohunkus started to leave his seat, that he should remain. - -A few minutes later, the negro received the shock of his life. The -Professor allowed the aeroplane to rush over the ground until its speed -must have been forty miles an hour. Then he pulled back the lever and it -instantly began mounting into the air. Bohunkus did not comprehend what -was going on until he was fifty feet aloft and still ascending. - -He threw his head to one side and stared at the ground, which appeared -to be rushing away from him with dizzying swiftness. For an instant he -meditated leaping overboard and catching the earth before it got beyond -his reach. He partly rose to his feet, but the distance was too great. -He called to the Professor: - -“Stop! I doan’ feel well; let me git down. What’s de use ob such -foolishness?” - -But there was too much uproar for the aviator to hear, and had he caught -the words he would have given no attention. Bohunkus in his affright -glanced across the field to where Harvey Hamilton was standing with his -gaze on the machine. Harvey waved his hand and the simple act did much -to bring back the courage of the negro. - -“I guess I can stand it as well as him,” was his reflection; “so go -ahead.” - -The course of Professor Sperbeck might well give the youth a calmness -which he could not have felt in other circumstances. He skimmed several -miles over the country, rising five or six hundred feet in the air, and -attaining a velocity of fifty miles an hour. He had been pleased with -the aeroplane on the ride from Garden City, and was still more pleased -upon trying it out again. It seemed to have gained a steadiness and -sureness which it lacked before. - -As has been said, the real test of an aviator’s skill is not in sailing -through the air where all is tranquil, but in starting and in landing. -Professor Sperbeck had left the ground without the least difficulty and -he now came down with the grace and lightness of a bird. - -In the afternoon Harvey Hamilton resumed his lessons, the instructor -complimenting his proficiency. - -“If the conditions are favorable to-morrow, we shall leave the ground -with you at the helm,” he assured his pupil, when they gave over the -attempts for the day. At the side of the field nearest the house, Mr. -Hamilton had had a hangar built into which the aeroplane was run and the -door carefully locked. It was natural that the neighbors should show -much curiosity in the contrivance, and there was no saying what mischief -they might do. Bohunkus felt so much concern on this point that he came -over to his friend’s home after the evening meal and joined them on the -porch, where Mr. Hamilton was also seated. - -“I think,” said Bunk, “that we hadn’t oughter leave dat airyplane by -itself.” - -“We haven’t,” replied Harvey; “the building is strong and the door -locked.” - -“But some folks mought bust off de lock and run off wid it; some ob dem -people am mighty jealous ob me and yo’, Harv.” - -“They are all good friends of ours,” remarked the merchant; “I’m sure -nothing is to be feared from them.” - -“I hopes not, but I feels oneasy.” - -“What would you suggest?” - -“Dat some one keeps watch all night.” - -“Suppose you do it?” - -“I’ll take my turn wid Harv.” - -“Very well; when the night is a little farther along, Bunk, you may go -out there and stand guard till say about midnight; then come to the -house and wake up Harvey, and he will take his turn at playing -sentinel.” - -“That soots me,” Bunk was quick to say, knowing it would be much easier -to keep awake during the first half of the night. So, while the others -chatted as the evening wore on, the colored youth rose, yawned, -stretched his arms and announced that he would go to his home not far -off, tell Mr. Hartley and his wife of the arrangement and then assume -his duties at the hangar. - -Although he saw no call for all this extra care, Harvey was quite -willing to divide the duty with his colored friend, but he meant that -Bunk should come to the house and rouse him, for he could not be -expected to stay awake. However, the young aviator dreamed so much of -flying through the air, and was so absorbed with the entrancing scheme, -that he was the first one to wake in his home. He sprang out of bed, as -the sun was creeping up the horizon, and lost no time in hurrying out to -the hangar to learn why Bohunkus had not called him, though he held a -strong suspicion of the real reason. - -As Harvey sped around the corner of the low, flat structure, the first -object upon which his eyes rested was Bohunkus, stretched out on his -back, his mouth open, and breathing loudly, as no doubt he had been -doing through most of the night. Harvey left him lying where he was, and -rejoined his folks with the story of what he had seen. - -An hour later, Professor Sperbeck, accompanied by the merchant and -Harvey, walked to the hangar to resume the instruction of the previous -day. In the interval, Bohunkus had awakened and gone for his breakfast. -He said nothing of his remissness and his friends did not refer to it, -since they had more serious matters to hold their attention. - -Mr. Hamilton was much pleased with the proficiency shown by his son, but -did not stay long, since important business called him to the city. The -day was a busy one for the young aviator, who was allowed to make a -flight in the afternoon with the watchful Professor seated behind him. -He had very few suggestions to make. - -When Harvey came down to earth, he bumped rather energetically, but no -harm was done, and on the third trial no criticism was made. Two more -days were spent in practice and then the instructor said: - -“You are prepared to make as long a voyage through the air as you wish, -and without any assistance from me.” - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - THE AEROPLANE IN A RACE. - - -The barograph showed that the aeroplane was more than nine hundred feet -above the earth and the anemometer, or small wind wheel, indicated that -the speed was forty-odd miles an hour, with the propeller making a -thousand revolutions a minute. It was capable of increasing that rate by -twenty per cent. and the aviator was gradually forcing it to do so. - -The youth who sat in front, with the long control lever in his right -hand, was our friend Harvey Hamilton, who, under the instruction of -Professor Ostrom Sperbeck, the German aviator, had become so expert that -he felt equal to any emergency that was likely to occur during his -aerial excursions. The small levers on his left, governed as we remember -the spark and throttle, while the vertical rudders were operated by the -feet. So long as the heavens remained calm or only moderate breezes were -encountered, everything would go as smoothly as if he were treading firm -ground, but there was no saying what troubles were likely to arise,—some -of them with the suddenness of a bolt from the blue. - -Harvey had his back to the tank, which held ten gallons of gasoline, or -petrol as it is called on the other side of the ocean, and two gallons -of oil, one being as indispensable as the other. - -In the aluminum seat just in front of the tank was Harvey’s passenger, -the support being adjustable and capable of carrying two persons without -threatening the center of gravity, provided care was used. This -passenger has already been introduced to you under the name of Bohunkus -Johnson, who was the bound boy of a neighboring farmer, Mr. Cecil -Hartley. He was a favorite with his easy-going master, who sent him to -the district school during winter and let him do about as he pleased at -other times. He had picked up the simplest rudiments of a primary -education and with the expenditure of a good deal of labor could write, -though he scorned to pay any attention to so unimportant a matter as -spelling. - -Bunk and Harvey being of the same age, were playmates from earliest -childhood. The fact that they were of different races had no effect upon -their mutual regard. Being the son of a wealthy merchant, the white -youth was able to do many favors for his dusky comrade, who, bigger and -stronger, would have risked his life at any time for him. - -Although this particular flight was made on a sultry summer afternoon, -each lad wore thick clothing and a cap specially made for aviators, as a -protection against wind and cold. The first intention of Harvey was to -climb high enough in the sky to establish a record for himself that -would make all other rivals green with envy. - -But not yet. There was too much fascination in coddling to the earth, -where the wonderful varied panorama was ever changing, and always of -entrancing novelty and beauty. - -Bohunkus having little to do except use his eyes enjoyed the visual -feast to the full. At the beginning he studied the action of Harvey, -seated at his feet, having in view that thrilling hour when he would be -permitted to handle the levers and guide the airship through space -himself. - -“I can do it as well as him,” he said to himself; “de machine sets on -its three little wheels wid dere rubber tires, and de propeller am -started so fast dat yo’ can’t see de paddles spin round; den dem dat am -holding de same lets go and it runs ’bout fifty yards, like lightnin’; -den Harvey pulls de big lever back and dat flat rudder out front am -turned upward and de ting springs into de air like a scared bird and -dere yo’ am!” - -As Bohunkus sat he grasped a bit of the framework on his right and a -corresponding support on his left. This was not always necessary, for it -was smooth sailing, but, as has been intimated, there was no saying when -a sudden squall or invisible pocket or hole in the wind would shake -things up, and force one to hold on for dear life. He leaned slightly -forward and looked down at the world sweeping under him. They were -skimming over a village, numbering barely a score of buildings, the only -noticeable one being the white church with its tapering spire pointing -toward the realm to which erring men were directed. Just beyond the -dusty winding road disappeared into a wood a mile in extent, emerging on -the other side and weaving through the open country until it could no -longer be traced. - -The river far to the left suggested a ribbon of silver, so small that -several tiny sails creeping over it appeared to be standing still. To -the right and front a large city was coming into clearer view. The -spires, skyscrapers and tall buildings were a vast jumble in which he -could identify nothing. He did not attempt even to guess the name of the -place. - -A railway train was just leaving the village below them on its way to -the city in the distance. The youths saw the white puff of steam from -the whistle, which signalled its starting, and the black belchings of -smoke came faster and faster as the engine rapidly gained headway. -Harvey slightly advanced the lever and the aeroplane began descending a -little way in front of the train. The contestants in this novel race -should be nearer each other to prevent any mistake and make the contest -more exhilarating. - -Two hundred feet from the ground, Harvey pulled back the lever and the -flat rudder on the front outrigger became horizontal. The downward dip -of the machine ceased and with a graceful curve glided forward on a -level course. No professional could have executed the maneuver with more -precision. Harvey during these few moments decreased the revolutions of -the propeller so as not to draw away from the locomotive. The race -should be a fair one, even if the result was not in doubt. - -This lagging caused the biplane to fall somewhat to the rear and gave -the train time to hit up its pace. The engineer and fireman had caught -sight of the machine some minutes before, and eagerly accepted the -challenge. Both were leaning out of the cab windows and the engineer -waved his hand at the contestant aloft. The fireman swung his greasy cap -and shouted something which of course the youths were unable to catch. -The passengers had learned what was in the wind, and crowded the -platforms and thrust their heads from the windows, all saluting the -aviator and intensely interested in the struggle for mastery. - -Harvey was too occupied with the machine to give much attention to -anything else. He knew he could rely upon Bohunkus for all that was due -in that line. The dusky youth was so wrought up that he came startlingly -near unseating himself more than once. He leaned far over, circled his -cap about his head and shouted and whooped and kicked out his feet with -delight. The laughing passengers who stared into the sky, saw the black -face with its dancing eyes, bisected by an enormous grin, which -displayed the rows of perfect even teeth, and all learned what a -perfectly happy African looks like. - -Jim Halpine, the engineer, said grimly to his fireman: - -“I’ve heard about their flying faster than anything can travel over the -ground, but I’ll teach that fellow a lesson. Old 39 can make a mile a -minute as easy as rolling off a log; watch me walk away from him.” - -He “linked her up” by drawing the reversing lever back until it stood -nearly on the center and dropped the catch in place. Then the puffs came -faster and faster, and not so loud, and 39 rapidly rose to her best -pace. Having done all he could in that direction, Jim kept his left hand -on the throttle lever, and divided his attention between peering out at -the track in front and glancing upward at the curious contrivance that -was coursing through the air just above him. The fact that it was -creeping up caused no misgiving, for that was manifestly due to the fact -that he himself had not yet acquired full headway. - -Harvey meant to get all the fun possible out of the race. He was certain -he could beat the engine, but to do so “off the reel” would spoil the -enjoyment. He would dally for a time and when defeat seemed impending, -would dart ahead—always provided he should be able to do so. - -The locomotive had a straight away run of seven or eight miles, when it -would have to slow down for the city it was approaching. The race -therefore must be decided within the next ten minutes. - -Harvey Hamilton played his part well. The engine and train being -directly under him, his view of them was perfect without detracting from -the necessary attention to his biplane. He was just behind the last car -when he knew from the appearance of things that the engineer had struck -his highest pace. The youth speeded up the motor so as slightly to add -to the propeller’s revolutions, but he showed no gain in swiftness. He -was only holding his place. - -The shouting passengers shouted still more, if that could be possible, -and called all sorts of tantalizing cries: - -“Throw down your rope and we’ll give you a tow.” “Get out and run -alongside of us!” “You ain’t racing with a cow.” “We’re going some!” - -Such and similar were the good-natured taunts, which produced no effect -upon the aviators for they did not hear them. The most exasperating -gesture was that of Jim Halpine the engineer, who leaned far out of his -cab and gently beckoned to the youths to come forward and keep him -company. The fireman stood between the cab and tender and imitated his -chief. - -Harvey Hamilton seemed to see and hear them not. Bending far over with -the lever grasped, he acted as if trying to add to his speed by the -pose, as a person in his situation will sometimes do unconsciously. His -face was drawn, as if with tense anxiety, and there was not the shadow -of a smile upon it. All the same he was chuckling inwardly. - -Bohunkus Johnson was almost beside himself. At first he did not doubt -that a crushing triumph would speedily come to him and his companion, -but as the seconds flew by and there was no gain upon the train -thundering over the rails, a pang of doubt crept over him. - -“Go it, Harv! Put on more steam! What’s de matter wid yo’?” he shouted, -swinging his arms and hitching forward as if to add an impulse to their -progress. “If yo’ lose dis race I’ll jump overboard and swim to land. -Dem folks see me blushing now!” - -Less than a minute later, the African shouted to unhearing ears: - -“Glory be! Dat’s de talk! Now we’ve got ’em!” - -The aeroplane was overtaking the train. Though the gain was slow it was -unmistakable. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - TRYING FOR ALTITUDE. - - -Ah, but Harvey Hamilton was sly. He began slowly creeping up until his -machine was directly over the rear passenger coach, there being three -beside the express car. Had he dropped a stone from his perch, it would -have fallen upon the roof of the last one. The exultant expression on -the myriad of faces took on a tint of anxiety. The fireman yanked open -the door of the fire-box and shoveled in coal. No need of that, for 39 -was already blowing off, even when running at so high speed. Jim Halpine -had drawn over the long reversing lever till it stood within a few -inches of perpendicular and another shift would have choked the engine. - -The young aviator held his place for a brief while and then began -gradually drifting back again. Bohunkus Johnson groaned. - -“Confound it! what’s de use ob trying to be good?” he wailed; “dem folks -will grin dere heads off. Harv! make tings hum!” - -Heedless of him, Harvey was carrying out his own scheme. He saw that the -game was his and he was playing with the locomotive. When gaining on it, -the airship was not doing its best, and his slight retrogression was in -order to make his victory more impressive. Each contestant was going -fully sixty miles an hour. No. 39 could do no more, but the aeroplane -had not yet extended herself. She now proceeded to do so, inasmuch as in -the circumstances the struggle must soon terminate. - -Having dropped well to the rear again, Harvey called upon the motor to -do its best. Its humming took on the character of a musical tone, and -the propeller spun around, twelve hundred revolutions to the minute. The -keenest eye could detect nothing of the ends of the blades, and only -faintly discern them nearer the shaft, as if they were so much mist. - -And then the biplane forged bravely ahead. She moved steadily along over -the roofs of the cars, one after the other, and pulled away from the -engine whose ponderous drivers appeared to be spinning around with the -dizzying swiftness of the propeller overhead. Jim Halpine was utilizing -every ounce of power, but could do no more, for he was already doing his -best. It humiliated him to be thus left behind, but there was no help -for it. In his chagrin he tried a little trick which deceived no one, -not even the two victors. Pretending he detected something amiss on the -rails, he emitted a couple of blasts from his whistle and shut off -steam. It looked as if he was actuated by prudence, but the obstruction -was imaginary. - -Most of the passengers like true sportsmen cheered the winner. Even the -grinning fireman circled his cap again about his tousled head, but the -engineer was glum and acted as if the only thing in the world of -interest to him was the rails stretching away in front. What did he care -for airships bobbing overhead? They were only toys and could never -amount to anything in the economy of life. - -As for Bohunkus Johnson he could not contain himself. Harvey remained as -calm as a veteran, and gave no attention to anything except his machine, -but his companion stood up in the hurricane at the imminent risk of -playing the mischief with the aeroplane’s center of gravity, waved his -cap and furiously beckoned the engineer not to lag behind. His thick -lips could be seen contorting themselves and evidently he was saying -something. Had the laughing passengers been able to catch his -words—which they were not—they would have heard something like the -following: - -“Why doan’ yo’ trabel? Yo’s only walking; we ain’t half trying; can’t -yo’ put on more steam and make us show what we can do? I’m plum -disgusted wid yo’.” - -Harvey Hamilton did not speak. He was “letting out” the machine. He -meant to learn what it could do. When several hundred yards ahead of the -train, he lifted the lip of the rudder in front, and the structure -glided upward until he was a quarter of a mile above the earth. Even -then Bohunkus behaved so extravagantly that the aviator turned his head -and motioned to him to cease. - -“Can’t doot, Harv! My mouf am so wide open dat it’ll take me a good -while to bring my jaws togeder agin, and I’m ready to tumble out head -fust.” - -By and by the colored youth toned down enough to resume his seat and -check his explosions of delight, though he looked around and waved his -hand several times at the train which was now so far to the rear that -his action was not understood. - -“Gee! but it’s getting cold!” he exclaimed some minutes later, with a -shiver. He buttoned his thick coat to the chin, donned his mittens, and -wondered what it all meant. He had never understood, though he had been -told more than once, that temperature decreases with increasing -altitude. He had objected to donning such thick garments when about to -start on their flight, but Harvey was the boss and insisted. - -Bohunkus’s next surprise came when he looked between his feet. They were -directly over the city noticed some time before, but the buildings were -shrunken and mixed together in a way that even he understood. - -The anemometer suspended at the side of Harvey Hamilton showed that the -aeroplane was coursing through the air at the rate of not quite a mile a -minute. With the low temperature caused by the altitude, the wind -created in the still atmosphere cut the faces of the two like a knife, -and even penetrated their thick clothing. Bohunkus turned up his coat -collar, and drew his cap over his ears, but his feet ached. He hoped the -aviator would soon strike milder weather, though the colored youth did -not know whether it was to be sought for above or below. - -“If it gits colder as yo’ go up,” he reflected between his chattering -teeth, “it must be orful cold when yo’ reach heben; I remember now dat I -was tole something ’bout dat, but I thought dey was fooling me.” - -The front rudder still sloped upward, and Harvey showed no intention of -dropping lower or even of maintaining the level already reached. He and -his companion had started on a week or ten days’ outing, and it struck -him that now was as good a time as he was likely to have for making a -notable record. - -So the propeller kept humming and they continued to climb. A glance at -the barograph by his side showed that he had reached five thousand feet; -to this he added another thousand, then another, and he felt a thrill -when the indicator made known he was close to nine thousand. - -Although, as you may know, several aviators have mounted almost two -miles, none had done so at the time of which I am now speaking. Harvey -was near the limit, and he had but to persevere a little longer to -achieve a grand triumph. But the cold was becoming almost unbearable. In -the hope of moderating the piercing chill, he lessened his speed, but -was not sensible of much improvement. - -His unremitting attention was not needed and he turned his head and -looked at Bohunkus. The sight made him laugh. The negro had not only -drawn his upturned collar about his ears, with his cap sunk low over -them, and his mittened hands shoved into his pockets, but he had shrunk -within himself to that degree that only his staring eyes and the tip of -his nose were visible. He was hunched together, and gave one of the best -imitations imaginable of a young man freezing to death. - -“I know his race doesn’t like cold weather, but it won’t hurt him,” -reflected Harvey with another look at his barograph. To his -astonishment, he had made no perceptible gain during the last several -minutes. He turned on full power and kept the forward rudder inclined -upward. He waited awhile before examining the instrument again. So far -as it could indicate he was not a foot higher than before. - -He was mystified. What could it mean? With the propeller revolving more -than a thousand times a minute, he ought to have risen a half mile -higher. - -“I never heard of anything like it; the explanation is beyond me.” - -With a thrill of misgiving, he glanced at the different parts of the -machine. There were the two slightly curving wings, measuring -thirty-five feet from tip to tip; the horizontal rudder on the front -outrigger responded easily to the levers, as he proved by test; the -ailerons or wing tips, one above the other, worked simultaneously and -with the same ease; the ash which formed the foundation of the engine, -the whitewood of the ribs, and the sprucewood of most of the structure, -all scraped and highly varnished, did not show the least flaw. The -rigidity which is indispensable in the framework was maintained -throughout. The rubberized linen covering of the wings was taut and as -smooth as silk, and the eye could not detect the slightest wire or thing -out of gear. - -“Professor Sperbeck never told me anything of this, though if he were -here, he would understand it. I wonder whether we have climbed any -farther.” - -Another inspection of the instrument failed to show that the biplane had -ascended an inch. - -“Can it be that our height has anything to do with it——” - -Harvey Hamilton uttered an exclamation. The mystery was solved. The -aeroplane had risen so high that the rarefied air refused to lift it -farther. The propeller was whirling at its utmost velocity, but the -cold, thin atmosphere could sustain no more. It was impossible, situated -as he was, to go any higher. - -“If Bohunkus wasn’t with me, I could rise a half mile or more, but -there’s no use of trying it now. Some time I’ll do it alone.” - -The limit marked was a trifle under nine thousand feet. It was a notable -exploit, but, as we know, it has been surpassed by other aeroplanes, and -more than doubled by aeronauts. - -Another fact flashed upon Harvey: it was two hours since he and his -companion had started on the flight that was destined to be a memorable -one, and they were a hundred miles from home. There could be only a -small amount of gasoline left in the tank, and it would be impossible to -return without procuring more. Prudence urged that he should lose no -time in doing so. He slowly advanced the control lever, the front rudder -dipped downward and he began approaching the earth. Some minutes must -pass before they should feel the pleasant change of temperature, but it -could not be long delayed. - -In the midst of his pleasant anticipations, Harvey was startled by a -shriek from Bohunkus: - -“We’s gone, Harv!” he shouted; “nuffin can sabe us!” - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - A WOODLAND EXPERT. - - -The aeroplane was caught in a furious snow squall. While descending it -ran into the swirling tumult which in an instant enveloped it like a -blanket, the myriads of particles filling the air so thickly that the -terrified Bohunkus could not see the ailerons and even the aviator was -partly shrouded from sight. Harvey Hamilton was faintly visible as he -leaned over and manipulated the levers. Not only was the snow -everywhere, but the machine itself was rocking like a ship laboring in a -storm. It tipped so fearfully that the negro believed it was about to -capsize and tumble them out. He shrieked in his terror, and held fast -for life. - -Harvey paid no heed to him. He had enough to engage his skill and wits. -He recalled that Professor Sperbeck had told him what to do when caught -in one of those elemental outbursts. Instead of running away from it, he -headed for its center, so far as he could locate it, as the navigator -does when gripped by the typhoon of the Indian Ocean. - -Within five minutes of the aerial explosion, as it may be called, the -biplane was sailing in the same calm as before. The sun was shining low -in the sky and all was as serene as the mildest summer day that ever -soothed earth and heavens. The gust had come and gone so quickly that it -seemed like some frightful nightmare. The youths might have doubted the -evidence of their senses, but for the reminder of the snowflakes on the -wings, different parts of the machine and their clothing. They had -entered so balmy a temperature, however, that the particles soon -dissolved and left only a slight moisture behind them. - -“Wal, if dat don’t beat all creation,” mused Bohunkus; “de fust ting I -knowed I didn’t know anyting and de next dat I knowed wasn’t anyting. -Wonder if Harv seed dat yell I let out when dat rumpus hit me on de side -ob my head.” - -The aviator acted as if unaware of the dusky youth’s presence. Knowing -the gasoline was nearly gone, he centered his thoughts upon making a -landing. To his astonishment he saw an immense forest below him, many -miles in extent. This seemed remarkable in view of the fact that only a -short time before he had sailed over a large city, which could not be -far to the south. He would have turned about and made for it, knowing he -could renew his supply of fuel there, and find accommodations for -himself and companion. But the fluid was lower than he had supposed. It -would not carry him thither and he must volplane, or glide to earth, the -best he could. - -It need not be said that a stretch of woods is the worst place in the -world for an aeroplane to descend to the earth. In fact it is impossible -to land without wrecking the apparatus and endangering the lives of -those it is carrying. - -The keen eyes of the youth were scanning the ground below when to his -surprise he caught sight of a village of considerable size to the -westward. Why he had not observed it before passed his comprehension. It -was barely two miles distant and he was wondering whether he had enough -gasoline left to carry him over the woods to the broken country beyond -when he made a second and pleasing discovery. A short distance ahead an -open space in the forest showed,—one of those natural breaks that are -occasionally seen in wide stretches of wilderness. It was several acres -in extent and seemed at that altitude to be free of stumps and covered -with a sparse growth of dry grass, so level that it formed an ideal -landing place. He did not hesitate to make use of it. - -Now when an aeroplane comes down to earth, the greatest care is -necessary to avoid descending too suddenly. A violent bump is likely to -injure the small wheels beneath or the machine itself. The aviator -therefore oscillates downward somewhat after the manner of a pendulum. -When near the ground, he shifts his steering gear so that the machine -glides sideways for a little way. Then he circles about or takes a -zig-zag course, until it is safe to shut off power and alight. As our -old friend Darius Green said, the danger is not so much in rising and -sailing through the sky as it is in ’lighting. - -Harvey Hamilton displayed fine skill, seesawing back and forth until at -the right moment the three small wheels touched the ground, the machine -under the slight momentum ran forward for two or three rods, and then -came to a standstill. A perfect landing had been effected. - -“Gee, but dat’s what I call splendacious!” exclaimed Bohunkus; “it’s -jest de way I’d done it myself.” - -The aviator leaped lightly from his seat, and his companion did so more -deliberately. He yawned and stretched his arms over his head. Harvey -gave him no attention until he had examined the different parts of the -machine and found them in order. Then he looked gravely at the African -and asked: - -“Didn’t I hear you make some remark at the moment we dived into that -snow squall?” - -“P’raps yo’ did, for de weather was so funny dat it war nat’ral dat I -should indulge in some obserwation inasmuch as to de same.” - -“But why use so loud tones?” - -“Dat was necessumsary on ’count ob de prewailing disturbance ob de -atmospheric air wat was surrounding us.” - -“I’m glad to hear your explanation, but it sounded to me as if you were -scared.” - -“Me scared! Yo’ hurts my feelings, Harv; but I say, ain’t yo’ gwine to -tie de machine fast?” - -“What for?” - -“To keep it from running away.” - -“It won’t do that unless some one runs away with it; but, Bunk, we can’t -do any more flying till we get some gasoline and oil, and it doesn’t -look to me as if there is much chance of buying any in these parts.” - -“Mebbe we can git it ober dere.” - -“Where?” - -“At dat house jest behind yo’.” - -Harvey turned about and met another surprise, for on the farther edge of -the natural clearing stood a dilapidated log dwelling, with portions of -several outbuildings visible around and beyond it. - -“I must be going blind!” was his exclamation; “I came near passing this -spot without seeing it and never noticed that house.” - -But the young man was hardly just to himself. In his concentration of -attention upon a landing place, he had given heed to nothing else, and -the descent engaged his utmost care until it was finished. It was -different with his companion, who had more freedom of vision. Moreover, -the primitive structure which the aviator now saw for the first time was -so enclosed by trees that it was hardly noticeable from above. - -No fence was visible, but a small, tumble-down porch was in front of the -broad door, which was open and showed a short, dumpy woman, slovenly -dressed and filling all of the space except that which was above her -head, because of her short stature. Her husband, scrawny, -stoop-shouldered, without coat, waistcoat or necktie, wearing a straw -hat whose rim pointed straight upward at the back and almost straight -downward in front, with a yellow tuft of whiskers on his receding chin, -and a set of big projecting teeth, was slouching toward the two young -men, as if impelled by a curiosity natural in the circumstances. The -thumb of each hand was thrust behind a suspender button in front, and it -was evident that he felt some distrust until Harvey Hamilton’s genial -“Good afternoon!” greeted him. His trousers were tucked in the tops of -his thick boots, which now moved a little faster, but came to a stop -several paces off, as if the owner was still timid. - -“How’r you?” he asked with a nod, in response to Harvey’s salutation; -“what sort of thing might you be calling that? Is it an aeroplane?” - -“That’s its name; you have heard of them.” - -“I’ve read about them in the newspapers and studied pictures of the -blamed things, but yours is the first one I ever laid eyes on.” - -Despite the uncouth manner of the man, it was evident that he possessed -considerable intelligence. He stepped closer and made inquiries about -the machine, its different parts and their functions, and finally -remarked: - -“It’s coming, sure.” - -“What do you refer to?” asked Harvey. - -“The day when those things will be as common as automobiles and -bicycles. If I don’t peg out in the next ten years, I expect to own one -myself.” - -“I certainly hope so, for you will get great pleasure from it.” - -“Not to mention a broken neck or arm or leg,” he remarked with a -chuckle. “Now I suppose you call this contrivance a biplane because it -has double wings?” - -“That is the reason.” - -“And it seems to me,” he added, turning his head to one side and -squinting, “the length is a little greater from the nose of the forward -rudder to the end of the tail than between the wing tips?” - -“You are correct again; there is a difference of about two feet.” - -“The wings are curved a bit; I have read that that shape is better than -the flat form to support you in air.” - -“Experiments have proved it so.” - -“And this stuff,” he continued, touching his forefinger to the taut -covering of one of the wings, “is rubberized linen?” - -“It is with our machine, though some aviators prefer other material.” - -“Spruce seems to be the chief wood in your biplane.” - -“Because of its lightness and strength.” - -“The horizontal rudder in front must be used in ascending and descending -and the two vertical ones at the rear for steering your course. I should -judge,” he said, scrutinizing the motor, “that your engine has about -sixty-horse power.” - -“You hit it exactly; I am astonished by your knowledge.” - -“It all comes from remembering what I read. And the wing tips are the -ailerons, and the engine weighs about three hundred pounds.” - -“A trifle less, the whole weight of the aeroplane being eight hundred -pounds.” - -“Your propeller is made of black walnut, and has eight laminations, and -when under full headway revolves more than a thousand times a minute.” - -“See here,” said Harvey; “don’t say you haven’t examined aeroplanes -before.” - -“As I told you, I never saw one until now, but what’s the use of reading -anything unless you keep it in your memory? That’s my principle.” - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - WORKING FOR DINNER. - - -Further conversation justified the astonishment of Harvey Hamilton. The -countryman, who gave his name as Abisha Wharton, showed a knowledge of -aviation and heavier-than-air machines such as few amateurs possess. In -the midst of his bright remarks he abruptly checked himself. - -“What time is it?” - -Harvey glanced at the little watch on his wrist. - -“Twenty minutes of six.” - -“You two will take supper with me.” - -Bohunkus Johnson, who had been silently listening while the three were -standing, heaved an enormous sigh. - -“Dat’s what I’se been waitin’ to hear mentioned eber since we landed; -yas, we’ll take supper wid yo’; I neber was so hungry in my life.” - -“I appreciate your kindness, which I accept on condition that we pay you -or your wife for it. We have started on an outing, and that is our -rule.” - -“I didn’t have that in mind when I spoke, but if you insist on giving -the old lady a little tip, we sha’n’t quarrel; leastways I know _she_ -won’t.” - -“That is settled then. Now I should like to hire you to do me a favor. I -don’t suppose you keep gasoline in your home?” - -“Never had a drop; we use only candles and such light as the fire on the -hearth gives.” - -“How near is there a store where we can buy the stuff?” - -“I suppose Peters has it, for he sells everything from a toothpick to a -folding bed. He keeps the main store at Darbytown, two miles away. I -drive there nearly every day.” - -“Will you do so now, and buy me ten gallons of gasoline and two gallons -of cylinder oil?” - -“I don’t see why I shouldn’t; certainly I’ll do it. Do you want it right -off?” - -“Can you go to town and back before dark?” - -“My horse isn’t noted for his swiftness,” replied Abisha with a grin, -“but I can come purty nigh making it, if I start now.” - -“Dat’s a good idee; while yo’s gone, Harv and me can put ourselves -outside ob dat supper dat yo’ remarked about.” - -Harvey’s first thought was to accompany his new friend to the village, -but when he saw the rickety animal and the dilapidated wagon to which he -was soon harnessed, he forebore out of consideration for the brute. -Besides, it looked as if he was likely to fail with the task. -Accordingly, our young friend handed a five-dollar bill to his host and -repeated his instructions. Then he and Bohunkus sauntered to the rude -porch, where Mrs. Wharton came forth at the call of her husband, and was -introduced to the visitors, whose names were given by Harvey. She -promised that the evening meal should suit them and passed inside to -look after its preparation. - -The winding wagon road was well marked, and Abisha Wharton, seated in -the front of his rattling vehicle, struck his bony horse so smart a blow -that the animal broke into a loping trot, and speedily passed from sight -among the trees in the direction of Darbytown. Harvey and Bohunkus, -having nothing to hold their attention, strolled to the woodpile and sat -down on one of the small logs lying there, awaiting cutting into proper -length and size for the old-fashioned stove in the kitchen. A few -minutes later the wife came out and gathered all that was ready for use. -As she straightened up, she remarked with a sniff: - -“That Abisha Wharton is too lazy ever to cut ’nough wood to last a day; -all he keers about is to smoke his pipe, or fish, or read his papers and -books.” - -When she had gone in, Harvey said to his companion: - -“We haven’t anything to do for an hour or so; let’s make ourselves -useful.” - -“I’m agreeable,” replied Bohunkus, lifting one of the heavy pieces and -depositing it in the two X’s which formed the wood horse. The saw lay -near and was fairly sharp. The colored youth was powerful and had good -wind. He bent to work with a vigor that soon severed the piece in the -middle. He immediately picked up another to subject it to the same -process, while Harvey swung the rather dull axe and split the wood for -the stove. It was all clean white hickory, with so straight a grain that -a slight blow caused it to break apart. The work was light and Harvey -offered to relieve his companion at the saw. - -“Don’t bodder me; dis am fun; besides,” added Bohunkus, “I cac’late to -make it up when I git at de supper table; I tell yo’, Harv, yo’ll hab to -gib dat lady a big tip.” - -“I certainly shall if I wish to save her from losing on you.” - -For nearly an hour the two wrought without stopping to rest. By that -time, most of the wood was cut and heaped into a sightly pile. The odor -of the hickory was fragrant, and it made a pretty sight, besides which -we all know that it has hardly a superior for fuel, unless it be -applewood. - -By and by the woman of the house came to the door and looked at the two -boys. She was delighted, for she saw enough wood ready cut for the stove -to last her for a week at least. Bohunkus was bending over the saw horse -with one knee on the stick, while a tiny stream of grains shot out above -and below, keeping time with the motion of the implement, and Harvey -swung the axe aloft with an effect that kept the respective tasks equal. -Gazing at them for a moment, the housewife called: - -“Supper’s waiting!” - -“So am I!” replied Bohunkus, who, having a stick partly sawn in two -worked with such energy that the projecting end quickly fell to the -ground. Harvey would not allow him to leave until the pieces were split -and piled upon the others. - -“Now let us each carry in an armful.” - -They loaded themselves, and Harvey led the way into the house, where the -smiling woman directed them to the kitchen. There being no box they -dumped the wood upon the floor, then seated themselves at the table, and -she waited upon them. - -Despite her untidy appearance, Mrs. Wharton gave them an abundant and -well-cooked meal, to which it need not be said both did justice. They -were blessed with good appetites, Bohunkus especially being noted at -home for his capacity in that line. They pleased the hostess by their -compliments, but more so by their enjoyment of the meal. - -It was a mild, balmy night, and at the suggestion of the woman they -carried their stools outside and sat in front of the house and on the -edge of the clearing, to await the return of the master of the -household. Sooner than they expected, they heard the rattle of the -wheels and the sound of his voice, as he urged his tired animal onward. -It took but a few minutes for him to unfasten, water and lead him to the -stable. Then the man came forward and greeted his friends. - -“How did you make out?” asked Harvey. - -“I got what I went after, of course; the gasoline and oil are in the -wagon, and there’s about three dollars coming to you.” - -“Which you will keep,” replied Harvey. “We have finished an excellent -meal and shall wait here for you if you don’t mind.” - -“I’m agreeable to anything,” remarked the man, as he slouched inside, -where by the light of a candle he ate the evening meal with his wife. -Our friends could not help hearing what she said, for she had a sharp -voice and spoke in a high key. She berated him for his shiftlessness and -declared he ought to be ashamed to allow two strangers to saw and split -the wood which had too long awaited his attention. She made other -observations that it is not worth while to repeat, but evidently the man -was used to nagging, for it did not affect his appetite and he only -grunted now and then by way of reply or to signify that he heard. - -When Abisha brought out his chair and lighted his corncob pipe, it was -fully dark. The night was without a moon, and the sky had so clouded -that only here and there a twinkling star showed. - -“Do you ever fly at night?” asked their host. - -“We have never done so,” replied Harvey, “because there is nothing to be -gained and it is dangerous.” - -“Why dangerous?” - -“We can’t carry enough gasoline to keep us in the air more than two -hours, and it is a risky thing to land in the darkness. If I hadn’t -caught sight of this open space, it would have gone hard with us even -when the sun was shining.” - -“It’s a wonderful discovery,” repeated Wharton, as if speaking with -himself, “but a lot of improvements will have to be made. One of them is -to carry more gasoline or find some stuff that will serve better. How -long has anyone been able to sail with an aeroplane without landing?” - -“I believe the record is something like five hours.” - -“In two or three years or less time, they will keep aloft for a day or -more. They’ll have to do it in order to cross the Atlantic.” - -“There is little prospect of ever doing that.” - -“Wellman tried it in a balloon, but was not able to make more than a -start.” - -“I agree with you that the day is not distant when the Atlantic will be -crossed as regularly by heavier-than-air machines as it is by the -_Mauretania_ and _Lusitania_, but in the meantime we have got to make -many improvements; that of carrying enough fuel being the most -important.” - -At this point Bohunkus felt that an observation was due from him. - -“Humph! it’s easy ’nough to fix dat.” - -“How?” - -“Hab reg’lar gasumline stations all de way ’cross de ocean, so dat -anyone can stop and load up when he wants to.” - -“How would you keep the stations in place?” gravely inquired Wharton. - -“Anchor ’em, ob course.” - -“But the ocean is several miles in depth in many portions.” - -“What ob dat? Can’t you make chains or ropes dat long? Seems to me some -folks is mighty dumb.” - -“I’ve noticed that myself,” remarked the host without a smile. Failing -to catch the drift of his comment, Bohunkus held his peace for the next -few minutes, but in the middle of a remark by his companion, he suddenly -leaped to his feet with the gasping question: - -“What’s dat?” - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - THE DRAGON OF THE SKIES. - - -The others had seen the same object which so startled Bohunkus. Several -hundred feet up in the air and slightly to the north, the gleam of a red -light showed. It was moving slowly in the direction of the three, all of -whom were standing and studying it with wondering curiosity. It was as -if some aerial wanderer was flourishing a danger lantern through the -realms of space. - -“What can it be?” asked Abisha Wharton in an awed voice. - -Not knowing the proper answer, Harvey Hamilton held his peace, but -Bohunkus had an explanation ready. - -“It am de comet!” he exclaimed, having in mind the celestial visitor -named in honor of Halley the astronomer, over which the world had been -stirred a short time before; “it hab broke loose and is gwine to hit de -airth; we’d better dodge.” - -And he plunged into the house, where the wife had lighted a candle and -set it on the table in the front room. The others left him to his own -devices while they kept their eyes on the mysterious visitant to the -upper world. - -They saw that the light was moving in a circle a hundred feet in -diameter, and gradually descending. Whatever connection anything else -had with it was invisible in the gloom. If the peculiar motion -continued, it must come down in the clearing where Harvey’s biplane had -settled to rest some time before. - -Suddenly a fanlike stream of light shot out from a point directly above -the crimson glow. It darted here and there, whisked over the small -plain, flitted above the treetops and then flashed into the faces of the -two persons who were standing side by side. - -“It’s another aeroplane!” cried Harvey; “it carries a searchlight and -the man is hunting a spot to land.” - -At this juncture, Bohunkus’s curiosity got the better of him. He came -timidly to the open door and peeped out. - -“Hab it struck yet?” he asked; “it’ll be mighty bad when it swipes yo’ -alongside de head. Better come in here——” - -At that instant the blinding ray hit the dusky youth in the face, and -with another gasp of affright, he dashed to the farthest corner of the -room, where he cowered in trembling expectancy. - -[Illustration: A FANLIKE STREAM OF LIGHT SHOT OUT.] - -The couple outside were too much absorbed in what they saw to give heed -to him. - -“You’re right,” said Wharton; “it’s an aeroplane and the aviator means -to alight.” - -The searchlight continued darting here and there, but the spreading glow -finally settled upon the ground near where the biplane stood silent and -motionless. - -“It is unaccountable that it makes no noise. Look!” - -The aviator now demonstrated that he was an expert in the management of -his machine. He oscillated downward, zig-zagging to the right and left, -until he gently touched the earth and the wheels running a short -distance settled to rest. The searchlight flitted toward different -points several times and then was abruptly extinguished. Harvey and -Wharton walked across the ground toward the machine. Before they reached -it, they made out the dim forms of a monoplane and a man standing beside -it. To the youth he was the tallest and slimmest person he had ever -seen. His stature must have been six and a half feet and in common -language he was as thin as a rail. He had observed the approach of the -two and silently awaited them. - -“Good evening!” saluted Harvey, who was slightly in advance of his -companion. - -“How do you do, sir?” - -The voice would have won an engagement for the owner as the basso -profundo in an opera troupe. It was like the muttering of thunder, and -as Abisha Wharton expressed it, seemed to come from his shoes. - -Since Wharton left it to his young friend to do the honors, Harvey, -pausing a few paces away, exerted himself to play the host. - -“I see that your machine is a monoplane; you seem to have it under good -control.” - -“Why shouldn’t I? I made every part of it.” - -“Even to the searchlight?” - -“Of course; is that biplane yours?” - -“It is; we landed several hours ago, having been kindly furnished a meal -and lodgings for the night. I presume you will keep us company; my -friend here, I am sure, will be glad to do what he can for you.” - -“Kerrect,” added Wharton; “you’re as welcome as the flowers in spring.” - -“Don’t you travel by night?” asked the visitor, ignoring the invitation. - -“Not when I can avoid it; it is too risky to land in the darkness.” - -“Night is the favorite period with me.” - -“But you can’t keep in the air all the time.” - -“What do you know about it, young man?” asked the other in his -sepulchral tones; “I don’t expect to make a landing till after sunrise -to-morrow.” - -“I never heard of such a thing.” - -“There are lots of things you never heard of; I built this monoplane, -without help from any one; it embodies a number of new principles, one -of which is the ability to keep in the air for twelve hours without -renewing the gasoline; I mix a certain chemical with that fluid which -increases its power tenfold; I shall not rest until it is multiplied a -hundred times.” - -“You have an invention that will make you wealthier than Carnegie or -Rockefeller.” - -“I’m not seeking wealth,” said the other sourly, as if not pleased with -the suggestion; “there are better things in life than riches.” - -“All the same, it’s mighty pleasant to have them,” replied Harvey, -nettled as much by the manner as by the words of the stranger. - -“See here,” interposed the hospitable Wharton; “we are keeping you -standing——” - -“There is no compulsion about it, sir; I am doing what pleases me best.” - -“Will you walk into my house and have something to eat? There isn’t much -style about us, but my wife will give you a good cup of coffee and some -corn bread and fried chicken.” - -“I’ll go to your house, but I’ll not eat for I’m not hungry.” - -Wharton led the way to the porch. Harvey, who was curious to learn more -of this strange individual, deftly placed his chair so that the rays -from the candle fell through the open window upon him. In obedience to -the youth’s order, Bohunkus brought out a fourth stool, so that all were -seated, the woman of the house remaining inside and attending to her -duties, as if she felt no interest in what was going on. - -The negro sat close to his companion and huskily whispered: - -“Am he de feller dat rid down on de comet?” - -“Bunk, the best thing you can do is to keep still and listen; our -conversation is likely to be above your head.” - -“Jest like de comet; all right; I ain’t saying nuffin.” - -A part of the yellow rays touched Harvey, and the stranger turned and -scrutinized him as if impelled by curiosity similar to that of the -youth. The movement revealed the visitor’s face plainly, and it may be -said it was in keeping with the impression he had already made. He wore -a motorman’s cap, and a long, linen duster, buttoned to the chin and -reaching downward to his slim tan shoes. What clothing was within this -envelope was out of sight. - -The face was long and covered with a grizzled beard that reached well -down on his breast. He had removed his buckskin gloves, crossed his -legs, and placed one of the hand coverings in his lap, while he loosely -grasped the other and idly flipped the first with it as he talked. - -But his eyes were the most striking feature of the remarkable man. They -were overhung by shaggy brows, were of a piercing black color, and -glowed as if with fire. Their startling glare caused a sudden suspicion -in the mind of Harvey Hamilton that the man was partially insane. At -least, he must be the curious individual best described by the word -“crank,” one whom much study and research had made mad. As is well -known, such a person often succeeds in hiding his affliction from his -friends, or gains the reputation of being simply eccentric. - -“What is your name and why are you here?” he abruptly asked, still -looking in the face of Harvey, who said he lived at Mootsport, something -more than a hundred miles distant. - -“I have started on an outing with my colored friend, without any -particular destination in view; when we have had enough sport, we shall -return. Who are you?” queried the youth, feeling warranted in asking a -few equally pointed questions. - -“My name is Milo Morgan; I have no special home, but stop where the -notion takes me; my business is invention, as it relates to the -aeroplane.” - -“May I ask what improvements you have made, Professor?” - -He hesitated a moment as if uncertain what to reply. - -“Not half as many as I am sure of making in the near future. The rigging -of a searchlight cannot be called an invention, for it has long been in -common use on warships and others, and all aeroplanes are supplied with -electricity. I have rigged up a wireless telegraph, so as to pick out -messages from the air; I have succeeded in compounding a fluid which as -I told you is ten times stronger than gasoline; I run without noise, and -my uplifter will carry me vertically upward, as high as I care to go.” - -“I should think you were blamed near the limit,” suggested Abisha -Wharton, profoundly interested in what the Professor was saying. - -“I have only begun; and I intend to justify the name of my monoplane.” - -“I didn’t hear it.” - -“Because I haven’t spoken it, but when you have a daylight view of my -machine you will see the name painted on the under side of the wings, -‘The Dragon of the Skies.’” - -This was said with so much solemnity that Harvey had hard work to hide -his smile. He no longer doubted that he was talking with a crank. - -“Do you mind telling me what is the great object you have in view?” - -“It is to build a machine that will keep afloat and travel at an average -speed of sixty miles an hour,—probably greater. That will enable me to -cross the Atlantic in a little more than two days and I shall have no -difficulty in sailing to Asia or Africa.” - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - THE PROFESSOR TALKS ON AVIATION. - - -The last remark of Professor Morgan threw Bohunkus Johnson into a state -of excitement. He had obeyed Harvey and remained mute during the -conversation, but he now addressed the visitor directly: - -“Did yo’ say Afriky, boss?” - -The man looked in his direction and nodded his head. - -“That’s what I said, sir.” - -“Dat’s where my fader libs.” - -Harvey felt it his duty to explain: - -“My colored friend claims to be the son of a distinguished African -chief, whom he hopes to visit some day.” - -“What is the name of the chief?” asked the Professor. - -“His given name is the same as his; the full name is Bohunkus Foozleum.” - -“I can’t say I ever heard of him,” remarked the Professor without -cracking a smile. - -“I sent him a letter a month ago, in de care ob Colonel Roosevelt and -it’s ’bout time I got an answer. I’m sure de Colonel will call on him -while he’s hunting in Afriky.” - -“Well, when my machine is perfected, I’ll take you with me and it -sha’n’t cost you a penny,” said Professor Morgan. - -Bohunkus chuckled with delight and settled down to listen. The visitor -now ignored him and addressed the others. - -“Aviation is the theme that fills nearly all minds and it is daily -growing in importance. The possibilities are boundless; it will -revolutionize travel, social life and the methods of warfare. It will -render the destruction of life and property so appallingly easy that no -nation will dare array itself against another. You and I are likely to -see that day when:— - - “‘The war drum throbs no longer and the battle flags are furled - O’er the parliament of nations, o’er a reunited world.’ - -“We can remember the universality of the bicycle; then came, and it -stays with us, the automobile, and now it is the aeroplane. The day is -near when there will be numberless routes established between cities and -countries and when the ocean will be crossed east and west by a -procession of heavier-than-air machines, and every family will have its -hangar and its occupant awaiting the wish of the owner.” - -The Professor showed a disposition to quiz the young aviator, who met -him as best he could, though sensible of his lack of knowledge as -compared with one who had given so much thought and experimentation to -it. - -“Naturally,” said he, “men’s first ideas were of using wings as birds -do, but it would take a Samson or a Hercules to put forth the necessary -strength. But it has been tried times without number. I think the -ancient Greeks wove many romantic tales of aerial flights—” - -The Professor paused and Harvey accepted the invitation: - -“Such as Daedalus and Icarus, who were said to have flown to the sun and -back again. The Greek Achytus made a dove of wood, driven by heated air, -and one of his countrymen constructed a brass fly which kept above the -ground for some minutes.” - -“Do you recall what aviator first came to grief?” - -“‘Simon the Magician,’ who during the reign of the emperor Nero made a -short flight before a Roman crowd but tumbled to death, as did a good -many during the Middle Ages.” - -“The Chinese were centuries ahead of the rest of the world in the use of -the mariner’s compass, printing, gunpowder and the flying of kites. -There are authentic records of balloon flights in the fourteenth -century, and a hundred years later discoveries were made of which -present aviators have taken advantage. You have learned that although -America was visited a thousand years ago and even earlier by white men, -the glory of the discovery is given to Christopher Columbus. So the -credit of the first real step in aviation belongs to two Frenchmen. Can -you help me to recall their names?” - -“I don’t think you need any help,” laughed Harvey, who saw the drift of -his friend’s quizzing, “but the men you have in mind were Joseph and -Etienne Montgolfier, who lived at Annonay, about forty miles from -Lyons.” - -“What was their idea of aerostation?” - -“They learned from many experiments that a light globe filled with hot -air will rise because its weight is less than the surrounding -atmosphere, just as a cork or bit of pine comes to the surface of water. -They made a globular ball, thirty-five feet in diameter, of varnished -silk, and in June, 1783, in the presence of an immense crowd at Annonay -built a fire under the mouth on the lower side. Soon after when the -ropes were loosened, the balloon mounted upward for more than a mile, -then was carried to one side by a current of air and as the vapor within -cooled, came gently down to earth again. - -“The incident caused a sensation and Paris subscribed money for -manufacturing hydrogen, a very buoyant gas to take the place of hot air. -The brothers sent up such a balloon in Paris in the latter part of -August. It sailed aloft for half a mile, finally drifted out of sight -and came down fifteen miles from the starting point.” - -“Did it carry any passenger?” asked the Professor. - -“No; the time had not come for that venture, but soon after the brothers -sent up a second hot air balloon at Versailles, in the presence of the -king and queen. A wicker cage was suspended below and in it were a duck, -a rooster and a sheep, all of which showed less excitement than the -cheering thousands. It rose about a fourth of a mile, and eight minutes -after leaving the ground descended two miles away.” - -“Who was the first man to go up in a balloon?” asked Abisha Wharton. - -“I don’t remember his name; can you tell me, Professor?” - -“Pilatre de Rozier, whose ascent was made on the 15th of October, 1783, -in an oval balloon constructed by the Montgolfiers. It was not quite -fifty feet in diameter and half again as high. A circular wicker basket -was suspended beneath, and under the neck of the balloon in the center -was an iron grate or brazier supported by chains, the whole structure -weighing sixteen hundred pounds. M. de Rozier fed the flames with straw -and wood and thus kept the air sufficiently heated to lift him -eighty-four feet, where held by ropes, the balloon remained suspended -for four and a half minutes and then gently came back to earth. - -“This incident blazed the way for successful aerostation. M. de Rozier -accomplished higher and more durable ascents and occasionally took a -passenger with him. We must remember, however, that in all these -instances, the balloon was restrained by ropes and could not wander off. -The aeronauts chafed under such restriction, and on November 21, 1783, -M. de Rozier and the Marquis d’Arlandes cut loose from the earth in -front of a royal palace in the Bois de Boulogne, it being the first time -such a thing was ever done. The ascent lasted not quite half an hour, -when the aeronauts came safely down in a field five miles distant from -the starting point.” [1] - -Footnote 1: - - It is well to bear the following distinctions in mind: aerostation is - the art of flying in a balloon; when the balloon is equipped with - motor and propellers so as to be navigable, it is dirigible; an - aerocar is any kind of a flying machine; an aeronaut is any one who - navigates the air in a balloon; an aeroplane is a flying machine which - is heavier than air; a monoplane is a one-planed and a biplane a - two-planed flying machine; a triplane consists of three superposed - planes; a quadruplane of four planes; airmen are either aeronauts or - aviators; aviation is the art of flying in an aeroplane and an aviator - is one who so flies; aeronef is an aeroplane as defined by - International Congress; a hangar corresponds to a garage for an - automobile; ornithopter is a heavier-than-air machine, with wings upon - which it depends for support and propulsion; petrol is the European - name for gasoline. - ------ - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - THE PROFESSOR TALKS ON AVIATION (Continued.) - - -Professor Morgan continued: “Thus far the aeronauts had used hot air -with which to make their ascents, but the fire under the balloon was -always dangerous and more than one fatal accident resulted therefrom. -Hydrogen gas was far better, but more costly. Public subscriptions -enabled two brothers named Robert, assisted by M. Charles, to construct -a spherical balloon, twenty-eight feet in diameter, the silk envelope -being covered with varnish, and the upper half inclosed in a network -which supported a hoop that encircled the middle of the sphere. A -boat-like structure dangled a few feet below the mouth, and was attached -to the hoop, while a safety valve at the apex prevented bursting through -expansion of the gas as the balloon climbed the sky. - -“This structure was inflated with hydrogen gas in the Garden of the -Tuileries, Paris, on the first of December, 1783. M. Charles and one of -the Roberts seated themselves in the car, provided with extra clothing, -provisions, sand bags for ballast, a barometer and a thermometer, and -gave the word to let go. The balloon soared swiftly, the aeronauts -waving hands and hats in response to the cheers of the multitudes below. -The ascent was a success in every respect. Having drifted thirty miles -from Paris, the balloon safely descended near Nesle. There was so much -gas left that the enthusiastic M. Charles decided to go up again, after -parting with his companion. He climbed nine thousand feet and then by -the dexterous use of his ballast came to earth again without the least -jar. - -“The impulse thus given to ballooning spread to other countries and it -would be idle to attempt any record of their efforts. It may be said -that for nearly a hundred years little or no progress was made in -aerostation. Then came the second stage, the construction of dirigible -or manageable balloons. All the structures which had hitherto left the -earth were wholly under control of air currents, as much as a chip of -wood is under the control of the stream into which it is flung. People -began to experiment with a view of directing the course of the ships of -the sky. While it was impossible to make headway against a gale or -strong wind, it seemed that the aeronaut ought to be able to overcome a -moderate breeze. The first attempt was by means of oars and a rudder, -but nothing was accomplished until 1852, when Giffard used a small -engine, but the difficulty of constructing a light motor of sufficient -power checked all progress for awhile. It could not do so for long, -however, as the inventive genius of mankind was at work and would not -pause until satisfied. One of Giffard’s stupendous ideas was a balloon -more than a third of a mile long with an engine weighing thirty tons, -but the magnitude and expense involved were too vast to be considered. - -“It would be tedious to follow the various steps in dirigible -ballooning. It was not until 1882, that the Tissandier brothers, Gilbert -and Albert—Frenchmen—built a dirigible cigar-shaped balloon -substantially on the old lines, but it could not be made to travel more -than five miles an hour in a dead calm, and was helpless in a moderate -wind. None the less their attempts marked an epoch, for they introduced -an electric motor. The ‘La France,’ when constructed some time later, -was a hundred and sixty-five feet long, twenty-seven feet at its -greatest diameter, and had a capacity of sixty-six thousand cubic feet. -Many changes and improvements followed and an ascent was made in August, -1884, during which the balloon traveled two and a half miles, turned -round and came back in the face of a gentle breeze to its starting -point, the whole time in the air being less than half an hour. This was -the first exploit of that nature. - -“But,” added the Professor, “I am talking too much about dirigible -ballooning, for our chief interest does not lie there. I am sure you -have read of the Schwartz aluminum dirigible; Santos-Dumont and his -brilliant performances with his fourteen airships; Roze’s double -airship, and Count Zeppelin’s splendid successes with his colossal -dirigibles. - -“We have dealt only with structures that were lighter than air. The -wonderful field that has opened before us and into which thousands are -crowding, with every day bringing new and startling achievements, is -that of the heavier-than-air machines. In other words, we have learned -to become air men and to fly as the birds fly. - -“Success was sure to come sooner or later, and when it did come every -one wondered why it was so late, since the principles are so simple that -a child can understand them. Otto Lilienthal, after long study and -experimentation, published in Berlin in 1889, as one of the results of -his labors, the discovery that arched surfaces driven against the wind -have a strong tendency to rise. Then he demonstrated by personal -experiments that a beginning must be made by ‘gliding’ through the air -in order to learn to balance one’s self. He piled up a lot of dirt fifty -feet high, and from its summit made a number of starts, succeeding so -well that he tried a small motor to help flap his wings. Sad to say, an -error of adjustment caused the machine to turn over in August, 1896, and -he was killed. - -“Percy S. Pilcher of England experimented for several years along the -same lines and used the method of a kite by employing men to run with a -rope against the wind, but he was destined to become another martyr, for -he was fatally injured one day by a fall. Chanute and Herring of Chicago -taught us a good deal about gliders. Herring used a motor driven by -compressed air and had two plane surfaces for his apparatus, but his -motor was too weak to sustain him for more than a few minutes.” - -“Professor,” said Wharton, “I have often heard of the Hargrave kite; why -do folks call it that name?” - -“You mean the box pattern, made of calico stretched over redwood frames. -They are the invention of Lawrence Hargrave of Sydney, Australia. He -attached a sling seat to one and connected three above it. A brisk wind -showed a lift of more than two hundred pounds, and he made a number of -ascents, the kites preserving their stability most satisfactorily. - -“Of course you do not need to be told anything about Orville and Wilbur -Wright of Dayton, Ohio. These plucky and persevering fellows -experimented for years in the effort to overcome obstacles that had -baffled inventors for centuries. Among the problems they solved were -whether stability is most effectively gained by shifting the center of -gravity, or by a special steering device, and what the power of a rudder -is when fixed in front of a machine. They decided that in gliding -experiments it is best for the aviator to lie in a horizontal position; -that a vertical rudder in the rear of a machine is preferable in order -to turn to the right or left, and a horizontal rudder or small plane in -front is the most effective device for guiding the aeroplane up or -down.” - -The Professor was in the middle of his interesting talk, when he -abruptly paused and came to his feet. - -“I’ve stayed longer than I intended,” said he; “I must bid you good -night. If it won’t be too much trouble to your wife I shall be glad to -drink a cup of coffee.” - -“No trouble at all,” replied Abisha Wharton springing from his stool; -“won’t you eat something?” - -“I don’t need it.” - -The three walked through the open door into the larger room where the -wife was sitting. Bohunkus was leaning back against the front of the -house sound asleep, as he had been for some minutes. No one disturbed -him. The woman had heard the words of the visitor, and quickly brought -in a big coffee pot from which she poured a brimming cup, placing some -milk and sugar on the table. The Professor had not yet thanked any one -for the proffers made him and he did not do so now, but standing erect, -with his cap almost touching the ceiling, he drank, smacked his thin -lips and remarked that the refreshment was good. - -Standing thus clearly disclosed in the candle-light, the Professor -impressed Harvey Hamilton more than before. He was as straight as an -arrow and his piercing black eyes had a gleam that must have possessed -hypnotic power. In fact the woman showed so much restlessness under his -glances that she made a pretext for leaving the room and remained out of -sight until he departed. He did not offer to pay his host and still -forgot to acknowledge by word the kindnesses shown him. - -Harvey and Abisha accompanied him on his brief walk across the little -plain to where his machine was waiting. Without any preliminaries such -as testing the wires, levers, framework and different parts of the -apparatus, he seated himself. - -“Now,” he said in his thunderous bass, “note the action of my uplifter.” - -This contrivance was simply a horizontal propeller under the machine, -which being set revolving with great rapidity hoisted it gently from the -ground and as straight upward as a cannon shot fired at the zenith. It -was easy to understand the principle of the action, but not of some of -the other performances of the eccentric inventor. When the aerocar was -well off the earth, the regular propeller in front began work and the -uplifter became motionless. - -All this time only a faint humming noise was noticeable, but in a few -minutes that became inaudible. Professor Morgan was swallowed up in the -darkness and speedily vanished, for he made no use of his searchlight. -He must have been half a mile to the northward when he let off a rocket. -Ordinary prudence on account of sparks probably caused him to send it -sideways. It formed a striking picture,—this germination as it were of a -blazing object in mid air, which shot away with arrowy swiftness in a -graceful parabola that curved downward, and when about half way to the -ground burst into a myriad of dazzling sparks of different hues that -were quickly lost in the gloom. - -The two spectators waited and gazed in silence, but saw nothing more and -returned to their seats in front of the cabin. - -“Strange man,” said Harvey, “I wonder whether we shall ever see him -again.” - -“I don’t think there is much chance of my meeting him, but you may bump -against him some time when you are cruising overhead.” - -“That seems hardly likely, for the field is too big.” - -And yet Harvey Hamilton and Professor Milo Morgan were destined to meet -sooner than either suspected and in circumstances of which neither could -have dreamed. - -Wharton refilled his corncob pipe and puffed with deliberate enjoyment. - -“What do you think of him, Mr. Hamilton?” he finally asked. - -“He’s wonderfully well informed about aviation, but is cranky.” - -“He’s more than that.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“He’s plumb crazy.” - -“You wouldn’t think so from his conversation; no one can talk better -than he.” - -“But his eyes! They gave him dead away; I’m glad he didn’t stay all -night.” - -“What difference could that make?” - -“More’n likely he would have got up and killed us all while we were -asleep.” - -Harvey laughed. - -“While he isn’t the sort of companion I should fancy, I’m sure he is not -that kind of a lunatic. The chances are that he will lose his life -through some of his experiments in aviation, the same as those we talked -about.” - -“Shall we say anything to Bohunkus about the man being off his base?” -asked Wharton, as if in doubt regarding his duty in the circumstances. - -“It isn’t worth while; nothing can be gained by doing so.” - -And in reaching this decision, Harvey Hamilton made a grand mistake, as -he was fated to learn before many days. It would have been a fortunate -thing, too, had the colored youth kept awake during this chat, but it -was not so to be. - -As the night advanced, the host told his guest he was at liberty to -retire whenever agreeable. The couple had a sleeping room upstairs, and -not being well provided for company, a blanket was spread on the floor -in the lower front room. Bohunkus was still unconscious, his cap having -fallen at his feet. Harvey reached over and shook his shoulder. - -“Come, Bunk, it’s time to go to bed—excuse me!” - -Although the action was gentle, it destroyed the sleeper’s center of -gravity, and he and the stool tumbled over on the floor. Even then, he -was only partially awakened and mumbled a wish that folks would stay on -their own side of the bed, as he climbed unsteadily to his feet. - -The weather was so mild that there was no discomfort in occupying a room -whose windows and door were open. With the aid of the candle, Bohunkus -stumbled to the blanket in the corner, pitched down upon it and the next -minute was slumbering as soundly as when his stool tipped over with him. -He and Harvey had laid aside their heavy coats before they sawed and -split the supply of wood, and the single blanket gave them all the -protection they needed. Thus the two lay down to pleasant dreams. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - THE FLYING BOYS CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY. - - -The morning dawned clear, mild and bright. Harvey and Bohunkus were -astir at an early hour and filled the tank with gasoline and replenished -the supply of oil. An examination of the aeroplane was made and every -wire, brace, lever and appurtenance found, so far as could be judged, in -perfect condition. The two went back to the house where an excellent -meal was awaiting them. Harvey slipped so liberal a fee into the hands -of the woman that she was delighted and showed it to her husband, who -grinned appreciatively. It may be said that he earned the extra pay -through a valuable suggestion to the aviator,—one that was effective and -so simple that it was strange it had not been thought of before. - -“You tell me,” said Abisha, “that when one of them things is ready to -start on its flight, you hold it until the propeller has got its grip -and then let it go with a jump.” - -“Something like that is the practice.” - -“When there’s only two of you, how do you manage it?” - -“The only way is to start the thing, with Bunk in his seat; I run -alongside for a few steps and spring into my seat.” - -“You might slip and let the aeroplane get away from you. Then Bunk would -be thrown out on his head.” - -“He wouldn’t be hurt if he landed that way,” replied Harvey with a -laugh, “but he might alight on his shins and that would be bad.” - -“Let me show you a better plan.” - -Abisha strode to the woodpile and came back with a long, strong stick. -He set one end in the ground, with the upper inclined against the -footboard. The prop thus gained held the biplane immovable before a -strong push. - -“Let her shove all she wants to,” explained the man, “and when you’re -ready, kick the stick aside.” - -“The scheme could not be better,” said Harvey admiringly, as he made -sure that the point in contact with the machine could not injure it. He -seated himself and Abisha swung the propeller around; the engine -instantly responded with its deafening roar and a powerful thrust was -exerted against the prop. In a few minutes, the youth leaned over, -grasped the stick and swung it aside. The machine made a bound like a -runner starting on a race, spun over the ground for a hundred feet or -more, and then in obedience to the upturned rudder in front, leaped -clear of the ground. She was off. - -Harvey glanced back. In the door was the smiling housewife, with her -husband on the spot where he stood when the flight began. He waved his -hand in salutation and the two aviators responded. - -This is a good place in which to give the explanation that must be made -in order to understand how it came about that these two youths were so -far from home, and engaged upon the outing that was destined to prove -the most memorable in the life at least of one of them. - -Harvey Hamilton was the son of a wealthy merchant, whose business took -him to New York every week-day morning. The youth was preparing to enter -Princeton University, and his elder brother Dick was a student in Yale. -In the beginning of the summer the family separated, each member -indulging his or her taste in the way of vacation, with the parent glad -to pay the bills. The mother and daughter Mildred went to the White -Mountains, Dick to the Adirondacks with a party of students, while -Harvey and his father took a jaunt through a part of Europe, sailing -home from Naples on the _Duca degli Abruzzi_. Wife and daughter, knowing -when they were due, were at home to meet them. Dick was still in the -mountains, from which he wrote the most glowing accounts of his life in -camp and conquests of the gamy trout that are still to be found in the -cool streams. - -On the homeward passage, Harvey and his father were lucky enough to meet -the noted German aviator, Ostrom Sperbeck, of whom we have heard -already. - -Mr. Hamilton explained to the Professor that his son Harvey with the -assistance of the colored youth, who was “bound out” to a neighbor, were -at work on an aeroplane with which they hoped to fly, but the Professor -warned them against it. - -“It is too dangerous; some of the best aviators have lost their lives -and you know that one of the Wright brothers came within a hair of being -killed. Encourage your son, if you wish, in the sport, for those who are -boys to-day are the ones that will make the greatest discoveries and -advances in aviation, but do not let him take any risks that can be -avoided. Buy him a first-class machine and forbid him to use any other.” - -Mr. Hamilton was impressed with the advice and acted upon it. - -Bohunkus Johnson was as ardent as his young friend, but, lacking his -mental brightness, was not given charge of the aeroplane, though -promised a chance of trying his hand later on. - -So much having been told, it will be understood how on a pleasant summer -day, Harvey and Bohunkus started on their outing, with permission to be -gone several weeks, though their expectation was to return in the course -of ten days or so. - -Several facts will be borne in mind. Nothing not deemed absolutely -necessary was taken with the aviators. Inasmuch as they could not stay -more than two hours in the air, without replenishing their supply of -fuel, they carried no food, nor were any weapons taken along, for it was -not probable they would ever need anything of the kind. Although Harvey -headed toward a spur of the Alleghany Mountains, with the object of -relieving what promised to become a monotonous experience at times, it -did not seem possible that they would ever run into personal danger from -that cause. He carried a pair of binoculars held by a strap over one -shoulder, for such an instrument was likely to prove useful in their -voyages through the air. - -Harvey ascended for a fourth of a mile, and Bohunkus shuddered at the -thought of plunging again into the arctic regions, but his friend -lowered the front rudder and they skimmed away on a level. The view was -as entrancing as ever, with cities, towns, villages, scattered houses, -stretches of wood and cultivated country, winding streams, puffing -engines pulling trains that looked like insignificant toys, and the -gleam of what seemed to be a lake of several miles area in the distance. -The wanderer through the finest picture galleries in Europe can become -sated with the numberless master-pieces, and wonderful as was the -unfolding panorama, the youths grew tired of its splendid sameness. When -they gazed at the earth it was without any clear impression of what they -saw. - -Far to the westward loomed a mountain, the outlines showing a dim blue -haze against the summer sky. Harvey had fixed the elevation in his mind -before leaving home and, it was his intention to sail over the summit -into the more unsettled country beyond. As near as he could judge the -range was about twenty miles distant. - -“I can easily make it in an hour,” he reflected, “and not hurry.” - -He was traveling at a moderate pace, for he did not like to impose a -strain upon the machine by pressing it to the limit. There was no call -for hurry, and after clearing the elevation he could land at some town -and buy what gasoline he needed. He shifted the course of the aeroplane -slightly, and descended until within two or three hundred feet of the -earth. There were no tall buildings to be avoided, and none of the trees -that showed were lofty enough to interfere. Bohunkus sat in his usual -seat, idly grasping the supports, for the progress was so smooth that he -might have folded his arms without risk, always provided the aeroplane -did not collide with any of the fierce aerial gyrations, which are so -dangerous to aviators, because being invisible, no precaution can be -taken against them. - -Harvey slackened his speed still more, and coursed easily forward, -crossed a winding creek, and was skimming toward a moderate stretch of -woods, when he noticed a man standing on the margin and watching the -aeroplane. The fact that he held a gun in one hand did not concern the -youth, who, prompted by the spirit of mischief natural in one of his -years, dropped still lower and headed for the man, as if he meant to -crash into him. - -The stranger, instead of turning about and dashing into the wood where -he would have been safe from pursuit, suddenly raised his -double-barreled shot gun and let fly with both charges. Nothing of the -kind had been dreamed of, either by Harvey or his companion, and they -were startled indeed when they heard the shot rattle through the wires -and framework of the machine. One of the pellets nipped the cheek of -Harvey and Bohunkus yelled, - -“I’m shot all to pieces, Harv!” - -Harvey turned his head in affright, but saw no evidence that the other -had been harmed in the least. The man, seeing that his hasty aim had -been ineffective, began hastily to reload his weapon with the evident -purpose of doing execution next time. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - FIRED ON. - - -Bohunkus Johnson was never so angry in his life and the resentment of -Harvey Hamilton was equally intense. That a man should deliberately -shoot at their machine without provocation more than a bit of harmless -mischief, was beyond bearing. The colored youth stood up and shouted to -his friend: - -“I’m gwine to jump! I’ll teach him sumfin!” - -“Wait one moment,” replied Harvey, as he shut off power and hastily -dropped to earth. His momentum carried him several rods beyond the young -man, who was still busy reloading his gun. Fortunately for our friends -it was of the old-fashioned muzzle pattern, and required more time than -the modern weapon. He roared with an oath: - -“I’ll larn you better than to go skyugling over the country and trying -to scare folks to death. Jes’ wait till I git my gun loaded agin!” - -But neither Harvey nor Bohunkus had any intention of waiting. Before the -machine came to a rest, the colored youth leaped to the ground and broke -into a run for the man, who held his position. - -“Yo’s gwine to larn me something, am yo’? Wal, dis am de time to begin!” - -“Sail into him, Bunk!” shouted Harvey, “and if you need any help, I’ll -give it!” - -“All yo’ got to do am to keep out ob dis bus’ness; I’m running dis -funeral,” replied the African, without shifting his gaze from the young -farmer, who could not have been much older than Bohunkus. Not once did -the latter check his pace, but dashed at full speed at the man. The -instant he was within reach, he landed a blow that sent the other -spinning backward, with his feet pointing upward and the weapon hurled -from his grasp. - -It was not a knockout, however, and the fellow was game. He bounded up -again as if made of rubber, and charged in turn upon his assailant. -Bohunkus had little “science,” but he had been in many bouts, and was as -strong as a bull. He braced himself to receive the attack, which came -the next instant. A clenched fist landed on his jaw with a force that -nearly carried him off his feet, and then the two went at it hammer and -tongs, with no apparent advantage at first on either side. - -Harvey, seeing that his machine was unharmed, watched the fight. Nothing -would have suited him better than to take Bunk’s place, for he had been -taught boxing by a professional and he knew, though he might not have -been so big or strong as his comrade, that he could readily vanquish the -awkward but powerful fighter. Coolness, straight hitting and skilful -parrying would do the business. He did not mean to stand idly by and see -Bunk maltreated, but it would not be sportsmanlike to break in unless to -stop the struggle. - -The countryman was tough and wiry, and it is doubtful how the fight -would have ended had it depended upon fists alone, but in one respect -Bunk was much the other’s superior. He was known as the best wrestler in -the neighborhood of his home. When nearly a score of blows had been -exchanged, the negro rushed in, grasped his antagonist about the waist, -lifted him clear of the ground, and flung him on his back with a -violence that it seemed must have jarred his teeth. Before he could -spring to his feet again, Bunk was across his chest and evening up -things in the most impressive style that can be imagined. - -Suddenly the victim shouted at the top of his voice: - -“Bill! Sam! Dick! Tom! Hurry up and part us afore we kill each other!” - -This was a strange appeal and puzzled Harvey, who was disposed to think -it was simply a bluff. The victim was too proud to beg for mercy, and -tried to scare off his assailant. Harvey stepped forward, picked up the -partially loaded gun from the ground, and with several quick stamps of -his shoe so broke the two hammers that the weapon became useless for the -time. - -“That will prevent his using it against us,” was the thought of our -young friend, who again turned his attention to the combatants on the -ground. - -“Don’t be too hard on him, Bunk; I guess he’s had enough.” - -“Why doan’ he holler ‘_’nough_!’ den? dat’s what I’m waitin’ fur.” - -The victim had ceased his outcries, and was desperately trying to writhe -free and roll off the burden, but his master couldn’t be shaken from his -perch. - -“Why doan’ yo’ holler like a gemman oughter do when he’s had ’nough? -Holloa!” - -When Harvey Hamilton thought the fellow was merely bluffing by his calls -for help, he made a mistake. From out of the wood came running a man -larger and older than any one of the three, and he was followed by a -second, third and fourth,—all full grown, massive, muscular and each -with fire in his eye. They had heard the cry of their comrade in -extremity and made haste to come to his help. - -Their arrival caused a change of program. Much as I like Bohunkus -Johnson (and I trust that you, too, share the feeling), I am obliged to -confess that like many of his race he had a tinge of yellow in his -composition. So long as he held the upper hand, or so long as the fight -was in doubt, he displayed courage, but the arrival of reinforcements -threw him into a panic. He whisked off the prostrate figure, leaped to -his feet and dashed at his highest speed into the woods. He ran like a -person whose life was in danger, and the young man who had suffered at -his hands sped after him, breathing threatenings and slaughter. - -The new arrivals, who had been referred to as Bill, Sam, Dick and Tom, -were evidently young farmers, none more than twenty-five years old. They -had sturdy frames and could have given a good account of themselves in a -physical struggle. They must have been mystified by what they saw, for -the one who had dashed off in pursuit of Bohunkus had not paused to make -explanation. - -One fact was a vast relief to Harvey Hamilton: none of them carried a -weapon, though it may be thought the quartet did not need anything of -the kind in order to work their will with the slim active youth. The -latter, with a quickness of resource which would have done credit to one -older than himself, picked up the discarded shotgun at his feet, -covering the lock as he did so with one hand in order to hide the harm -it had suffered. So long as the others believed it sound and loaded, he -could command the situation. - -“Say, you,” said the tallest of the quartette in a loud voice, “what’s -the meaning of this row? We don’t exactly git the hang of things.” - -Facing the group and with his back toward the biplane, Harvey answered: - -“Your friend had a misunderstanding with my friend, and it doesn’t seem -to be settled yet, though it looks as if yours had the advantage.” - -“What was the quarrel about?” - -“Your friend—” - -“That’s Herb,” interrupted the other speaker. - -“Herb fired his gun at us without any cause.” - -“Yes; we heerd it; if he didn’t have any cause, what was the reason he -took a shot at you?” - -“Pure cussedness is all I can think of.” - -“Didn’t he hit either of you?” - -“He grazed my face; we came down to ask an explanation, and my colored -companion was giving him a good pummeling, when you came up and scared -him away.” - -“I take it, stranger, that that contraption over there is one of them -infarnal flying machines.” - -“It is a flying machine, but there’s nothing infernal about it.” - -“Folks hain’t no bus’ness to cavort round the country in them.” - -“I don’t see why they haven’t; we are not injuring you or any one else.” - -“Boys,” said the speaker, turning to his companions who were standing -near and listening to the conversation; “the best thing we can do is to -rip the blamed thing to slathers. What do you say?” - -“Them’s our sentiments,” replied one while the three nodded. - -“Come on then; it won’t take us long to make kindling wood of it.” - -He took a step forward, and then stopped. Harvey had leveled the gun. - -“The first one that lays a hand on my aeroplane must be prepared to have -daylight let through him.” - -It was a staggering threat, but in the trying moment, Harvey Hamilton -could not help reflecting that the weapon was not only injured, but -unloaded. He would be in a sorry situation should they learn the truth. - -The strained situation could not last, and he slowly backed toward the -machine, holding the weapon in front, ready to be raised again to a -level should it become necessary. - -“Four of you are rather too much for me,” he said with a grim smile. - -“Hooh! One of us could lay you out as easy as rolling off a log.” - -“I am willing to take you one at a time, but I know that as soon as I -get the best of him the rest of you will pitch in and do me up.” - -It was “Bill” who was talking for the four. He grinned and with a snort -replied: - -“I’d ax nothing better than one crack at you, but there ain’t no show -with that loaded gun in your hands; nobody but a coward would use that.” - -“Then you may consider me a coward, for I am on to your tricks.” - -By this time Harvey had reached his machine, but the problem remained as -to how he could seat himself and start the motor without inviting an -attack that must overwhelm him and wreck his property. He stood for a -minute undecided, while his enemies, less than a dozen paces away, were -on the alert for a chance to seize any advantage that offered. - -Suddenly the young aviator stepped into his seat, but, standing upright, -faced about and confronted them still with gun in hand. They showed an -ugly disposition at the prospect of his eluding them, but seemingly -there was no way to prevent it. - -“If you would like a closer view,” Harvey said, “I have no objection, -but you must come one at a time. You may do so first.” - -He indicated Bill, who hesitated: - -“No shenanigan!” - -“Nothing of the kind, I promise you.” - -After a moment’s pause, he gingerly approached, but showed he was not -wholly free from misgiving. - -“What do you think of that big wheel?” asked Harvey. - -“Hooh! seems to be made of black walnut,” replied the other, laying a -hand on one of the propeller blades. - -“So it is; have you enough muscle to turn it round?” - -“That’s dead easy,” replied Bill, grasping one of the arms and whirling -it about with double the force that was necessary. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - PEACEFUL OVERTURES FAIL. - - -The revolution of the propeller of course started the engine, with such -a terrific outburst of noise that Bill instinctively drew back a pace or -two. In an instant the blades were spinning round with tremendous -velocity, and the aeroplane began moving over the ground with fast -increasing speed. - -The sight roused Bill, who dashed forward to intercept it. He had almost -reached the machine when it bounded upward and glided beyond his grasp. -The delighted Harvey tossed the gun toward him, and in a rage at his -slip Bill snatched the weapon from the ground and shouted: - -“Stop or I’ll shoot!” - -His action and movement of the lips told the young aviator the substance -of the threat, and with a tantalizing gesture he called back: - -“Shoot and be hanged!” - -Bill was in a savage mood and brought the gun to his shoulder. He aimed -carefully, and with the brief distance between the two could hardly have -missed had the weapon been in order; but we recall that the hammers were -broken, to say nothing of the lack of a full charge in the barrels. -Either would have been sufficient to save the fleeing aviator, who -having set the machine going, looked round to watch his enemy. - -He saw him suddenly lower the gun and then fling it angrily to the -ground. No doubt his chagrin was intensified by the remembrance of the -chance he had let pass when the youth was really at his mercy. He shook -his fist at Harvey, who was now a hundred feet above the ground and -going at moderate speed. - -In that hurried scrutiny, however, the aviator made a disquieting -discovery. Two of the remaining young men were invisible. Doubtless they -had dived into the wood in pursuit of the panic-stricken Bohunkus, who -of necessity was left in a most dangerous situation. Harvey had been -compelled to desert him for the time, though he was the last person in -the world to abandon a friend in trouble. How to save him from the -vengeance of the baffled party was a serious question. - -“If there were only one chasing him,” thought Harvey, “I shouldn’t care -a fig, for Bunk has already proved himself his master, but he will be -helpless against four or even two, and it looks as if he will have three -at least to fight.” - -The problem was a puzzling one. The flight of the colored lad was so -sudden that he and Harvey had not been able to exchange a word. A few -sentences would have effected an understanding. His friend would have -told him to make his way to the nearest town and there wait until he -could hunt him out and take him aboard again. Moreover, among Bunk’s -accomplishments was a remarkable fleetness of foot. He could have -continued his flight through the wood into the open country and gained -enough advantage to offer Harvey the opportunity of picking him up -before his enemies interfered. - -But it was useless to speculate, since all this was out of the question. -Having ascended some three hundred feet, Harvey began slowly circling -around, with just enough speed to hold the elevation. He returned so as -to hover directly over the head of Bill, who still stood alone on the -edge of the wood closely watching him. Thus the situation remained for -several minutes, during which Harvey Hamilton met with one of the -narrowest escapes of his life. - -Feeling that in one respect the countrymen were the masters, he decided -to express to Bill, who was evidently the leader of the quartet his -willingness to apologize, pay for the injured gun, and leave a liberal -tip for Herb, the only one who had suffered during the singular meeting; -and then descend, take Bunk aboard and bid good-bye to the inhospitable -country. - -The objection to the plan was the probability of treachery on the part -of Bill and his companions. All had shown an ugly disposition and so -much resentment that it was more than likely they would break the -agreement, and at least destroy the aeroplane so utterly as to place it -beyond repair. - -It was this misgiving that caused Harvey to hesitate. He circled several -times—always to the left—gradually descending, and kept watch of the -solitary figure below him. Finally, having made his decision, he leaned -over the side of the aeroplane and shouted as he slowed down the motor: - -“Say, Bill, what’s the use of our quarreling?” - -Bill did not attempt to answer the conundrum. - -“If I do the fair thing, will you call it off?” - -“What do you mean by the fair thing?” demanded the surly young man. - -“I broke that gun and will pay you for it; I’ll give you ten dollars to -hand to Herb, though I don’t see why he should get anything.” - -Bill was silent a minute, as if turning the proposition over in his -mind. Finally he glared upward and uttered the one query: - -“Wal?” - -“When I have done that, I shall take my colored friend aboard and have -the honor of bidding you good day until we meet again.” - -This was a clear proposal and could not fail to impress Bill favorably, -no matter whether he meant to “tote fair” or not. Bill didn’t seem able -to think of any objection or to suggest an amendment. - -“All right,” he shouted back; “I’ll do it.” - -Harvey meant there should be no room for a misunderstanding. - -“I am to come down to the ground, hand you ten dollars as a salve—” - -“I guess Herb will need some salve for that face of his,” grimly -interjected Bill. - -“And another ten dollars to pay for the damages to the gun. That will -make everything right between us and none of you will interfere -further.” - -“I’m agreeable; hurry down.” - -It was at this juncture that Harvey Hamilton received warning of a -frightful peril that in another moment would have caught him -inextricably. He had started to volplane to the ground, when an impulse -caused him to turn his head sufficiently to glance at the man with whom -he had just made his agreement. In that passing glimpse, Harvey saw a -hand reach from behind the trunk of a large oak at the back of Bill and -exchange guns with him. - -It was done in a twinkling, only the arm holding the weapon and the -corner of the fellow’s face showing for an instant, during which he -placed in the grasp of Bill a loaded piece and relieved him of the -useless one. - -There could be no mistake as to the meaning of the sinister action: Bill -intended to play false. He would secure the money promised, and quite -likely rob Harvey of all that remained, would wreck the aeroplane and -shamefully maltreat both youths. But for this discovery, Harvey would -have walked into the lion’s den the next moment, but with that coolness -which was one of his most striking traits, he began edging away and -upward, as if it were a part of his plan of manipulating the descent. If -Bill chose to use his gun, he was near enough to make only a single shot -necessary, and Harvey’s object was to get beyond range, before revealing -his purpose. - -“What are you doing?” called Bill, handling his weapon threateningly. - -“I want to make sure the machinery is working right; it will take only a -minute.” - -Bill was partly satisfied, but had no excuse for objecting. - -The circling grew wider, until the right height was attained, when -Harvey headed toward the dim range of mountains in the distance, with a -speed of at least fifty miles an hour. Only a few seconds were needed to -place him far beyond range. Checking his motor for an instant so as to -permit his voice to be heard, he called to Bill: - -“I don’t like the looks of that new gun in your hand; don’t expect me -before to-morrow or some day next week.” - -In his impotent rage, Bill brought his weapon to his shoulder, took -quick aim and discharged both barrels. It was a foolish thing to do, for -not one of the shots carried to the aeroplane, all being dissipated long -before they could reach it. - -Clever as had been the strategy of Harvey, the grave problem remained as -to how he was to extricate Bohunkus Johnson from his dangerous -situation. Disappointed in capturing the aviator and his machine, the -party were quite sure to turn their rage against the colored youth, -unless by his superior fleetness he could elude the whole party. - -Harvey’s altitude gave him a clear view of the patch of woods, which was -perhaps a third of a mile in width and double that length. It was the -season of the year when the foliage was at its full, and if Bunk gained -a fair start he ought to have no trouble in hiding himself from his -enemies; but how were he and his friend to come together again? - -“It is as hard to decide as it is to figure out why that man behind the -oak with his loaded gun did not keep hidden till I came within reach, -and then open on me without giving away his scheme as he did; that would -have cooked my goose, though they may have felt doubt of getting hands -on the machine if they fired before it touched ground.” - -Without climbing higher, Harvey circled about the woods, scanning the -green depths below for some signal from his comrade. Bill and his -companion had passed from sight, so that the five were somewhere in the -depths of the forest. The aviator glided along the sky over the tree -tops without catching a glimpse of anything to give hope. Then he passed -a little way beyond the western end and circled about again. He saw a -farm house a mile distant, and unless hope presented itself in some form -very soon, he determined to go thither in quest of help against the -lawless young men. - -What was that which suddenly caught his roving eye? On the margin of the -wood something flitted for a moment like a bird hopping from one branch -to another. He would have believed it was such, had it not been so near -the ground. Whisking his binoculars from his shoulder, he scanned the -object. His heart thrilled when he recognized a cap swung by a person -standing behind the trunk of a large tree. - -“It’s Bunk!” exclaimed the delighted youth; “his foes are so near that -he daresn’t show himself.” - -Harvey was quick to make up his mind. Shutting off power for a moment he -called in his clear, ringing voice: - -“Wait where you are, Bunk! I’ll be back in a minute or two; don’t leave -till I give the word and then come a-running.” - -The cap was waved again and Harvey fancied he saw the corner of the -negro’s countenance as he peered round the trunk. - -The fear of the aviator was that the five men who were sure to be -watching his movements, knowing he was trying to save his colored -companion, would have their attention drawn to the spot over which the -aeroplane was hovering. There was the danger that they had heard his -call and would act on the hint, but the risk had to be taken. - -Harvey next shifted to the opposite side of the wood, where he dallied -back and forth for half an hour, as if trying to fix upon a good landing -place. He knew he was under the eyes of the angered countrymen, but was -certain he had drawn them to that side of the forest, where they were so -far from Bohunkus that it would take considerable time for them to -return to his neighborhood. - -Suddenly the aeroplane darted off like a swallow, skimming over the -trees, at the spot selected. - -“Quick, Bunk! Don’t lose a second! Jump aboard!” - -Out of the wood dashed a young man and ran straight for the machine at -headlong speed, but he was not Bohunkus Johnson! - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - SCIENCE WINS. - - -Clever as was Harvey Hamilton, and skilfully as he had played the game, -he was outwitted at last, for the individual who rushed toward him was -his enemy Bill, and he carried a loaded gun. - -Not only that, but after him hurried one, two, three, four others, ready -to back up their leader. One of them carried a deadly weapon. Bohunkus -Johnson was nowhere in sight. - -No wonder the young aviator was dumfounded for the moment. He was still -seated, with his hands grasping the levers, but he was too wise to try -to flee, with that gun commanding him and the holder of it in the mood -to use it. In a twinkling, the grinning Bill was at his side and laid -his free hand upon one of the propeller blades. - -“Shall I start the thing humming agin?” he asked with grim irony. - -Harvey’s wits flashed back to him. - -“Wait till I do my part,” he replied, as if the slightest -misunderstanding had not come between them. - -As he spoke, he stepped on the ground and drew out his pocket book, -while the five stood expectantly around, all not understanding what the -action meant. - -“I was so afraid we might have some accident with that gun,” he -remarked, observing the damaged weapon in the hands of one of the party; -“that I broke the hammers; you can get them fixed at a gunsmith’s for a -dollar, so I guess that will about make it right.” - -With which he handed a ten-dollar bill to Bill, who crumpled it up and -shoved it into his pocket, without a word of acknowledgment. - -The situation was delicate to the last degree. A few feet away stood -Herb, whose homely face spoke eloquently of the scrimmage through which -he had passed. One eye was closed, the upper lip was swollen to twice -its usual size, and the cheeks were bruised, to say nothing of the rent -shirt, with more than one crimson stain showing upon it. To offer to -settle the matter by handing the sufferer money was like adding insult -to injury, though the majority of mankind have little trouble in -swallowing offenses of that nature. - -No one could have met the point more tactfully. - -“Herb,” said Harvey, stepping toward him; “you and my colored man had a -run-in and the last I saw of him he was going for life.” - -“You bet he was!” said the other; “it’s blamed lucky for him he run so -fast I couldn’t ketch him; if I’d done so there would have been a dead -nigger in these parts.” - -Harvey hid the pleasure that this reply gave him. Bunk had escaped from -his foe and was safe somewhere. - -“He got me foul,” Herb added, feeling that some explanation was due his -fellows who had seen him in his humiliating situation; “but I throwed -him off and then he took to his heels.” - -Herb added several sulphurous exclamations which it isn’t necessary to -place on record. - -“I saw him running, but I notice that he managed to injure your clothes -and it is no more than right that the damage should be taken out of his -wages. Will this make it square?” - -When Herb saw the size of the bill handed to him his little gray eyes—or -rather one of them—sparkled with greed. But the three who had not been -thus remembered were angered. - -“Say, boss, you seem to have a purty good wad there; ’spose you hand out -a few more of the long green.” - -This suggestive remark was made by the scowling scamp who answered to -the name of Sam. As if there should be no doubt of his meaning, Bill -took it upon himself to add: - -“That’s right; you don’t need any money when you’ve got that sky wagon -to tote you about. So fork over.” - -Harvey’s face flushed, but holding his anger under control, he said to -Bill: - -“The agreement between us was that if I handed this money to you, my -colored friend was to rejoin me and neither he nor I nor the machine be -molested.” - -“How can the moke jine you when he’s run off?” asked Herb. - -“We’ll waive that point, but you are not to injure my machine nor expect -any more money from me.” - -“Do you mean to say you won’t give it?” demanded Bill truculently. - -“I’ll die first; I didn’t know you were a gang of cowards as well as -scoundrels.” - -“Who’re you calling a coward?” growled Bill, his sunburned face flushing -an angrier red. - -“Every one of you! Five against one; you wouldn’t dare attack me -singly.” - -“I wouldn’t, hooh? Boys,” added the bully, addressing his companions, -“this lily is my game. You don’t have any put here. Understand?” - -They sourly nodded, though little or no reliance could be placed on any -promise they might make. - -“Will you agree to fight me alone?” asked Harvey. - -“Of course; that suits me down to the ground.” - -“And the rest are not to mix in, no matter what happens?” - -“Hain’t I told you that? What ails you?” - -“That suits me,” replied Harvey, who coolly took off his coat and flung -it across the footrest of the aeroplane. If anything like fair play was -shown him, he had no fear of the result, for though his antagonist was -taller and possibly stronger, he knew nothing of the science of boxing. -Having doffed his outer garment, Harvey proceeded in the same deliberate -fashion to roll up his sleeves. Then he poised his right fist a few -inches in front of his chest and diagonally across it, with the left -extended toward his antagonist. The left foot was advanced so that the -weight of his body rested on the right leg, so balanced that he could -leap forward or backward as might suddenly become necessary. His -handsome face was a shade paler, and he compressed his lips as he said -in a quiet even voice: - -“I’m ready!” - -The prospect of a fight between two men or even boys is always sure to -interest the spectators no matter who they may be. Every one of the five -men was in a state of delighted expectation, for not an individual felt -the faintest doubt that the dandified youth was about to undergo the -beating of his life. The four were ready to promise they would remain -neutral, for they could not believe a possibility existed of their -champion needing help. - -As for Bill himself, he chuckled, for he dearly loved a fight and he -felt venomous toward this intruder, because he seemed to be rich and had -lately played a humiliating trick upon him. He handed his gun to Dick, -but did not remove his coat, because he did not happen to be wearing -any. He made a motion with each hand in turn, as if to shove the bands -of his shirt toward the elbow, but he merely tightened them. He did -indulge, however, in a little act that is generally peculiar to a -countryman. He spat on his horny palms and rubbed them together. - -Harvey saw from the first that though Bill might be a powerful man, he -lacked even a rudimentary knowledge of boxing. He held his fists in -front, but they were well down, separated by a wide space, and when he -drew near enough to deliver a blow, his feet were side by side. While -Harvey Hamilton’s pose was an ideal one, that of Bill was the opposite. - -In contests of this nature, the sympathies of the reader are naturally -with the “gentleman,” and the story teller generally arranges that he -shall be the victor, though in real life it is not likely to happen that -way. Had the elder undergone the training of the younger, he assuredly -would have beaten him to a “frazzle,” but it was that one thing lacking -which proved the undoing of Bill. - -His awkward advance upon the youth gave the latter the opening he was -waiting for, and coolly, promptly and fiercely he seized the advantage. -Bill lunged out terrifically, but the blow was a round one and being -cleverly parried, swished in front of Harvey’s face. In the same instant -his opponent made a single bound forward, so as to throw the weight of -his body into the straight, lightning-like thrust of the left fist, -which crashed against Bill’s receding chin with the force of a mule’s -kick. He went over on his back, completely knocked out and with no more -sense than a log of wood. It may be said that the fight was ended before -it fairly began. - -Harvey knew some seconds must pass before Bill would be able to climb to -his feet. He shifted front in a flash and said: - -“I’m waiting for the next.” - -He still held his arms in position and danced deftly about as if -impatient over the slight delay in their attack. But their hesitation -was due more to bewilderment than fear, though the sight of the -motionless form stretched on the ground told its own story. - -It would be thought that the courage shown by the young pugilist would -have appealed to the manhood of the others, but, sad to say, they had no -manhood to which appeal could be made. The one known as Dick shouted: - -“Are we going to stand that, boys? Didn’t you see him hit Bill? He hit -him foul! Let’s lay him out!” - -Harvey braved himself for the shameless attack, determined to make their -victory cost them dear. He knew that more than one would suffer, but a -pang shot through him when Dick called out: - -“Let’s smash that old thing to flinders first and then serve him the -same way.” - -“That’s the idee!” answered Sam; “we’ll make one job of it!” - -And they charged together to carry out their cowardly threat. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - MILO MORGAN SAVES THE DAY. - - -As straight downward as if fired from the zenith, a tiny missile shot -through the air so swiftly that no one saw it. It struck the ground -directly in front of the four men and burst with a deafening report. In -the same second, another followed the first, landing just behind the -group with the same terrifying explosion. All saw the flash, the smoke -and the flying particles. - -Then a third and fourth followed with similar results. Succeeding the -fire and crash a voice rang out: - -“Run for your lives! Take to the woods or you are dead men!” - -The command, which sounded as if it came from heaven, acted like an -electric shock upon the four young men, who with gasps of dismay dived -in among the trees with such headlong panic that two dropped their hats, -and the others stumbled, crawling forward and scrambling to their feet -as best they could. - -The bewildered Harvey might have done the same, for it seemed the only -way of escaping a frightful death, had he not fancied there was a -familiar note in the deep bass voice. When he looked aloft, the strange -occurrence was explained. Balanced directly overhead and not more than a -hundred feet high, floated a monoplane. A slim man more than six feet -tall and clothed in a long flapping duster was standing erect with a -small, oblong object in his hand to which he had just applied a match. -He let it hiss for a moment, and then tossed it away so that it fell -only a few feet from where Harvey stood. - -“Don’t be scared,” he called; “I’m just practicing how to drop a bomb on -the deck of a vessel; these things make a loud noise but nothing more.” - -As the delighted youth stared upward, he saw painted in glaring letters -on the under side of the single plane the words: - - “THE DRAGON OF THE SKIES.” - -“Aren’t you coming down to call?” asked Harvey. “No one could be so -welcome as you.” - -“So I judged from the way things looked; I have been up here some time -watching matters. You keeled over that brute beautifully.” - -“He is showing signs of revival.” - -“Stand a little out of the way and watch me help revive him.” - -Harvey, relieved beyond expression by the happy turn of affairs, sprang -several paces aside and watched his friend aloft. He was still standing -erect, balanced so perfectly in the calm that he did not have to steady -himself. The missiles which he had flung to the earth were simply giant -firecrackers, some six inches long and more than an inch in diameter. He -knew when he lighted the powder-soaked string which served as a fuse how -many seconds it would require to reach the powder within. It has been -shown how accurate he was in his calculations. - -Harvey saw the flicker of the smoking match as it was touched to the -short dangling twist of fuse attached to the cracker which he held in -his left hand beside his waist, while with one eye closed he squinted -along the red tube as if aiming a gun. Then he parted his thumb and -forefinger and the cracker tumbled downward end over end, and either -through extraordinary skill or by good luck dropped upon the chest of -Bill and burst with terrific force and deafening noise. - -It certainly “revived” the man, for with a howl he leaped to his feet -and plunged in among the trees in the wildest panic conceivable. A -fifty-pound bombshell would have caused more damage but could not have -created greater terror. - -Harvey in the reaction of his spirits leaned against his biplane to keep -from falling through excessive mirth. He had never seen anything so -funny in his life. In the midst of his merriment, Professor Milo Morgan -called down: - -“I must be off; good-bye; better not bother with such folks as these.” - -“But, Professor, won’t you make me a call?” - -“Haven’t time; other matters are awaiting me.” - -“Can you tell me anything about Bohunkus?” - -“He’s round on the other side of the wood, waiting for you.” - -As he spoke, the elongated aviator extended one arm, so that no doubt -was left of the direction meant. Then he resumed his seat, and the -Dragon of the Skies darted into space like an eagle diving from his -mountain perch. - -Harvey noticed again that swiftly as the man was speeding, his monoplane -seemed to emit no noise whatever. It was certainly a remarkable muffler -that enabled him to do this, and it explained why none of the party -below had any inkling of the crank’s proximity until he made it known in -the startling manner described. Moreover his uplifter held him sustained -without motion, as we sometimes see a bird hovering over the ocean and -preparing to dart downward for its prey. - -“He has made enough inventions already to give him riches beyond -estimate, but the fact seems to be the last to enter his head.” - -But Harvey could not forget his dusky comrade. Professor Morgan had told -where he could be found, provided he had not gone elsewhere in the -meantime. The five young men with whom the couple had had their affray -were still capable of making trouble. It was possible that when they -found none was harmed, they would return to look into matters. The -minutes were too valuable to be wasted. - -Although the aeroplane had been exposed to danger it had suffered no -injury. Instead of procuring a brake, in the form of a prop from the -nearby wood, with which to hold the machine until momentum was gathered, -the young aviator whirled the propeller about, stepped into his seat and -grasped the control. The motor started at once and sent out its -deafening racket. The little rubber-tired wheels began slowly turning -and sped swiftly across the open space. Harvey waited until he was going -very fast, when he drew back the handle and in the same instant felt he -was traveling on nothing. Upward and outward he shot to a height of -three hundred feet, when he circled about and came back over the wood, -beyond which he glided to the other side. - -It was there he ought to find Bohunkus. Slowing his progress as much as -he could and still remain aloft, he scanned the earth in quest of the -colored youth. There was the stretch of woodland, meadow and sparsely -cultivated ground, with the small dwelling in the distance, the -landscape being crossed by a winding creek which skirted the forest and -lost itself far to the eastward. - -But Bohunkus Johnson was nowhere to be seen. - -“Likely enough he has started off on a run again with nobody chasing him -and may not look behind until he has gone several miles. It would serve -him right if I left him to get home the best he can. He has enough money -to pay his way and—.” - -Harvey’s eye rested on a large maple lying on the edge of the wood. It -had fallen recently, for the foliage of the abundant limbs was still -green. The trunk, which must have been two feet in diameter at the base, -showed no branches for several yards, but was held a little above the -ground by the sturdy and bent limbs upon which the greater weight was -resting. - -There was no particular reason why this object should interest Harvey, -but it did, and he scrutinized it closely, as he slowly sailed past. -Something moved, but so vaguely that he could not identify it. The -object appeared to be under the log in the open space between it and the -ground upon which it was supported. The distance was so trifling that -Harvey did not call his binoculars into use. - -The top of a person’s head, without a cap or covering except a mass of -black wool, and a pair of staring eyes, showed over the top of the log. -Their owner was watching the biplane, as if uncertain of its identity. -Had the individual remained stationary, he would have come into clear -view, as Harvey glided beyond him, but before that could take place, he -ducked under the maple, whisked beneath, and raising his head, again -peered over the trunk from the other side. He did not speak, but -evidently was mystified and undecided what to do. - -The amused Harvey curved about and then volplaned to the ground within -fifty paces of the fallen tree. As he did so, he saw Bohunkus standing -erect and grinning at him. He had donned his cap and was delighted. - -“Did I scare yo’?” he asked, going forward to meet his friend. - -“Scare me? How could you do that?” - -“I knowed it was yo’ all de time; I thought I’d have a little fun wid -yo’.” - -“What were you doing behind that log, Bunk?” - -“Nuffin; I felt sorter tired and laid down to rest till yo’ come along; -I was getting out ob patience wid yo’; what made yo’ so late?” - -“I have been looking for you; those were queer performances on your -part.” - -“What oblusions am yo’ obluding to, Harv?” - -“You gave that fellow the best thumping he ever had, and then jumped up -and ran off like a big coward.” - -“Didn’t run away from nobody; it was dem ’leben fellers wid dere loaded -guns dat was a chasing me like all creation; wouldn’t yo’ run yo’self?” - -“Certainly, if I had been attacked by such a force, but I stayed behind -and entertained the other four and there was only the one that troubled -you. What became of that fellow who tried so hard to overtake you?” - -“He’s dead,” was the solemn answer of Bunk. - -“What killed him?” - -“Me,” was the unblushing response; “I kept running till I got him away -from de oder nine, so dey couldn’t help him; den I whirled about and -lammed him so hard dat it was de last ob him; he’ll neber insult any -’spectable colored gemman agin.” - -“Well, Bunk, I am afraid you will have to do your job over, for I saw -him only a little while ago. He may be near at hand this minute.” - -And Harvey glanced around as if alarmed by the probability of such a -thing. - -“Being dat am de way things stand, hadn’t we better emigrate, Harv?” - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - UNCLE TOMMY. - - -Like a sensible young man, Harvey Hamilton had made a study of his -itinerary before leaving home. Allowing himself a margin of several -days, he expected to rejoin his friends at the end of a fortnight. If -all went well he would do so earlier, while there was always the -possibility that he might be absent still longer. - -He knew that the little town nestling several miles to the left was -Darmore. It was at the base of a spur of the Alleghanies toward which he -had been working his way from the first. His wish was to pass beyond the -thickly settled districts. Nothing palls sooner upon an aviator than the -endless succession of towns, villages, cultivated sections and -monotonous scenery. While there must be a certain sameness in the -expanses of forest there was always the chance of adventure which a -normal youngster craves as he does his meals when hungry. - -Harvey had meditated going to Darmore to renew his supply of fuel, but -recalled that after passing the mountain ridge, another and larger town -lay some miles away in the broad forest valley. He had enough gasoline -to carry him thither and he decided to make the trip. He followed his -general rule of not rising far above the altitude necessary to clear the -tallest trees and elevations. Thus, viewed far from the rear, the -aeroplane suggested that it was climbing the mountain side by resting -upon and sailing over the billowy sea of foliage. - -The summit proper was no more than two or three hundred yards in height, -and having cleared it the young aviator mounted higher than before in -order to secure a comprehensive view of the surrounding country and -learn how correct his impressions were. - -He was vastly pleased. Almost in a direct line and not far away lay -Chesterton, a town of several thousand population and in the midst of a -thriving section of the country. He traced the winding highways, the -scattered farm houses, the broad, cultivated fields, the signs of busy -life everywhere, and the enormous wealth of forest which continued up -the farther slope, crowned the top of the ridge and stretched down the -incline beyond. - -The noisy motor in the sky and the queer looking object which seemed to -be advancing sideways and at a rapid pace, drew attention wherever it -was seen. Farmers riding over the dusty roads stopped their teams and -stared aloft until they got kinks in their necks; men and women climbed -to the roofs of their houses, as if the slight decrease of distance -would help them, and breathlessly studied the strange sight, some of the -spectators with the aid of spy-glasses; groups gathered on lawns, -porches and in front of their homes; every window of a passenger train, -to say nothing of the platforms, was wedged with curious observers, -while several white puffs which shot upward from the steam whistle -showed that the engineer was sending out a salutation to the aerial -wanderer who could not hear it. Everybody had read of aeroplanes and -seen pictures of them, but this was the first time the real thing had -sailed into their sea of vision and no picture can stir like the -actuality itself. - -Two men, one of them carrying a gun, were walking over the high road, a -little way to the right, and probably two hundred yards from the -aeroplane. They had stopped and were surveying the strange object -overhead. One of them abruptly raised his weapon and the little faint -blue puff showed he had used the machine as his target. Instead of a -shotgun the fellow fired a rifle. It was impossible of course to hear -the report, but the sudden appearance of a small white spot on the -framework of the upper wing, showed where the bullet had nipped off a -splinter. Strange that so many people cannot observe a curious object -without yearning to shoot it. - -Harvey looked around at Bohunkus, and by a nod and the expression of his -face asked whether he wished to be set down that he might properly -chastise the scamp. The colored youth shook his head. He had gone -through enough in that line to satisfy him. Harvey shied off and -speedily passed beyond range. The fellow did not try a second shot. - -Thus far the weather had been ideal, but a disagreeable change -threatened. The sun was hidden by clouds, which increased in density and -number, and the air became so chilly that both shivered. Harvey headed -for Chesterton, for it was evident that soon all pleasure in aerial -sailing would be ended for the time. - -The approach of the aeroplane roused the usual excitement in the little -country town, and when Harvey descended in an open space near the -collection of houses, half a hundred people rushed thither to greet and -give him whatever help he needed. He aimed to make a graceful landing so -as properly to impress the spectators, but he got another reminder of -the astonishing sensitiveness of the aeroplane, which must be handled -far differently from an automobile. He was not quick enough in shifting -the lever and hit the ground with so violent a bump that Bohunkus, who -was not expecting anything of the kind, was thrown headlong from his -perch and landed in a sitting posture with so loud a grunt that the -onlookers laughed. - -“What’s de matter wid yo’?” he asked angrily; “dat’s de right way to -come down in an airyplane. Hab yo’ any ’bjections?” - -“It’s the way _you_ land,” replied one of the men, “because you don’t -know any better.” - -Bohunkus would have been glad to make a scathing retort, but was unable -to think of one. So he said in the way of reproof to his companion: - -“De next time yo’s gwine to try to knock a hole fru de airth, let me -know so I can jump.” - -“It will do you as much good to jump afterward as before. It looks to me -as if a storm is coming, Bunk, and we must get the machine under -shelter.” - -The pleasant feature about the situation was that the crowd which had -gathered and continued to gather was a friendly one. No one spoke an -ill-natured word and all were eager to help in every way possible. - -When Harvey stood on the ground, facing the group, he asked: - -“Are we going to have a rain?” - -“_He’s_ the man that’ll tell you all about the weather for a week to -come and hit it every time.” - -The one who spoke pointed to an old farmer, without coat or waistcoat, -with a ragged straw hat, chin whiskers and bent shoulders, who was -chewing tobacco after the manner of a cow masticating her cud. - -“How is it, Uncle Tommy?” asked the man who had just spoken. - -The old fellow, still chewing, looked up at the sky and then around the -heavens, squinting one eye as he carefully studied the signs. - -“It’ll rain like all creation inside of a couple of hours; then it’ll -hold up a little while and bime by start in agin and drizzle all night.” - -“How about to-morrow?” asked Harvey. - -“It’ll be bright and clear, but a little cooler than to-day.” - -“Tell the young gentleman how the rest of the week will be,” insisted -his neighbor. - -“The next three days will be clear and rayther warmish; I won’t say -anything beyond that this afternoon, but if ye wanter know, I’ll obleege -ye to-morrer when I’ve had a snifter and my breakfast.” - -“I am much obliged; you have told me what I wanted to know. I shall need -shelter for this aeroplane; can any of you gentlemen help me?” - -There was less difficulty than Harvey anticipated. Chesterton had a -single large hotel or tavern as the townspeople called it, with the -usual rows of sheds for the convenience of countrymen when they drove in -from the neighborhood. With the help of several bystanders the machine -was shoved over the road and through the alley—where much care was -necessary to save the wings from injury—to the sheds at the rear. There, -after some delicate maneuvering, the machine was worked into the shelter -at the corner, where a fair hangar was secured. - -“Here we stay till the weather clears,” said Harvey to Bunk, as they -strolled into the hotel to get their dinner, for which each had a keen -appetite. - -Where all showed so hospitable a disposition, Harvey felt little fear of -any harm to the aeroplane, though Bohunkus strolled out once or twice to -make sure everything was right. After the meal the young aviator seated -himself in the utility room, as it may be called. This was connected by -a door that was always open with the bar, and was intended for the -convenience of those who wished something a little less public. It was -provided with several chairs, a round table standing in the middle of -the apartment, and had a sanded floor and a few cheap sporting prints on -the walls. A half dozen men were seated around, most of them with feet -elevated on other chairs or the window sills, while they gossiped of the -affairs of the neighborhood. They showed little interest in Harvey and -Bunk. The former obtained pen, paper and ink from the landlord and spent -a part of the afternoon in writing to his parents and to brother Dick in -the Adirondacks. He named a town in advance which he expected to reach -at the end of a week, as the proper one to which to address their -replies. This duty attended to, Harvey looked at Bunk, whose cap had -fallen on the floor as he leaned back in his chair and slept. There was -no prejudice so far as yet shown against his race in that section and he -was not annoyed by any one. - -Recalling the words of the old weather prophet, Harvey went out on the -long covered porch in front of the hotel. The two hours had passed and -the rain was coming down in torrents. Then, just as the venerable farmer -had said would be the case, it slackened, with the promise of renewal -before nightfall. - -“Some of those old fellows can beat the government every time,” -reflected Harvey; “I shall believe Uncle Tommy until I see the proof of -his mistake. Well, I declare!” - -It happened at that moment that Harvey Hamilton was the only person on -the porch, where several wooden chairs awaited occupants. Here and there -a man or woman could be seen hurrying along the sloppy street, all eager -to reach home or shelter. The youth’s exclamation was caused by sight of -an unusually tall man, in a long, flapping linen duster, striding -forward on the same side as the tavern, so that he passed within a dozen -paces of where the astonished youth stared wonderingly at him, for, -without his distinctive attire, the long grizzled beard and glowing -black eyes identified him at once. - -“How are you, Professor?” called Harvey; “I’m mighty glad to see you -again.” - -The individual upon being hailed looked at the young man as if he had -never seen him before, and then, without the slightest sign of -recognition, stalked up the street and out of sight. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - A MYSTERIOUS COMMUNICATION. - - -Harvey Hamilton stood speechless. When he spoke to Professor Morgan, -they were no more than a rod apart, with only the broad open space in -front of the hotel between them. Upon hearing himself addressed, the man -had looked straight into the face of the lad and then, as already said, -passed on without the faintest sign of recognition. - -A more direct snub cannot be imagined, and yet it was not in the nature -of a snub. Nothing had occurred that could justify so marked a slight. -The humiliation which Harvey felt for a few seconds quickly passed away. - -“He must have been too absorbed in reverie to see me, and yet that can’t -be possible, for he showed that he heard me call him by his title.” - -By and by the young aviator reached the only conclusion that seemed -reasonable. - -“He is a crank in every sense of the word; he is as crazy as a June bug; -he was friendly enough last night and this forenoon, and now he is in a -different mood. Well, I shall always feel grateful for the good turn he -did me. If we meet again, he may be in a more genial frame of mind; at -least I hope so.” - -The downpour was increasing and the air had become so chilly that Harvey -passed inside to the sitting-room. The same number of men were present -as before, smoking, chewing and gossiping. He glanced into their -countenances, as he moved his chair beside the sleeping Bohunkus -Johnson, prepared to pass the dismal hours as best he could without -finding any reading matter in the form of books or newspapers. He had -registered before dinner and engaged a room for himself and another for -his companion. His letters were given to the landlord, who promised to -send them to the post office in time for the afternoon’s mail. - -Somehow or other, there was one man among the group in whom Harvey felt -a slight interest, though he attributed the fact to the lack of anything -else to engage his mind. This individual was standing at the desk, when -Harvey came from the outside, studying the dog-eared register, as if he -too was guided by some idle impulse. He glanced at the newcomer and -followed him into the larger room, where he lighted a cigar and took a -seat against the other wall. - -He was of slight frame, in middle life, dressed in a gray business suit, -with clean shaven face, a thin sharp nose, good teeth and keen blue -eyes. He was alert of manner, and might well have been a drummer held in -town for a brief while against his will. When Harvey glanced at him -again he quickly averted his eyes. Apparently he did not wish to be -detected in the act and he came within a hair of succeeding in his -attempt. He gazed in an absent way through the door leading to the -bar-room and smoked his cigar like a man who thoroughly enjoyed the -weed. - -Being in an idle mood, Harvey twisted the corner of his handkerchief -into a tight spiral, making the end quite stiff and pointed, and, -leaning forward, began drawing it back and forth against the base of the -sleeping Bohunkus Johnson’s nose. Immediately every other person in the -room began watching the proceedings. - -For a little while the negro slept on undisturbed. Then he suddenly -crinkled his broad, flat nose and flipped his hand at the fly or -mosquito that was supposed to be tickling him. The spectators grinned, -and Harvey waited till Bunk was slumbering as heavily as before. Then he -resumed his role of Tantalus. This time he tickled so energetically that -Bunk struck impatiently at his tormentor and banged the top of the chair -a vigorous blow—so vigorous indeed that several of the men snickered and -the dusky youth opened his eyes and raised his head, as wide awake as -ever in his life. - -“Think yo’s smart, doan’ yo’?” he growled, donning the cap that had -fallen to the floor and shaking himself together. - -“The next thing, Bunk, you’ll fall asleep in the biplane and tumble out -head first.” - -“I doan’ see dat it’ll make any difference to yo’ if I do,” replied the -other, nettled by the general laughter more than by the manner of his -awaking. - -“It won’t, but it will to you. If you want to sleep all the time go to -your room.” - -Bohunkus mumbled something, shifted his position, sank down in his chair -until he seemed to be sitting on the upper part of his spine, and in a -few minutes was nodding again. Harvey molested him no further, but -looking up discovered by a furtive glance that the thin young man in -gray had been studying him for an indefinite time, though quick to shift -his gaze as before. - -Harvey drew his note-book from his pocket, and, bringing his chair to -the table, began making sketches with his pencil, wholly from -imagination. The stranger, a little while later, drew up his seat -opposite and busied himself in the same way. Thus the situation remained -for perhaps ten minutes. - -Suddenly a pellet of paper the size of a dime was flipped across the -brief space and fell upon the page that was covered with Harvey’s -tracings. He knew it came from the man on the other side of the table, -and he understood it was meant to be secret. It was an extraordinary way -by which to communicate with him, when it would have been easy to speak -one or two words in so guarded tones that they could not be overheard. -But the man must have had his reasons, which would appear later. - -With that quickness of resource that has been shown to be a marked trait -of Harvey Hamilton, he did a bright thing. Without betraying any haste -or interest, he picked up the tiny wad and slipped it into his waistcoat -pocket. He did not even look at the stranger, but nodded his head, -keeping his eyes on his note-book. A minute later the man rose from his -chair and sauntered into the bar-room, turning off to one side so as to -be out of sight of the youth had he looked for him while still in his -seat, which he did not. - -It was with curious emotions that Harvey saw he was called upon to play -a peculiar role. He had been given a written communication in such a -manner as to make it certain the sender wished no other person to know -what had taken place. The youth must read the message, but do so -secretly. To untwist the bit and examine it while in the sitting-room -would betray everything. Only one course remained. - -It was not yet dark, for it will be remembered it was summer time, but -stepping to the bar, behind which the landlord was standing serving a -customer, Harvey asked for the key to his room. It was handed to him -from a nail and he was directed to ascend the stairs to the upper hall, -along which he was to walk until he saw the number “34” on the door. - -As Harvey started to follow directions, he glanced about the bar-room, -in which there were six or eight persons, but the author of the -mysterious message was not among them. He was standing on the porch -outside, and looked for an instant through the window at Harvey, but no -sign or signal was exchanged between them. - -Not until he had entered his room and locked the door did Harvey unroll -the paper pellet, and, standing by the window where the light was good, -read the following words: - - “I shall knock at your door at nine o’clock this evening. Keep - your colored servant out of the way. I have something important - to say to you. When we meet outside of your room neither must - show that he has ever met the other. Don’t fail me. - - S. P.” - -After the perplexity caused by these curious sentences, Harvey -Hamilton’s feeling was that of amusement. - -“I have come to Chesterton in my aeroplane, and dived head first into -one of the most tremendous mysteries that ever was. Bunk and I set out -to find adventure and it looks as if we had struck it rich. But what the -mischief can it all mean?” - -Try as hard as he might, he could not take the matter as seriously as it -seemed to him he ought to do. The time was well on in the twentieth -century, he was in one of the most civilized sections of the Union, and -things as a rule were conducted in accordance with law. Surely “S. P.” -was not hinting at murder, or burglary, or incendiarism, or any other -heinous crime. - -“What is he driving at and who is he?” - -Harvey Hamilton would not have been a bright, high-spirited youth of -seventeen years had he not been stirred by the curious communication -that had been delivered so oddly to him. He speculated and theorized, -and the more he did so the more he was puzzled. - -“Some folks like to be mysterious,” he said, “and the less cause they -have for being so the more secret they are. Why didn’t ‘S. P.’, whoever -he is, drop me a word, which he could have done without it being noticed -by any one else? - -“It must have been there was another person in the room that he was -afraid would become suspicious, but I have no idea who he was. It is odd -that this fellow is the only one who interested me. - -“What can his business be with me? I was never in this part of the world -before and haven’t had anything to do with the people here, nor anywhere -in the neighborhood, except those young men this forenoon. It can’t have -any relation to them, for they have not had time to reach Chesterton -since our run-in.” - -“How about Professor Morgan?” Harvey asked himself with a start. “I know -he is in town and didn’t show any pleasure when I recognized him. Can it -be that he and ‘S. P.’ have anything between them in which I am -concerned?” - -He sat for a long time turning over the perplexing subject in his mind, -with the only result of becoming more befogged. - -“Pshaw! what’s the use?” he exclaimed impatiently, as he came to his -feet and donned his cap; “it is nearly night and I have to wait but a -few hours, when he will make everything clear. So here goes.” - -He locked his door behind him and started down the long hall. At the -head of the stairs, whom should he meet but the alert looking man in -gray? Harvey was about to suggest that they return to his room together -and have their conference, but the other did not seem to see him; and -recalling the warning, the youth passed down the steps as if he had -encountered an utter stranger. The latter did not show up at the supper -table and Harvey was relieved, for it would have been some embarrassment -to him. It may have been the man’s knowledge of this fact that caused -him to keep out of the way. - -Time passed slowly. When Harvey looked at his watch and saw that it -lacked fifteen minutes of the time appointed, he started for his room. -Bohunkus had already gone up stairs. When he bade his friend good night, -he said to him: - -“I need sleep, Bunk, so stay in your room till I call you in the -morning.” - -“All right; I hain’t no ’bjection; I sha’n’t get up till yo’ bang on my -door.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - CALLED TO THE RESCUE. - - -Harvey Hamilton struck a match, after he had unlocked the door of his -room and stepped inside. He lighted the gas and seated himself beside -the stand in front of the mirror, to wait the brief interval. He -continually glanced at his watch and twice held it to his ear to make -sure it had not stopped. At three minutes to nine, he slipped it into -his pocket, leaned back and listened. - -“I shall soon hear his footstep,” was his thought; “everything is so -still that if he comes in his stocking feet it will be perceptible on -the bare floor——” - -But, though the listening youth had not caught the slightest noise, he -now heard a gentle tap, tap. He stepped hastily across the room and drew -the door open. The gas light in the apartment showed the man in gray -wrapped in the fainter illumination of the hall around and behind him. -He did not speak until he had stepped inside. Then in the lowest and -softest of voices he said: - -“If you don’t mind,” gently turning the key in the closed door, and -stepping forward so as to be as far as possible from the threshold. As -if still uneasy, he glanced under the bed as his head came on a level -with the post. Then he rose and peeped into the closet, where nothing -hung but the outer coat of the rightful occupant. - -“You will excuse me, Harvey, but I must make sure we are alone,” said -the man apologetically. - -The host felt a touch of surprise at being addressed by his given name, -but smiled as he also seated himself, with only the width of the little -stand in the middle of the room between them. - -“You need have no misgivings, sir; we are as much alone as if we were a -mile high in my aeroplane.” - -Asking permission, the guest lighted a cigar and hitched as near as he -could to the young man. - -“You were surprised to receive that note from me?” - -“My surprise was due as much to the style of delivery as to its -contents. Why didn’t you use your tongue instead of your pencil?” - -“Two men in the room were watching me.” - -“Didn’t they see you flip the paper?” - -“No; without looking directly at them I knew when their heads were -turned and they were occupied with that dispute in the bar-room. Then it -was that the bit of paper which I was holding and awaiting my chance, -dropped on the page of your note-book. Had I spoken, they would have -heard me, though they might not have understood the words, but no sound -was made by the tiny missive.” - -“It would have been natural for me to betray you by my surprise, and to -open the fragment and read it at the time their attention came back to -the room in which we were all sitting.” - -“I knew you were not that kind of a young man.” - -The compliment did not wholly please Harvey. - -“How could you know that? What means had you of learning anything about -me? I noticed that you know my first name.” - -“The hotel register told me that you are Harvey Hamilton, from -Mootsport, New Jersey; a little study of you when you did not suspect -what I was doing imparted the rest. We detectives become skilful in -reading character.” - -“So you are a detective?” said Harvey in surprise, such a thought never -having come to him until this announcement was made. - -“That is my profession, but you are the only person in Chesterton who -suspects anything of the kind.” - -“You mean you _believe_ so, but, brilliant as are detectives—that is -some of them—they occasionally make mistakes.” - -“They would not be human if they did not.” - -“But some blunder less than others. You signed your note with your -initials, ‘S. P.’ I have some curiosity to know what they stand for.” - -“The hotel register would have told you.” - -“But I had not enough interest to look; I feel different now.” - -“You may call me Simmons Pendar.” - -“Knowing at the same time that it is not your real name.” - -“But will serve as well as any other.” - -“I am sure I have no objection; well, Mr. Simmons Pendar, I am in my -room to keep the appointment you requested. I await your pleasure.” - -It may be said that the professional detective, as he announced himself, -was somewhat surprised by his reception. He supposed that his -host—inasmuch as he was only a boy—would be markedly impressed when he -learned the profession of his caller, but he seemed almost indifferent. -Pendar was pleased, for it helped to confirm the opinion he had formed -of the mental acuteness of the lad. - -“I have no intention of assuming the mysterious, Harvey, as some people -are fond of doing. Since I have told you I am a detective, you naturally -wonder what possible business I can have with you.” - -“You guessed right the first time.” - -“I assume that you are willing to aid me in the cause of justice.” - -“You have no right to assume that, for our ideas of justice, as you term -it, may differ.” - -The visitor laughed, but without the least noise. - -“Well said! But I am sure we shall agree in this business.” - -“That remains to be seen.” And Harvey continued his attitude of close -attention. Detective Pendar came to the point with a rush: - -“Some weeks ago Grace Hastings, the five-year-old daughter of the -wealthy Mr. and Mrs. Horace Hastings, of Philadelphia, was stolen by -members of the Italian Black Hand, who hold her for a heavy ransom. -Perhaps you read the account?” - -“I did,” replied Harvey, compressing his lips as his eyes flashed; “I -was never so angered in my life. This kidnapping business has become so -common during the last few years that I should like to help in burning -some of the Mafia and Black Hand devils at the stake. There’s more -excuse for such punishment than for burning those black imps in the -South.” - -The youth was so wrought up that he bounded to his feet and paced -rapidly up and down the room. His caller coolly watched him and remained -silent. The result of his revelation was what he wished it to be. The -leaven was working. When Harvey became calmer, he resumed his seat, but -his white face betrayed his tense emotion. - -“Would you like to help to rescue the little girl and bring the -scoundrels to justice?” - -“I would give anything in the world for the chance.” - -“_You have it!_” - -“What do you mean?” demanded Harvey, bounding to his feet again. - -“Just what I said; pull yourself together and listen.” - -“Don’t keep me waiting.” - -“You are making an excursion through the air with your aeroplane; this -fact gives you an advantage which may prove a deciding one. I need not -dwell on the grief of the parents of the little one, which is worse than -death itself could cause. They will give any amount of money to recover -their only child from the grip of those wretches. They have employed -many detectives in searching for her; I have been doing nothing else for -six weeks.” - -“Why don’t they pay the ransom? That has been done in other cases, with -the result of recovering the stolen one.” - -“The father wished to pay the demand as soon as it came to him, but -somebody or something has convinced him that it will prove only the -first of other demands still more exorbitant, with the recovery of the -child much in doubt.” - -“Has no clue been obtained as to the whereabouts of the little girl?” - -“There’s been no end of clues, but they lead nowhere. The mother in her -frantic grief insists that her husband shall pay the price without more -delay, and I believe he will not hold out much longer, satisfied that it -is the only hope left to him.” - -“But how can I give any help with my aeroplane?” - -“I have reason to think the gang has its headquarters not many miles -from this place.” - -Harvey looked his astonishment. - -“If that is true, what prevents you from running them down?” - -“An almost insurmountable difficulty faces me. I am the only searcher -who holds this theory, as I am the only one who has reason for it. But -it is diamond cut diamond. These miscreants are alert, shrewd and -cunning to the last degree. They have their watchers out, and upon the -first sign of danger they will signal the others, who will make a -lightning change of base, taking the child with them.” - -“Have you any idea of the spot where they are?” - -“Only that it is several miles away, in the depth of the forest which -covers so large an extent of this mountainous country.” - -“Then why in heaven’s name don’t you and a posse rush them?” asked -Harvey, impatient with what seemed the dilatoriness of the officer. - -“No one man nor a dozen men could find their way over the faint trails -in time to surprise the gang. They keep lookouts on duty day and night. -There isn’t a stranger who comes to Chesterton that is not watched. Two -of their men are in the hotel this minute; they have had you and even -your stupid colored youth under scrutiny.” - -“Have they any suspicion of _me_?” asked Harvey with a grim smile. - -“No; for you are too young and your actions are too open.” - -“How about yourself?” - -“I am hopeful that they are in the dark regarding me, though I am not -positive; I am playing the role of a drummer for a hardware firm in New -York. I have taken quite a number of orders, and all the time have been -on the watch for a chance to go upon an exploring expedition through the -surrounding wilderness. You understand the delicacy of my situation. A -single attempt in that line, even if immediately abandoned, will give me -away and end all possibility of my accomplishing any good. Still, I had -made up my mind that the essay would have to be made, with all the -chances against success, or I must abandon the business altogether. Your -coming has raised the hope that you can aid me.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - PLANNING THE SEARCH. - - -Harvey Hamilton was about to speak when Detective Pendar raised a -warning hand. - -“Sh!” he whispered; “some one is in the hall.” - -The youth listened intently, but could not detect so much as the “shadow -of a sound.” None the less, his guest was right. - -“He has gone by; listen!” - -The faintest possible noise, as if made by some one opening and closing -a door with the extremest caution, came to their ears. - -“It’s one of them,” remarked the detective, in the same almost inaudible -tone; “let’s sit as near together as we can, and not raise our voices -above a whisper. I allowed you to do so a few minutes ago, because there -were no listeners.” - -“Are those two watchers as you call them staying at the hotel?” - -“They occupy the fourth room beyond.” - -“And my negro lad has the third.” - -“And I the second; so we are all neighbors.” - -“How will you manage to leave without detection?” - -“I am used to that kind of business,” replied Pendar with a smile; “give -it no thought. Let us return to the matter in which you are as much -interested as I. My proposal is that in sailing over the surrounding -country, you scrutinize it, so far as your keen vision, assisted by your -binoculars, will permit, in search of the headquarters of this gang.” - -“How shall I recognize the place if I see it?” - -“You will have to follow the law of probabilities. The woods are -uninhabited, except in the eastern part—that is, in this direction. If -you observe any old house or cabin that shows evidence of being -occupied, probably it’s the place for which we are looking. Locate it -definitely, and then we shall have something upon which to act. As soon -as you report to me, I’ll move with all the vigor and common sense at my -command.” - -Here was the proposal as clearly as it could be put. Harvey nodded his -head several times and compressed his lips, as does one who is in deadly -earnest. - -“Heaven grant that I shall be able to do something.” - -“Then I was not wrong in assuming you were interested in the cause of -justice?” remarked Detective Pendar. - -“Not by a large majority.” - -“Whoever has a hand in restoring the little girl to her parents will -receive a munificent reward. Perhaps this fact may be of interest to -you.” - -“None whatever. Now that I shall undertake the task, we must have an -understanding; suppose I discover such a place as you mention, while -cruising aloft, how am I to communicate with you without drawing -suspicion to myself?” - -“There will be no trouble in that. You can return to the hotel, as will -be quite natural for you to do, take a room under some pretense such as -not feeling well, and I shall get to you without much delay. That done -it will not be long before we formulate a plan of action.” - -“Will my negro prove any handicap to me?” - -“On the contrary, I am hoping he will be of help.” - -“In what way?” - -“It is impossible for him to be secretive or cunning; he is so open that -his honesty speaks for itself; no one can doubt that you and he are on a -little outing, with no purpose except enjoyment.” - -“You have gauged his character correctly.” - -“As I did yours.” - -“Don’t be too certain of that; you were correct at least in believing -you would enlist my efforts in your work.” - -“When will you be ready to begin?” - -“To-morrow morning,—provided the weather proves as clear as that old -farmer declared it would be.” - -“I heard his prophecy; his neighbors believe him infallible; I think you -can count on favoring conditions. Bear in mind that your task is simple. -You cannot halt and rest in the air, because you have to travel rapidly -to sustain yourself, but you see the enormous advantages your position -gives you. Wherever a house, even the smallest one, stands in the woods, -the roof or some part of it must be visible from above. The abductors of -the child will treat her well so long as there is a prospect of -obtaining the ransom, for it is to their interest to do so. There must -be cooking done in the dwelling, and the smoke will show; washing and -other things are necessary,—all of which you can learn without the aid -of glasses from a perch of several hundred feet. Are you acquainted with -an aviator known as Professor Morgan?” - -The abrupt question startled the youth. - -“I met him last night and again this forenoon. He is a crank.” - -“Rather; his mind is unbalanced, but for all that it is a brilliant -intellect which has been knocked topsy-turvy by studying out inventions -in aviation.” - -“And he has made some wonderful ones. He told me he had discovered a -chemical which mixed with gasoline will keep him in the air for twelve -hours, and he is confident that he will soon double and triple its -effectiveness. He has already learned how to sustain his machine for -some time motionless.” - -“Have you seen him do it?” - -“I have,” and Harvey related the incident of the Professor dropping the -giant crackers among the group on the edge of the wood. - -“It is a most extraordinary achievement. I suppose he has managed to -secure in some way the action of supports which operate like the wings -of a bird, when he holds himself stationary in the sky.” - -“Furthermore, he runs his machine without noise, which is another feat -that no one else has been able to attain. It seems to me also that his -‘Dragon of the Skies,’ as he has named it, can travel faster than the -swiftest eagle.” - -It was in the mind of Harvey to ask the detective how he came to form -the acquaintance of Professor Morgan and to inquire whether he knew the -crank was in Chesterton at that moment, or had been there during the -afternoon; but, as the caller did not volunteer the information, the -youth forbore questioning him. - -“We shall not forget that whenever and wherever we meet outside of this -room, it will be as strangers. If you wish to speak to me on anything, -you will take off your cap and scratch your head. If I see that, I shall -accept it as notice that you have something important to say. As soon as -you can do so without attracting notice you will go to your room. When -the coast becomes clear I shall follow you, but prudence may require me -to delay doing so for an hour or for several hours.” - -At that moment both were startled by a loud knock on the door. On the -instant, Detective Pendar whispered: - -“Make believe you are asleep.” - -Waiting, therefore, until the summons had been twice repeated, Harvey -asked mumblingly: - -“Who’s there?” - -“It’s me, Bunk.” - -“What do you want?” - -“Didn’t yo’ tole me dat I warn’t to bodder yo’ and yo’ would call me in -de morning?” - -“Of course I did; what’s the matter with you?” - -“I woke up a little while ago and couldn’t disremember for suah what it -was yo’ tole me, so I slipped to yo’ door to find out. Dat’s all; good -night!” - -And his heavy tread sounded along the hall to his door through which he -passed. The colored youth had slept so much during the day that he -needed little more refreshment of that nature. - -“What do you think of that for stupidity?” asked Harvey. - -“I am not surprised. I do not recall that I have anything more to say. -Will you be good enough to glance up and down the hall in search of -anything suspicious?” - -The detective himself noiselessly opened the door. Harvey stepped -outside and stood listening and gazing toward the rear through the dimly -lighted avenue, that being the direction in which the rooms referred to -were situated. - -“I cannot see or hear anything——” - -Turning to face the man whom he addressed, and whom he supposed to be -standing directly behind him, Harvey saw nobody. The room was empty. The -amazed youth looked the other way, where the stairs lay. He was barely -in time to catch a glimpse of his caller in gray as he turned the short -corner and disappeared down the steps like a gliding shadow. - -“That beats everything,” remarked the wondering young aviator, who now -locked his door and prepared for bed. - -It was a long time, however, after he turned off the light and stretched -out on the soft mattress before he was able to woo slumber. Now that the -detective had recalled the kidnapping of the Hastings child in -Philadelphia, many minor particulars came back to the youth. All these -helped to stir his feelings, until he longed for the morning when he -could begin his work of bringing the unspeakable miscreants to justice. -He comprehended vividly the anguish of those stricken hearts in their -luxurious home, and shuddered to think that his own sister Mildred might -have been the stolen child. - -With his thoughts flitting with lightning rapidity from one subject to -another, Harvey regretted that he had not questioned the officer about -Professor Morgan. It would be interesting to learn how the two had -become acquainted. - -“I wonder,” added our young friend, following one of his innumerable -whimsies, “whether the Professor is on this job too. He seems to be -lingering in these parts, and he certainly has advantages which can -never be mine. Perhaps when I called to him, he feared it would -complicate matters if I was allowed to mix in. What’s the use of -guessing?” he exclaimed impatiently, as he flung himself on his side and -tried for the twentieth time to coax gentle slumber to come to him. - -The coquettish goddess consented after a time, though the hour was past -midnight when the youth closed his eyes. Such being the situation, it is -not strange that Bohunkus Johnson was the first out of bed in the -morning, and down stairs. He was thinking of the aeroplane and fearful -that it had been molested during the night. - -“I orter watched it agin,” was his thought as he dashed out of doors. - -A few minutes later, Harvey Hamilton was startled by footsteps rushing -along the hall, followed by a furious thumping on his door. - -“Git up, Harv, quick!” he shouted; “somebody has busted de airyplane all -to flinders!” - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - THE AEROPLANE DESTROYED. - - -With one bound Harvey Hamilton leaped out of bed and jerked open the -door. Bohunkus Johnson stood before him, atremble with excitement. - -“What is it you say?” demanded the young aviator. - -“De airyplane am smashed all to bits! It am kindling wood and nuffin -else!” replied the dusky lad, who staggered into the room and dropped -into a chair, so overcome that he was barely able to stand. - -Never did Harvey dress so quickly. While flinging on his garments, his -tongue was busy. - -“Have you any idea who did it?” - -“Gee! I wish I had! I’d sarve him de same way!” - -“Is any one near it?” - -“Not a soul; dat is dere wa’n’t anyone when I snoke out dere and took a -look. Ain’t it too bad, Harv? We’ll have to walk home.” - -“We can ride in the cars; that isn’t worth thinking about.” - -Talking in an aimless way, the youths a minute later ran along the hall, -skittered down stairs and dashed out to the sheds at the rear of the -hotel. The landlord, who was alone in the bar-room, stared wonderingly -at them as they shot through the door, but asked no questions. - -Bohunkus had scarcely exaggerated in his story. No aeroplane that gave -out in the upper regions and slanted downward to rocky earth was ever -more utterly wrecked. One or more persons had evidently used a heavy axe -to work the destruction. Both wings had been smashed, fully two-thirds -of the ribs being splintered; the lever handles were broken and even the -two blades of the propeller had been shattered. The machine had been -hacked in other places. The engine, carbureter and magneto were about -all that remained intact, and even they showed dents and bruises as if -attempts had been made to destroy them. - -Harvey walked sadly around the ruin and viewed it from every angle. His -face was pale, for his indignation was stirred to the profoundest -depths. He said nothing until his companion asked: - -“Who’d you think done it?” - -“I have no more idea than the man in the moon. There may have been only -one person, or there may have been half a dozen. Ah, if I knew!” - -Several men straggled into the open yard and to the shed where they -gathered about the two youths. Harvey looked around and saw there were -six, with others coming into sight. Somehow or other the news of such -outrages seems to travel by a system of wireless telegraphy of their -own. In a short time a score of spectators were gathered, all asking -questions and making remarks. - -The thought struck Harvey that among this group were probably the -criminals. He looked into their faces and compressing his lips said: - -“I’ll give a hundred dollars to learn what scoundrel did this.” - -“I’ll gib fourteen million,” added Bohunkus enthusiastically. - -A tall, stoop-shouldered young man shook his head. - -“Whoever he was he oughter be lynched and I’d like to help do it.” - -The suspicion entered the mind of the young aviator that it was not at -all unlikely that the speaker was the guilty one. With him might have -been joined others and Harvey studied their faces in the hope of gaining -a clue, but in vain. Knowing his father would back his action he said: - -“That was done by some person in Chesterton; you know the people better -than I do; if you would like to earn two hundred dollars find who he or -they were.” - -Something in the nature of a reaction came over our young friend. -Ashamed of his weakness, he turned his back on the group, walked rapidly -to the hotel and went to his room. And it must be confessed that when he -reached that, he sat down in his chair, covered his face with his hands -and sobbed as if his heart were broken. Bohunkus, who was at his heels, -faced him in another chair, and unable to think of anything appropriate -for the occasion, held his peace, frequently crossing and uncrossing his -beam-like legs, clenching his fists and sighing. He yearned to do -something, but couldn’t decide what it should be. - -Harvey’s outburst lasted only a brief while. He washed his face and -deliberately completed his toilet. - -“There’s no use of crying over spilt milk, Bunk,” he remarked calmly; -“let’s go down to breakfast.” - -“I knowed dere was something I’d forgot,—and dat’s it. Seems to me I’m -allers hungry, Harv.” - -“I have thought that a good many times.” - -“I’ll tell you what we’ll do, so’s to git rewenge on ’em.” - -“What’s that?” asked Harvey, who, as is sometimes the case in mental -stress, felt an almost morbid interest in trifles. - -“Let’s eat up eberything in de house, so de rest ob de people will -starve to def; de willain dat done dat will be among ’em and dat’s de -way we’ll get eben wid him.” - -“You might be able, Bunk, to carry out your plan, but I couldn’t give -you much help. Come on and I’ll try to think out what is the best thing -to do.” - -The second descent of the boys was a contrast to their first. They -showed little or no trace of agitation, as they walked into the -dining-room and sat down at the long table where three other guests had -preceded them. Harvey was so disturbed that he ate only a few mouthfuls, -but hardly less than an earthquake would have affected the appetite of -his companion. - -In turning over in his mind the all-absorbing question, Harvey Hamilton -could think of only one explanation. He believed the destruction of his -aeroplane was due to simple wantonness, for many a man and boy do -mischief just because it _is_ mischief and they know such action is -wrong on their part. It was impossible that he should have an enemy in -this country town. It might be the guilty one or ones were actuated by -an unreasoning jealousy or a superstitious belief that the strange -machine was likely to inflict evil upon the community. - -Something like this we say was his theory, though he was not entirely -rid of a vague belief that some other cause might exist. This was an -occasion when he needed the aid of the detective, Simmons Pendar, who -was not in the dining-room nor had he seen him about the hotel. In the -hope of discovering his friend Harvey strolled into the sitting-room and -took the seat he had occupied the day before. The man in gray was -invisible, as were the two foreign looking individuals who were under -suspicion by the officer. - -The question which the young aviator was asking himself was as to the -right course for him to follow. Deprived in this summary fashion of his -air machine, he was without power of giving Pendar any help in his -attempt to recover little Grace Hastings from the kidnappers. Any essay -on his part in that direction, now that he was confined to earth, was -sure to hinder more than to aid. - -He was still in a maze of perplexity when Bohunkus came ponderously to -his feet and started through the door connecting with the hall which led -up stairs. Harvey naturally looked up to learn why he did so. With the -door drawn back and the negro in the act of stepping across the -threshold, he turned his head, grinned and winked at his friend. Then he -passed out, closing the door behind him, and the mystified Harvey heard -his muffled footsteps along the hall and ascending the stairs. - -“What can he be driving at?” Harvey asked himself; “that wink looked as -if it was an invitation for me to follow him.” - -Thus early in the day the two were the only ones in the sitting-room, so -that no one could have noticed the action of the two. Nor is it easy to -understand why Bohunkus should have relied upon a wink of the eye, when -it was as easy and would have been much clearer had he used his gift of -speech; but we know how fond his race are of mystery. - -When Harvey reached the top of the stairs, where the view was -unobstructed along the hall, he saw Bunk standing at his door, as if -waiting for him. The space between the two was such that this time the -dusky youth instead of winking flirted his head. Then he stepped into -Harvey’s room and stood just beyond the partially open door and awaited -his friend. - -Harvey did not forget that they were near the apartment of Detective -Pendar as well as that of the suspected parties, and while moving along -the passage way he did his utmost in the way of looking and listening. -He made no attempt to soften the noise of his footsteps, for that of -itself would have betrayed him. He strode forward and through the doors -and stood beside the waiting Bohunkus, who stealthily turned the key in -the lock. Then he beckoned to Harvey to bring his chair and place it -alongside the one in which the African softly seated himself on the far -side of the room. - -By this time the white youth was beginning to lose patience. - -“What is the matter with you, Bunk?” - -“Sh! not so loud,” replied the other, placing a forefinger against his -bulbous lips. - -“Use a little common sense if you have such a thing about you. If you -don’t speak out and explain things, you must get out of my room.” - -“All right den; Harv, _I know who smashed yo’ airyplane!_” - -“You do! Why didn’t you tell me before?” - -“Wanted to break it to yo’ gentle like.” - -“Who was it?” demanded the astounded youth. - -“Perfesser Morgan!” - -Harvey stared in amazement for a moment and then asked: - -“How do you know it was he who did it?” - -“I seed him!” - -“Are you crazy or only a fool, Bunk? Explain yourself. Do you mean to -tell me that you saw Professor Morgan destroy my aeroplane?” - -“Didn’t perzactly see him doot, but I seed ’nough.” - -“How much did you see?” - -“When I fust went out ob de hotel and round de corner in de yard by de -sheds I seed a tall man, wid his long linen duster, slip fru dat place -where two boards had been ripped off. Jes’ as he was slipping fru, he -turned and looked at me; dere was de long part-gray whiskers and de -black debilish eyes. Oh, it war him and no mistake, Harv,” added -Bohunkus with an air of finality. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - A PUZZLING TELEGRAM. - - -Harvey Hamilton was astounded. In all his imaginings he had never -dreamed of this explanation of the destruction of his aeroplane. One -admirable trait of the thick-witted Bohunkus Johnson was his -truthfulness. His friend knew he was not trying to deceive him and what -he had told could be accepted as fact. - -“Why did you wait so long, Bunk, before telling me this story?” - -“Wal, Harv, I didn’t want to ’bleve it myself; I didn’t at first,—dat -is, I didn’t think de Perfesser was as mean as all dat, but it was him -and no mistake.” - -“I am sure you are right, though I can’t understand why he should do -such a thing.” - -“Guess he war jealous ob us.” - -“Possibly so, but even then it is hard to understand.” - -Harvey still refrained from giving the obvious explanation that -presented itself. A man who is mentally unbalanced cannot be held -accountable for his acts. It was impossible to feel the resentment -toward Professor Morgan which he would have felt had the man been in his -right mind. Harvey sighed. - -“Only one thing remains for us to do, Bunk.” - -“What is that?” - -“Go home and give up our outing. Hist! some one is coming.” - -Footsteps were heard ascending the stairs. Whoever the person was, he -came with deliberate tread along the hall, and halting in front of the -door, knocked smartly. Harvey sprang to his feet and opened. The -landlord stood before him. - -“Here’s a telegram for you; I signed; nothing to pay.” - -The wondering youth accepted the yellow envelope and tore it open. He -read: - - “Go to Groveton and wait. You will learn something to your - advantage.” - - “GABRIEL HAMILTON.” - -The message was dated at his father’s place of business in New York, -and as shown was signed by him. - -“There is no answer,” said Harvey to the waiting landlord, who -departed. - -“This is beyond me,” he remarked after reading the telegram to -Bohunkus, who of course was as much mystified as his companion. “Why -we should go to Groveton and what is there that can be of advantage -to me, is a greater puzzle than the wrecking of the aeroplane.” - -“What am yo’ gwine to do, Harv?” - -“Obey orders. Come on.” - -The two traveled with so light baggage that they had only to fling -their extra coats over their arms, the few minor articles being in -their pockets, and descend the stairs. Harvey paid his bill and -explained that he had been called suddenly away by the telegram from -his father, but it was possible he might return. The landlord -expressed his sympathy for the loss of the aeroplane and promised to -do all he could to find out who the criminals were. - -“Don’t bother,” said Harvey airily, “it’s lucky it didn’t happen -when we were a mile or two up in the sky.” - -“I understand that you will pay a reward of two hundred dollars for -the detection of the scamps?” - -“Yes, the offer stands,” replied Harvey, confident that the really -guilty individual would never be discovered. “You have my address on -your register; if you learn anything, write or telegraph me. By the -way, how far is Groveton from here?” - -“Twelve miles by railroad.” - -“Is it much of a town?” - -“Not quite as big as Chesterton.” - -“What time can we leave for the place?” - -The landlord glanced at the clock behind him. - -“If you walk briskly you can catch the next train.” - -Harvey engaged the man to take care of the remains of the aeroplane -during his absence, and having been directed as to the right course, -the two hurried along the single street and turned off to the -station on their right. They were just in time to buy tickets and -take their seats. Their course was to the westward, which was the -direction of the wide valley between the mountainous ridges. Twenty -minutes later they stepped out on the platform and inquired the name -of the nearest hotel. As in the town they had just left, there was -only one hostelry, the Rawlins Hotel, to which they made their way. - -Wondering and perplexed to the last degree, Harvey entered the place -of board and lodging. He explained that he did not know how long he -would stay, and as it was only the middle of the forenoon, he did -not register, saying he would do so at noon, in the event of his -remaining that long. - -The day was so pleasant—the prophecy of the weather prophet having -been fulfilled to the letter—that they sat down on the long bench -which ran along the front of the hotel, and waited for whatever -might turn up. - -“If any one is to meet me, he would come here,” reflected Harvey; “I -can’t imagine who he is or what news he will bring, but I shall -learn in due time.” - -A half hour later, while the two were seated side by side, -occasionally making a guess as to what it all meant, which guess -both knew was wide of the mark, Bohunkus said: - -“Seems to me dem folks out dere am looking at something.” - -Excitement was fast spreading through the town. Groups stood on the -corners, halted in the middle of the street and at every coign of -advantage. All were peering into the sky, where some object -attracted their attention. Naturally Harvey and Bohunkus rose from -their seats and passed out to the front where their view was clear. - -“Gee! it am anoder airyplane!” exclaimed the negro. - -“You are right; they seem to be growing plentiful in this part of -the world.” - -“Wonder if it am de Perfesser.” - -Harvey whipped his binoculars around and leveled them at the object, -whose outstretched wings identified it as one of the most modern -ships of the air. A brief scrutiny showed that it was not the -extraordinary invention of that extraordinary man who had crossed -their path more than once. It was a biplane, and though still a -considerable distance away the noise of its motor was audible. It -was traveling fast and heading for the little town of Groveton. - -It was evident that whoever was guiding the aerial craft was an -expert. Harvey saw that it carried only the operator, who described -a large circle over the town at a height of nearly a thousand feet -and then began descending. - -“He’s gwine to land here!” exclaimed Bunk. - -“And has picked out his spot,” added Harvey. - -Such proved to be the fact. There was a broad, open space in front -of the Rawlins House, where a large number of teams could find room, -the area being such as to offer an ideal spot for the landing of an -aeroplane. The aviator, who was now seen to be a youth not much if -any older than Harvey himself, guided his machine with consummate -skill, and lightly touched the ground within fifty feet of where our -young friends and half a hundred others were standing. The aeroplane -ran a few yards on its wheels, and then came to a halt. The young -man stepped lightly to the ground and smilingly greeted the crowd. -His next words were: - -“I am looking for Harvey Hamilton and his colored companion.” - -“Dat’s us,” whispered the startled Bohunkus. - -Harvey stepped forward. - -“That is my name; what do you wish with me?” - -“I have orders to hand over this biplane to you.” - -“To me!” repeated Harvey, who felt as if wonders would never cease; -“why to me?” - -“Your father, Mr. Gabriel Hamilton, ordered it by telegraph to be -sent here this morning. I understand your machine has been wrecked.” - -“It has, but how did you learn it?” - -The handsome youth smiled as he offered his hand. - -“I am Paul Mitchell, from Garden City; we received a telegram from -your father this morning asking us to send a biplane to you at once, -as yours had been knocked out of commission. We happened to have one -ready and I started right off and have made pretty good time to this -spot in Pennsylvania.” - -“I should say you had, for it is several hundred miles from Long -Island; but how in the name of the seven wonders did father come to -know of my mishap?” - -Young Mitchell laughed. - -“He gave no explanation, but some one must have told him.” - -“Who could it have been?” - -“I give it up.” - -“Were you asked to come to Groveton?” - -“No; Chesterton was given as the place where your misfortune -overtook you. Since I did not know the particulars, our folks -thought it best I should meet you at some point not far from there. -In replying to your father’s telegram, I stated this, which explains -why he repeated the name to you.” - -“But not where he got his knowledge.” - -“Let that question go till you meet him, when he will make it clear. -What caused the breakage of your machine?” - -“Somebody chopped it up; it was done in spite.” - -“Did you catch the scoundrel?” - -“Catch him! no; nobody knows where he is.” - -“Well, such things happen and it is all a part of the game. Suppose -we go to Chesterton, and have a look at the remains; there must be -some salvage which I can ship to the factory. How about the engine?” - -“It is battered, but must be worth repairing.” - -“If you and your friend will seat yourselves, I shall have you there -in a jiffy.” - -Bohunkus and Harvey climbed into the seat and adjusted themselves. -Young Mitchell examined the different parts of the biplane, which -was an almost exact replica of the one that had been wrecked, and -then took charge of the business. At his request one of the -bystanders swung the blades of the propeller around so as to start -the motor, and several held on until the tugging almost drew them -off their feet. Then they let go, and away sailed the second machine -for Chesterton. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - BEGINNING THE SEARCH. - - -There certainly had been lively work, for within six hours after the -discovery of the destroyed aeroplane, a message had been sent from -New York to Garden City, Long Island, a machine despatched from that -point to the little town among the Alleghanies in eastern -Pennsylvania, and an aerial ship had sailed across the State of New -Jersey to the destination more than two hundred miles from its -starting point. When and by what means the merchant had learned of -the straits of his son could not as yet be guessed, but the news -must have been waiting when he reached his office in the city, since -young Mitchell said it was received at the factory between eight and -nine o’clock that morning. The flight to Groveton was made in about -four hours, with a brief halt on the way to replenish the supply of -gasoline. Traveling at the rate of fifty miles an hour and sometimes -faster was surely “going some.” - -As Mitchell afterward explained, he had visited the section twice, -and was familiar with it. He lost no time, therefore, in groping, -but recognized rivers, cities, towns, and the general conformation -of the country over which he glided, and identified Groveton long -before any one there dreamed he intended to make a call. - -Harvey glanced at the little watch on his wrist, and noted the exact -time of starting. Eleven minutes later to the second, he volplaned -into the open space in front of the hotel. Although the distance -passed was less than by rail, he must have averaged nearly if not -quite a mile a minute. - -The lesson of the “accident” to the other machine was not lost upon -the two young men. It was hardly to be supposed that any one would -try to harm the new one, but Bohunkus was ordered to stay with it -and see that all hands were kept off. - -“Yo’ bet I will,” he replied, fully alive to his duty; “de fust chap -dat lays an onkind hand on dis pet will git broke in ’leben pieces -and den flung ober de fence.” - -Several idlers were gaping at the fractured aeroplane huddled in the -wagon sheds of the hotel. Mitchell quickly finished his examination. - -“The man or men who did that,” he said in a low voice to Harvey, -“showed the devil’s own spite. It looks as if the scoundrel was -crazy.” - -Harvey glanced at his companion. Did he suspect the truth? His looks -and manner, however, showed that he was not thinking of Professor -Morgan. The remark was a natural one, under the circumstances. -Harvey was not disposed to reveal anything, since he saw no good to -be accomplished thereby, while an unpleasant situation might -develop. - -“You can save something out of the wreck?” remarked the owner -inquiringly. - -“Considerable; I shall ship what’s worth while to the factory at -Garden City, and in a few weeks you will have a new machine as good -as ever.” - -“The greater part of it will have to be _new_,” commented Harvey. - -“That being so, you can return this one in exchange, if you wish.” - -“Is there any way, Mitchell, in which I can serve you?” - -“None; I shall have what is left of the machine gathered up, as I -said, and sent to the factory; that will take the remainder of the -day, when I shall follow in the train. Meanwhile you are not called -upon to lose any part of your vacation. There is no perceptible -difference between the two biplanes, so you don’t need any help from -me.” - -The youths walked back to where a small group remained staring at -the biplane in which Bohunkus Johnson was still seated, as alert as -a watch dog. As the couple approached, the negro crooked his stubby -forefinger to his friend, who went forward. - -“What is it, Bunk?” - -“Yo’s forgot something.” - -“What is that?” - -“It’s ’bout dinner time.” - -The colored youth meant to whisper, but his husky aspiration carried -as far as if he had spoken in a loud tone. - -“He is right,” remarked Mitchell; “let us have dinner together.” - -The old fellow who served the hotel as hostler was hired to stay by -the machine and to keep every other person at a distance, while the -three went in to their meal. - -During these minutes, Harvey was on the watch for a sight of -Detective Pendar. He much wanted to have a few words with him, but -was puzzled how to bring it about. Harvey had given up his room, so -he could not signal to the officer to follow him thither and there -was no understanding as to how they should otherwise meet. - -Pendar, however, remained invisible until Bohunkus had perched -himself in the seat in front of the tank, and Harvey had his hands -on the levers. Mitchell stepped to the rear to give a swing to the -propeller blades. The machine was pointed to the left, where the -highway showed quite a sharp slope downward, of which the young -aviator meant to take advantage. - -At this crisis, when twenty pairs of eyes were upon the party, -Harvey heard an odd sounding cough. He looked around and saw a man -standing on the porch above the other spectators. It was Detective -Pendar, who was looking keenly at Harvey. As their eyes met the -former rubbed his smooth chin thoughtfully and winked once, but made -no other sign that he recognized the youth. - -“Now what does he mean by that?” Harvey asked himself; “a wink may -signify one of a score of things.” As the only reply he could make, -he winked in return. A dozen of the group might have accepted it as -meant for him, but, if so, he must have been equally puzzled with -the author of the signal, who a minute later was scooting through -the air and steadily rising. - -Harvey had decided to carry out so far as he could the programme -agreed upon the day before by him and Pendar. The only change was -that caused by the enforced delay. Instead of making his search in -the forenoon, it now would have to be done in the afternoon. He shot -upward, until barely five hundred feet above the earth, and then -headed westward over the long stretch of forest of which mention has -been made. It was advisable that he should keep as near the ground -as practical, since his view would thereby be improved. - -Bohunkus Johnson was still in the dark on two points: he had no -conception of the serious business upon which his companion was -engaged, knowing nothing of the kidnapped child, and, though certain -in his own mind that Professor Morgan was the man who had wrecked -the aeroplane, he had never suspected that he was insane. Ignorance -on the former point was a good thing, but as regards the latter it -proved a serious mistake, as has been intimated in another place. - -It need not be said that a heavier-than-air machine must progress -rapidly in order to sustain itself aloft. When such motion stops, -through breakage, accident or the will of the aviator, an aeroplane -obeys the law of gravity and comes to the ground. It does not fall, -as is the case with a balloon. - -It would never do to withdraw care from the machine, which worked -with perfect smoothness, but having headed westward and struck as -moderate a gait as was practical, Harvey Hamilton gave all the -attention possible to the country under his feet. He noted the wide -expanse of forest in its exuberant foliage, a flashing stream of -water and the foam of a tumbling cascade on the slope of the farther -ridge. In the other direction wound the railway line over which he -and Bunk had ridden earlier in the day. The sky was clear and -sunshiny with a rift of fleecy clouds in advance, but at so great an -elevation that no inconvenience was to be feared from them. The town -of Groveton was so distinctly seen that he recognized several of the -buildings, including the hotel, which he had observed on his brief -visit. Far away in the radiant horizon the steeples and tall -buildings of a city showed, but it was all strange to him. He could -identify nothing beyond that which has been named. - -Harvey had sailed probably three or four miles from Chesterton when -he was thrilled by a sight that roused instant hope. In the midst of -the wood, an open space several acres in extent was crossed by a -stream of considerable size, on its winding way to the distant -Delaware. In the center of this clearing stood a log cabin, which -recalled that of Abisha Wharton where Harvey and Bunk had spent a -night after leaving home on their outing. The land showed slight -signs of cultivation, but from the stone chimney running up the -outside of the decayed structure, he traced a faint blue spiral of -smoke. - -[Illustration: IN THE CENTER STOOD A LOG CABIN.] - -“That shows somebody lives there,” was Harvey’s thought; “from what -Pendar told me I believe it’s the very place where the kidnappers -are holding the child a prisoner.” - -He leaned far over and scrutinized the picture as he swept over it. -What he longed to see was the little girl running about or playing -in front of the cabin, or one or more of her captors. It would seem -that the loud throbbing of his motor ought to have attracted the -attention of the occupants, but it did not do so, and the spot -speedily glided from sight. When Harvey twisted his neck, however, -in the effort to see more, he noticed that Bunk had also turned and -was attentively studying the picture. Conversation in such -circumstances was impossible, but Harvey hoped his companion had -discovered something—a supposition which he was certain to remember -when the time came for a halt in their flight. - -Had our young friend followed his inclination, he would have circled -around and returned over the cabin, in order to inspect it further, -but that most likely would have roused the suspicion of the -abductors, and the moment they believed an aeroplane had been -impressed into the service against them, that moment the usefulness -of the contrivance would be ended. He could remember the location -clearly, and would give the detective all the directions he needed. - -“I didn’t see any wagon road or trails, but there must be one path -at least which connects the house with the outer world. Those men -have a source of supplies and they can’t help leaving footprints.” - -As Harvey reasoned out the problem, the solution was simplified. -Simmons Pendar was confident that the hiding place was somewhere in -the stretch of wilderness, but to search for it would prove fatal. -The effort was certain of discovery by the watchful guards. Now, -however, since the exact location of the cabin seemed to have been -found, a speedy approach ought to be within the detective’s power. -The near future must answer the question. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - IN DANGER OF COLLISION. - - -The cabin in the clearing being no longer in Harvey Hamilton’s field -of vision, he gave his attention to the management of his aeroplane. -In order to avoid so far as possible arousing suspicion, he made a -sweeping bend to the northward, with a view of passing over the -ridge and then returning to Chesterton from the east. By following -this course, he would make it impossible for the tenants of the log -cabin to see him, and thus render distrust on their part out of the -question. - -It was important that he should remain over night in Chesterton, in -order to report to Detective Pendar and receive instructions from -him. The youth was morbidly sensitive about offending the gentleman, -or doing anything that could interfere with the success of the -extraordinary enterprise in which he was engaged. - -Harvey had changed the course of the machine and lifted the edge of -his front rudder in order to make sure of clearing the top of the -ridge, when Bohunkus touched him smartly with the toe of his shoe. -The aviator turned his head to learn the cause, and the dusky youth -with staring eyes pointed to the northwest, that is somewhat to the -left of the course they were following. Looking in that direction, -Harvey to his astonishment saw an aeroplane no more than a mile -distant. With a minute or two at his disposal, he brought his -binoculars into play. - -The first glance told him an amazing fact. - -“As sure as I’m alive, it’s the Dragon of the Skies! Professor -Morgan is coming this way too! I’ll be neighborly and meet him.” - -The vertical rudder at the rear was shifted, and the two machines -the next moment were so headed that a collision threatened unless -one changed its course. - -Bohunkus kicked the shoulder of his friend again. His dark face -revealed his terror. - -“He’s gwine to smash dis locumotive! What’ll ’come ob us?” - -Of course not a syllable of these words could be heard in the -thunderous throbbing of the motor, but the expression of Bunk’s face -and the vigorous contortions of his lips made his meaning clear. It -occurred to Harvey that there might be cause for his companion’s -alarm. There is no accounting for the whimsies of a crank, and, -having destroyed one aeroplane, what more likely than that he should -wreak his fury upon another, particularly when it was handled by the -owner of the former? - -Harvey’s first inclination was to shift his course again and run -away from the Professor, but he reflected that if he did so, he -would invite pursuit, and speedy as was the new machine it was -certain the Dragon of the Skies was speedier. An inventor who was -able to construct an “uplifter” that would hold his monoplane as -stationary as a bird waiting for sight of the fish far below before -making its dive, or could muffle his motor into noiselessness -without lessening its power, was sure, beside doing all this, to -acquire a speed that no rival could equal. - -It was better to put a bold face on the situation, and paying no -heed, therefore, to the gestures and mute shouts of his companion, -Harvey headed for the monoplane, which approached with the speed and -accuracy of an arrow. - -Less than two hundred yards separated the two when Professor Morgan -veered to the right, curving so far that his course shifted to a -right angle of the other machine, toward which he turned broadside. - -There sat the strange man in plain view, his feet on the cross-piece -below, his hands resting on the upright levers, between which he sat -bolt upright, with his linen duster buttoned from chin to ankles, -his cap drawn low, while those blazing black eyes above his grizzled -beard suggested an owl peering through a thicket and were turned -full upon the two youths in the biplane. - -Harvey waved his hand in salutation, but the Professor did not seem -to see him or Bunk. He glided past, and when he had shot beyond a -point opposite, turned his head so as to look directly in front. -Harvey gave him no further notice, for he was now so near the ridge -that all his skill was needed to direct his aeroplane. - -Bohunkus was not yet free from his shivering fear, and kept his eye -upon the dreaded Professor. - -“I know what de willain am up to,” he reflected; “he’s only makin’ -b’lieve dat he’s gwine to lebe us. He’ll snoke round behind and de -fust thing we know will be when dat rudder out in front jams into -us, slides under me, lifts me out ob dis seat and pitches me head -fust down among dem treetops.” - -But the form of the Dragon of the Skies grew smaller and fainter -until the aching eyes of the negro could see it no longer. By that -time the watcher concluded that nothing for the present was to be -feared from the eccentric individual. - -“But we hain’t done wid him yit,” said Bunk; “he’s got his eye on -us, for if he hadn’t why am he hangin’ round de country, bobbin’ up -when we ain’t lookin’ fur him? He’ll find out where we’re gwine to -stay to-night and den he’ll get a new axe as big as de side ob a -house and smash dis machine wuss dan de oder. De Perfesser am mighty -sly and I doan’ like him; I wish he’d take a shine to some oder part -ob de world.” - -Having surmounted the ridge, Harvey sailed ten or more miles to the -northward and descended at a town containing probably ten thousand -population. There he renewed his supply of gasoline and oil, and -halted for an hour or so, when he was prepared to return to -Chesterton. While he and Bohunkus were seated apart from the others -at the hotel, the colored youth gave voice to his dissatisfaction. - -“What’s de use ob hangin’ round dis part ob de country, Harv? How -many times do yo’ expect to go to Chesterton?” - -“I have some business there to attend to. When that is finished, we -can travel as far as you wish in any direction.” - -“Why can’t we go to Afriky?” was the astounding question. - -Harvey laughed. - -“Why, Bunk, that is thousands of miles off. We should have to cross -the Atlantic Ocean.” - -“What’s to hender doing dat?” - -“You know we have to renew our supply of gasoline and oil every few -hours. Can you tell me how it is possible to do it when hundreds of -miles from land? We spoke of this before.” - -“Don’t de ships and steamboats carry de stuff?” - -“If we could count upon meeting one of them when needed, we might -get on, but when father and I crossed the ocean, we passed days at a -time without seeing a sail.” - -“Hang a boat on to de bottom of dis keer and paddle till we run agin -a ship.” - -“Drive that wild idea out of your head, Bunk. I don’t doubt that you -and I shall live to see the day when aeroplanes will make regular -trips between the continents, but we must wait till that time -comes.” - -“Doan’ yo’ spose Perfesser Morgan can doot?” - -“He has made so many wonderful inventions, he may be the first to -succeed. When he does, we shall hear of it.” - -Bohunkus was silent for a minute or so. If his friend had imagined -what wild freak had entered the lad’s brain, he would have made all -haste to root it out, but unfortunately he did not dream of anything -of the kind. - -The next query of Bunk was more startling to Harvey than anything -that had gone before. - -“Harv, did yo’ see dat little girl?” - -“What do you mean?” demanded the other sharply. - -“When we was sailing ober dem woods, after we’d left Chesterton.” - -“I saw no little girl; did you?” - -“Sartinously; yo’ doan’ forgot dat cabin down among the trees where -a small creek runs in front ob it.” - -This was unquestionably the place in which Harvey had been so much -interested. He had not observed a living person near it, while his -dusky companion had seen the very person that was in many minds. - -“I saw the old house and the smoke coming out of the chimney, but -did not catch sight of a man, woman or child. Tell me how it was -with you.” - -“Nuffin ’ticular; we’d got a little way beyont and you wasn’t -looking back when I took a notion to turn my head. Dere warn’t any -man or woman in sight, but a little gal was standin’ in front ob de -door, a wavin’ her handkerchief at me. I took off my cap and swinged -it at her, but we was too fur off and de ingine made too much noise -for us to hold a conwersation.” - -“This is very interesting, Bunk.” - -Remembering the instructions of Detective Pendar, Harvey gave no -hint of why he felt so much concern over what had just been told -him. The slow wits of Bohunkus were likely to cause trouble and -probably defeat the delicate plans which the officer of the law had -in mind. What the colored youth had told removed the last vestige of -doubt from the young aviator as to the identity of the cabin of -which he had caught a passing glimpse. He felt certain that the -little girl whom Bohunkus saw and with whom he exchanged salutations -was Grace Hastings, kidnapped weeks before, and for whose recovery -her father was spending a fortune. Harvey knew the exact spot where -she was a prisoner and could direct the detective unerringly to it. -He was eager to do so, for his heart was enlisted in the sacred -task. - -In his desire to do something effective, Harvey was on the point of -setting out again with his aeroplane and taking a course that would -lead him over the cabin in the clearing. He wished to gain another -view of it, and particularly of the child whose absence had plunged -her parents in anguish more poignant than if they had looked upon -her pale innocent face in death. - -But the youth was impressed with the necessity of using the utmost -care with every step he took. If he sailed over the cabin again, the -fact was likely to be noticed by the men in the structure. If they -had not already observed the aeroplane, they had learned of its -flight from the chatter of the young captive, and should it return -within a few hours would mean something out of the ordinary. It -would cause a change of quarters at once and place the recovery of -the child beyond attainment. - -“There is only one safe thing for me to do,” was his decision; “I -must take so roundabout course to Chesterton that no one in the -cabin will know of it. I shall wait in the town till I can have a -talk with Pendar. I have done all he asked of me and from this point -forward, under heaven everything depends upon him.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - THE CABIN IN THE WOODS. - - -Twilight had come when Harvey Hamilton, with Bohunkus Johnson seated -behind him, descended in the same spot in Chesterton that he had -used upon his disastrous visit of the night before. A similar crowd -greeted him, and he hired several of their number to drag the -aeroplane to the primitive hangar in which the wrecked one had been -sheltered. - -He learned that Paul Mitchell had shipped the engine and other -valuable parts to Garden City, while the shattered framework had -been piled to one side to serve as kindling wood for the hotel. Thus -vanished one aeroplane to be succeeded speedily by another. Harvey -announced that he intended to stay until the morrow. He first -engaged two reliable men, upon the recommendation of the landlord, -to stay by the machine all night, with instructions to challenge any -one who approached and to shoot if necessary. - -“We’ll likely shoot first and challenge afterward,” remarked one -with a grin; “I only hope the same fellow will try his hand on this -that splintered t’other one.” - -Nine guests were at supper, that being the name of the meal which -was served at the close of the day. One of them was Simmons Pendar, -who hardly glanced in the direction of Harvey Hamilton seated -opposite. The youth made no attempt to catch his eye, though aware -that the detective glanced at him several times. When certain the -action would be observed, the young aviator committed a breach of -decorum by deliberately scratching his head with one hand. While -this was not the precise telegram that had been agreed upon the -night before, it was sufficiently to the point, and Harvey was -confident it had accomplished its purpose. - -The two lads lingered at the table after Pendar and most of the -others had left the dining hall. Then they strolled outside on the -porch, where by that time the full moon was shining in an unclouded -sky. The air was so balmy and soft that few lingered indoors. The -gas had been lighted in the sitting-room to which Harvey sauntered, -and mosquitoes and other insects hovered in the glare. Three men -were seated in lounging positions, one smoking a cigarette, while -the others nodded as if yielding to drowsiness. Harvey identified -two as having been present when the bit of paper was flipped upon -the pad he was using for his crude sketches. The three looked like -drummers, but a couple were distinctively foreign in appearance. One -had a black curled mustache, with eyes and hair of midnight hue, a -second was almost as dark, while the third was an unmistakable -blond. They appeared to be unacquainted with one another, but Harvey -was almost certain that two if not the three were the men who were -watching Pendar while he in turn was keeping them under scrutiny. -The officer, however, was nowhere to be seen and the youth did not -think it prudent to make any search for him. - -“I think I’ll go to my room,” he remarked, rising to his feet with a -yawn; “we have had a pretty strenuous day and shall want to leave -early to-morrow.” - -“All right,” grunted Bohunkus; “I feels sorter sleepy myself, and if -dese blamed ’skeeters don’t lebe me alone I’ll tumble into bed -likewise.” - -As Harvey passed out of the door, he carelessly lifted his cap and -scratched his head, thus making the full signal previously arranged. -He still failed to see the detective and doubted whether he was -near. - -The youth did not light the gas in his room, though he lacked the -pretext of wishing to keep out the insects, since each window was -furnished with a screen. He sat down and listened. - -Fifteen minutes later, without the slightest preliminary warning, a -soft, almost inaudible tap sounded on the door. He drew it -noiselessly inward, and recognized the form of Detective Pendar -against the soft yellow background. Neither spoke at first. The -caller shoved the door shut and with extreme care turned the key. -Then he whispered: - -“Let’s take the other side of the room.” - -Carrying their chairs thither they placed them side by side. Enough -illumination came through the transom for them dimly to discern each -other. - -“You caught on at the table?” remarked Harvey inquiringly. - -“Of course; I noticed your signal, too, when you walked out of the -sitting-room.” - -“Where were you?” - -“On the porch, with my eyes on you. I knew you wished to speak with -me, but I preferred first to receive your notice.” - -“I caught your wink to-day when about to start off with my new -machine, but I couldn’t guess what you meant.” - -“I meant nothing except to wish you good luck; of course I was aware -what you had set out to do and I shall be glad to know what success -you met.” - -“Far better than I expected; I found the place.” - -“You mean where the little girl is held a prisoner?” - -“Yes.” - -Harvey was surprised that the detective did not show excitement over -the news. He remained cool and deliberate and spoke in low-toned -words as before. - -“Then you saw the child?” - -“No, but I sailed over the house.” - -“How do you know the child is there?” - -“Bohunkus, my colored companion, saw her just after we had passed -and waved his cap in reply to her salutation with her handkerchief.” - -“Did he see any of the men?” - -“No; they kept out of sight, at least so long as we could have seen -them.” - -“How did your boy describe the girl?” - -“He didn’t describe her,” replied Harvey, a bit chagrined over the -pointed questions, “except to say she was a little girl.” - -“Didn’t tell how she was dressed or how old she appeared to be? The -last might have been hard to answer, but he should have noticed her -apparel.” - -“Probably he did, but I did not think of asking him.” - -“It was hardly necessary,” remarked the detective, as if regretting -his incisive queries. “Now, if you will be good enough to locate the -spot I shall be infinitely obliged.” - -Harvey was able to do this with so much accuracy that his friend -complimented him. - -“You have done remarkably well; if we succeed in restoring the child -to her parents, much of the credit will be due you. I know the exact -spot and can go to it without trouble.” - -“Will you do so?” - -“I shall make the effort, but I am in a delicate situation. You -noticed those three men in the sitting-room when you were there a -little while ago. Two are members of the Black Hand and are acting -as scouts.” - -“I set down all three as being such.” - -“The blond has nothing to do with the others. He is a genuine -commercial traveler for a Philadelphia clothing house and will leave -to-morrow. It is the others who belong to the worst gang in the -country.” - -“Do you think they have any suspicion of me?” - -Detective Pendar chuckled softly. - -“Why should they? You have not given the first cause.” - -“But they suspect you?” - -“I can say I have reason to hope not; I have behaved so well and -sold so much hardware stuff in this town that they ought to believe -I am what I pretend to be.” - -“What further help can I give you, Mr. Pendar?” - -“None, so far as I see at this moment. But you mustn’t minimize your -share; the location of the prison is a great and invaluable exploit -of itself.” - -“What will you next do?” - -“It is impossible to say, so much depends upon circumstances as they -develop.” - -This answer was so vague that it reminded Harvey he was asking -questions which he had not the right to ask. The man before him was -a professional detective, whose calling required him to be -secretive. While such persons often reveal their secrets in stories, -they are the last ones in the world to do so in real life. - -“I need not remind you,” he continued, “not to drop a hint of these -matters to your colored companion.” - -“I shall not forget your warning on that point. He means well, but -in some respects he is as stupid as a child of five years. What do -you think?” asked Harvey with a light laugh, “he asked me to start -with him and the aeroplane for Africa to call on his father, Chief -Bohunkus Foozleum.” - -“He may make the journey yet,” was the remarkable response of the -detective. - -“Do you think it possible?” - -“Not yet, but it isn’t safe to declare anything impossible in our -twentieth century. This navigation of the air will make miraculous -advancements in the next ten years. Well,” abruptly added the -caller, “if the coast is clear, I must bid you good night.” - -“When shall I see you again?” asked Harvey. - -“Will you return to Chesterton to-morrow?” - -“Is it advisable?” - -“I see no objection to your doing so. If you do, and I am here, we -may signal each other as before. I’ll raise my hat and scratch my -head as notice that I wish to have a talk with you in your room, and -you will do the same with me if necessary. Please keep your seat.” - -Harvey saw the dim figure move across the room like a shadow. Pendar -waited two or three minutes with his hand on the knob, as if he had -heard something, though the listening youth did not detect the -slightest sound. Then the door opened as noiselessly as before and -he vanished into the hall, leaving the same dead quiet behind him. - -Harvey waited some time before preparing for bed. Then he gave -expression to his impatience with himself: - -“He got everything I knew about this business from me, and I didn’t -worm a single fact from him. I meant to ask his opinion of the -wrecking of my machine, how father learned so early of it, what -course Pendar means to follow, and lots of other things, but I know -no more than before he came into the room. There’s one thing -certain, he understands his business through and through, and I -don’t know the a-b-c of it.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - ON THE TRAIL OF THE BLACK HANDERS. - - -Simmons Pendar had the reputation of being one of the best officers -in the detective service. Several of his exploits proved that he -possessed a brilliant mind, was quick in reading the vaguest clues -and marvelously successful in following them up. It is not my -purpose to explain by what subtle means he convinced himself that -the kidnappers of little Grace Hastings had their headquarters in -the extensive wilderness to the westward of the country town of -Chesterton. Had he confessed the truth he would have admitted that a -trifling occurrence, one of those insignificant incidents which -figure oftener than is believed in important matters, gave him the -key. Being human like the rest of us, he made his mistakes now and -then, but felt absolutely sure he had not blundered in the present -instance. - -Pendar shared his secret with no one. The surety of a magnificent -money reward, the glory of succeeding where others of his profession -had failed, and his deep sympathy with the victims of the -unspeakable cruelty, inspired him to do everything in his power to -right one of the most diabolical wrongs to which society has been -forced to submit in these later days. - -It may be said that the greatest difficulty of all confronted the -detective when he had thus located the miscreants. The letters which -they sent at intervals to the afflicted family were accompanied by -terrifying threats and the demand for an increase of the ransom rose -until it reached the stupendous total of fifty thousand dollars. To -prevent the criminals from carrying out their threats of vengeance, -cunning attempts were made to convince them that the father was -doing all he could to comply with their terms. The difficulty of -transferring so large a sum made the delay seem reasonable if not -unavoidable. In one instance, a large package of genuine bills was -placed where directed, but unfortunately for the success of the -scheme two carefully disguised detectives were hidden in the -vicinity. They were certain they had managed the affair so skilfully -that they were not suspected, but the claimants did not go forward -and a day later a letter reached Mr. Hastings telling him the trick -had been detected and one more repetition of anything of that nature -would close all dealings between them, with the certainty that they -would never see their child again. A last chance was offered him. He -was to place the money in large unmarked bills inside of a traveling -bag and throw it off from the rear of the midnight train on a date -named, two miles west of Chesterton, at a point indicated so clearly -by a pile of towering rocks that no mistake could be made. A failure -to comply with this proposal would end all dealings between the -kidnappers and the parent. - -The night fixed upon was the one succeeding the talk which Detective -Pendar held with Harvey Hamilton as related in the preceding -chapter. Thus the crisis was at hand,—so near indeed that Pendar had -with him the bag and its enormously valuable contents, prepared to -carry out, if it could not be avoided, the plan of the miscreants. -He had promised that if success was not reached by him before the -hour set, he would throw off the money at the point named. Mr. -Hastings assured him that if he did not make such a pledge, he -himself would do so. He could not suffer the torture any longer, and -his wife was already at death’s door under the pressure of the grief -that was crushing her to the dust. - -These frightful letters were mailed from different points, the first -reaching the family from a substation in Philadelphia. The last was -postmarked at Chesterton, as if the senders wished it to be known -they were near the spot where the deal was to be consummated. - -A test of Detective Pendar’s acumen came in the same hour that he -reached the town on the train. At the hotel he quickly fixed upon -the two Italians who were registered under the names of Amasi -Catozzi and Giuseppe Caprioni, and who spent most of their time in -smoking cigarettes and lounging in the sitting-room or on the front -porch. Pendar, as has been stated, assumed the character of a -commercial traveler for a hardware house, and with no unnecessary -delay entered energetically upon his duties. Like a true artist he -did not over-do his part, and it is no small proof of his ability to -say that he succeeded where almost any other one would have failed. -The alert Italians agreed that he was what he represented himself to -be, though they by no means relaxed their vigilance. - -A point had been reached in the delicate business where a mistake -was certain to be fatal. The detective must succeed or fail -disastrously. Convinced that the child was held at some point in the -adjoining forest, she must be rescued, if rescued at all, by a -rush,—a charge, as might be said, that would scatter the wretches in -such headlong flight as to compel them to abandon their little -prisoner, whom they would not be likely to harm, since their own -peril would be increased thereby. - -It will be seen, however, that to carry out this coup, the officer -must know the exact spot to assail. He could not spend hours in -groping through the wood in search of the place, with the certain -result that the abductors would take alarm and carry their captive -to a secure refuge. - -Such was the situation when the arrival of Harvey Hamilton in his -aeroplane gave an unexpected turn to affairs. The plan of an aerial -hunt for the kidnappers had never occurred to the detective until it -forced itself upon him. Here was the means thrust into his hands, -and it has been shown how he turned it to account, or, more -properly, how he tried to turn it to account, for its success was -alarmingly problematical. - -The bag with its treasure was deposited in the big safe at the -hotel, no one suspecting its contents. Before this time Pendar had -reached the pleasing certainty that the two Italians felt no -suspicion of him. When he strolled down the long, broad street, -smoking a cigar, and now and then halting to look into the store -windows, neither of the men shadowed him, as they had done earlier -in his visit to Chesterton. The couple were warranted in believing -that since Mr. Pendar was all he claimed to be and there were no -other suspicious characters in town, they had nothing to fear, the -game was still their own. - -Thus matters stood when the detective reached the end of the street, -and still leisurely walking, passed into the open country. It will -be remembered that the moon was near its full and the sky was still -unclouded. It was all-important at this point that the kidnappers -should not have their attention drawn to him. A scrutiny of the road -to the rear removed all doubt on that point. - -“It was a pretty hard job,” he reflected, “but I have thrown them -off the scent and that’s a big thing at this stage of the game.” - -He had passed over the road several times in a carriage on business -trips to nearby towns, and was familiar with the forest as viewed -from the highway. He knew the precise spot where a path turned in -among the trees, which presumably led to the cabin where Bohunkus -Johnson had seen the little girl. - -Under the shadow of the foliage at the roadside, Pendar stood for -fifteen minutes scrutinizing every point in his field of vision. His -heart gave a quicker throb when, while looking in the opposite -direction from the town, he discerned the dim outlines of a man -coming toward him. Pendar whisked back among the shadows, where he -could not be seen by the individual approaching. - -Whether he was Catozzi or Caprioni remained to be learned. If either -of them, the meaning was sinister. From his concealment the watcher -observed that the stranger was smoking a pipe. Moreover, he was -bulky of frame, stooped with age and had a slouching gait. All this -might have been assumed by a young man, but he would fling aside -such disguises when believing he was under the eye of no one. - -The man passed within ten feet of where Pendar stood behind the -trunk of a maple, and in the vivid moonlight the watcher plainly saw -the other’s profile. The snub nose and retreating chin could not -belong to either of the Italians, and this being the fact, the -detective had no cause to give the stranger further thought. - -The point at which Pendar had stopped was where the path turned into -the wood. As nearly as he could judge from the account of Harvey -Hamilton, he had about a mile to walk in order to reach the -headquarters of the kidnappers, though if the path were winding in -its course the distance might be greater. He set out without delay. - -It being the summer time, the foliage excluded most of the moonlight -and his journey was mainly in darkness, relieved at intervals by -spaces where the moonbeams partly penetrated. Even with such -occasional help, his progress would have been difficult had he not -possessed the skill of an American Indian in threading his way -through a trackless forest. No one was ever gifted with keener -eyesight or hearing, and he used the two senses to the utmost. He -was liable to meet a stranger or to be shadowed by someone. Thus the -front and rear had to be guarded. Above all things, he must avoid -being discovered while traversing the path, where for most of the -way he had to depend upon his sense of feeling. No stronger proof of -his subtle woodcraft could be asked than the fact that he never once -strayed from his course. He could not have advanced more smoothly -had the sun been shining. - -While doing this it was his practice to stop at intervals and -listen. He reasoned that if some one was approaching from the front, -he would not use the extreme caution of an enemy who was following -him, for the latter would know of his presence, while an individual -coming toward him would not. - -The detective had traversed one-half the distance, when in the -moonlight he saw a small stream, not more than a rivulet in fact, -which wound across the path from the trees on the left and -disappeared among those on the right. It was at the bottom of a -slight declivity, where a small area was shown in the moonlight. He -reflected that if anyone was near, he would see him as he crossed -the illuminated space. This could be averted by turning into the -wood on either hand, but listening revealed nothing except the faint -rustling of the night breeze among the branches. With little -hesitation, therefore, he leaped lightly across, hurried up the -gentle slope and plunged into the gloom on the other side. - -He had gone less than a dozen rods when he abruptly paused, turned -his head and listened intently. A minute or two were enough. - -“Someone is following me,” was his conclusion. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - A FALSE CLUE. - - -Detective Pendar instantly whisked out of the path, among the -undergrowth and under the trees, where he was invisible to one a -foot away. He had heard a faint footfall and the sound was repeated -more distinctly when some one leaped across the rivulet and came up -the gentle declivity. The officer had gone beyond sight of this open -space and the point where the stranger must pass him was shrouded in -darkness. - -The watcher would have willed it otherwise, for it was important -that he should gain a glimpse of the other, but time did not permit, -since Pendar could not know how far he would have to hurry over the -trail in order to reach such a favorable spot. The trunk of the tree -beside which he stood was no more motionless than he. The straining -vision saw nothing, but the keen sense of hearing located the -stranger as clearly as if at high noon. He passed by like one who -had no thought of hiding his progress and the soft footsteps -speedily died out. - -Before they did so, the officer was back in the path and stealing -after him. Fear of detection caused the detective to linger farther -in the rear than he wished, but if he erred at all, it was wise that -it should be on the side of prudence. Because of the fact named, -Pendar lost several chances of getting a sight of the man. The -pursuer had decided to wait until the cabin was reached. - -That was sooner than he expected, for when he thought he was a -considerable way from it he came upon the clearing which had been -described to him by Harvey Hamilton. One annoying part of the -discovery was that he had lingered too long, for the individual -passed through the door in the same moment that Pendar recognized -his location. That which he saw told nothing of the form that -crossed the threshold and was hidden by the closing of the door. - -“Well, here I am,” was the thought of our friend, “and I must decide -what to do next.” - -It might have occurred to any one in his situation, that, inasmuch -as he had definitely located the kidnappers, he should hasten back -to Chesterton, summon several plucky men whom he had mentally -selected two days before, and rush the place, showing scant mercy to -the two Italians in town if they ventured to interfere. - -But had he discovered the headquarters of the gang? - -This question Simmons Pendar asked himself while standing on the -edge of the clearing, and staring at the faintly outlined cabin on -the other side. Although scarcely a shadow of doubt remained, he -felt that that shadow must be removed. He would make further -investigation before returning to the hotel. - -It was comparatively early in the evening. There were not enough -moon-rays to show the face of his watch, but it could not be ten -o’clock. A light was burning within the structure, whose interior -was hidden by a curtain drawn across each of the two windows,—one on -either side of the door. All was silent, and the peering eyes -detected no sign of life on the outside. - -It was not to be supposed that the abductors of little Grace -Hastings would maintain a guard at the cabin itself. Their pickets -were at a distance, and unless they gave timely notice of the -approach of danger, it would be fatal to the plans of the criminals. - -“I wonder whether they keep a dog,” was the thought which held the -watcher motionless for a little while; “if they do, he’ll play the -mischief with me.” - -Could he have been assured that a canine was on watch, the detective -would not have dared to go a step nearer the dwelling, but would -have made all haste to Chesterton and arranged for his raid, since -discovery at this stage of the game would be the end of hope. - -“It strikes me that if they have a dog on guard, he ought to have -discovered me by this time—Thunderation! there he comes now!” - -A canine as large as a wolf came trotting across the clearing, -heading directly for Simmons Pendar. It was useless to run, for the -terrible brute would have been at his heels in an instant. He laid -his hand on his revolver. - -“If he attacks, I’ll shoot him and then the fat will be in the -fire.” - -While the dog was several paces away and after Pendar had drawn his -weapon from his hip pocket, he spoke in soothing tones to him. The -animal did not bark or growl, but seemed to be pleased by his -friendly greeting. He came on, and the man never used his persuasive -powers more skilfully. He called him all the pet names he could -think of, and when the brute was within reach, reached out and -patted his head. - -To his pleased astonishment, he completely won the good will of the -dog, which wagged his bushy tail so energetically that it swayed his -haunches. He whined, snuffed about the man’s knees, and then -abruptly raised one of his big paws, which the eavesdropper was -instant to seize and shake. - -“Bully for you!” exclaimed Pendar in a guarded voice; “I don’t know -that your owner would be pleased with your performance, but I’m -mighty sure I am.” - -He petted him a few minutes longer, when the canine turned about and -trotted back to the house. There he scratched upon the door and -whined until it was opened from within and he passed out of sight. - -“Considered from my point of view,” said the detective grimly, “that -dog is a model guardian of a house, but those who expect vigilance -from him probably hold a different opinion.” - -Nothing could be gained by remaining where he was, for all he could -see was the shadowy outline of a tumble-down log cabin and a few -scattered outbuildings. It was necessary to gain a look at the -interior. The cheap faded curtains at the front windows shut out any -view, but he was hopeful of success from the rear. He made a careful -circuit of the building, keeping at a goodly distance until he -reached a point opposite to that which he had first held. Then he -began stealing forward. Before doing so, he noticed that neither of -the rear windows possessed anything in the nature of a curtain. He -had only to come close to them to see everything in the room where -the light was burning. - -Now that the dog was out of the way, even with his friendly -disposition, the detective felt no apprehension, unless there might -be some one on guard—a thing improbable—or a member of the company -should draw near from the direction followed by himself. - -The yellow rays of a tallow candle, aided by the moonlight, which -had partial sway on this side of the cabin, made the task easy for -Pendar. He crept steadily forward until under one of the windows, -when he rose to his feet, just far enough to peer over the sill. -Even before doing so, he was troubled by a misgiving. Something in -all this experience was out of keeping with the character of a band -of kidnappers. - -The detective’s position could not have been more favorable, for the -face of no one was turned toward the window, where he might have -been discovered. What he saw was this: - -Evidently the evening meal had been kept waiting to so late an hour -in order to accommodate the last arrival, who was an old man, seated -at the head of a plain deal table without cover, and with only -several of the plainest dishes of food. Opposite at the farther end, -sat the wife, a bulky, gray-haired, slatternly woman, presiding over -the teapot and a few of the minor articles of food. The huge dog was -sleeping on the floor near the hearth. On the side of the table, -with her back toward the wall, sat a little girl, probably five or -six years old, eating from a bowl of bread and milk. She was -continually chattering, so that her profile was often shown to -Pendar, whose heart sank within him upon the first good look at her -features. - -She was not Grace Hastings. The detective carried a cabinet picture -of the stolen child with whose face he was as familiar as with that -of his own child. It showed a chubby, comely little girl, with -abundant curly hair, almost black. The one before him had straight, -scant yellow hair and her face was thin, as if from recent illness. -It would be hard to picture two children of tender years so -different in appearance. - -Something in the looks of the head of the family was familiar, and -it took the officer but a few moments to identify him. You will -recall Uncle Tommy, the famous local prophet, who told Harvey -Hamilton what kind of weather to expect, when he descended at -Chesterton. The man was Uncle Tommy and the others were his wife and -child, or possibly a grandchild. - -Detective Pendar gave utterance to a forceful exclamation, for he -was filled with rage and chagrin. He would have made affidavit a few -minutes before, and at any time after his talk with the young -aviator, that he had located the headquarters of the gang of -kidnappers, with the recovery of the stolen child only a question of -a few hours. - -He had failed utterly. He had reconnoitered the home of a plain, -simple-minded inhabitant, who lived in poverty in this cabin, and -was as innocent of stealing a child as Harvey Hamilton himself. - -A faint hope held Pendar where he was for a brief while longer. It -might be that the abductors had made their home in this cabin, whose -owner and wife were under their domination and employ. But brief -reflection showed the officer that no supposition could be more -preposterous. He backed from the window, careless now whether -discovered or not, threaded his course to the trail over which he -had come with so much care, and started on his return to Chesterton. - -“Josh Billings once said it is so easy for a man to be a fool that -he can do so without knowing it. The difference in my case is that I -know it; I’m mighty glad that none of the boys will ever hear of -it.” - -Bitter as were his reflections they brightened as he strode over the -trail, to the highway leading to the hotel. Something like hope -returned to him. - -“I have reason to believe that the gang is somewhere in that big -stretch of woods. Young Hamilton mistook the building, which can’t -be far off. I have learned enough to be sure on that point.” - -But there was no escaping the terrifying truth that the time which -remained for him to work out any scheme he might formulate was -reduced to hours instead of days. If by midnight of the next day he -was still confronted by failure, he was pledged to board the -westward bound train with his bag containing fifty thousand dollars, -and to throw it off at a point that had been so clearly described -that there could be no mistaking it. - -“It looks as if that is all that’s left,” he muttered in the -bitterness of spirit, “it’s an infernal shame, but I see little hope -of any other issue.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - THE SEARCH RENEWED. - - -Harvey Hamilton was in the middle of an odd dream, in which a big -Irishman was swinging a tremendous hammer and bringing it down on -the top of his head with every stroke. The sentiment of wonder is -always absent in the visions which come to us in sleep, no matter -how incongruous they may be, but the youth came very near feeling -surprised at the thickness of a skull that could withstand so -terrific attacks. - -By and by the slumber lifted and Harvey’s senses came back. He was -wide awake and conscious that some one was tapping gently outside. -He sprang out of bed and turned the key. As if automatically, the -door swung inward and revealed Detective Pendar in the dim gaslight. -He stepped within and secured the lock behind him. - -“Sh!” he whispered; “I don’t think either of those men is in his -room, but we cannot be too careful.” - -The night was so sultry that Harvey did not dress, but sat down on -the edge of the bed, his caller doing the same, near enough to be -touched with the outstretched hand. The time had come for the -officer to tell more than was his rule in circumstances of a -critical nature. - -“How did you succeed?” asked the younger. - -“It’s a fizzle so far,” was the reply; “I have inspected that cabin -in the woods, where you and I thought the little girl was held a -prisoner, but she is not there now and never has been there.” - -And then he told his story to the astonished and disappointed -listener. - -“Understand, no blame attaches to you,” the detective hastened to -add; “your mistake was natural and I could have made it as readily -as you.” - -This was not strictly true. The picture which Bunk Johnson viewed -from the biplane would have been analyzed to the point of disclosing -the truth, had Pendar been the one who saw it. - -“Then I suppose, you will give up the hunt?” - -“By no means, but it must end one way or another before we are -twenty-four hours older.” - -This assertion opened the way for the startling revelation that if -Grace Hastings was not recovered before the ensuing midnight, the -ransom would be paid by the officer, who had it waiting in the safe -of the hotel below stairs. - -“Although you mistook the place where the gang are holding her,” -added the man, “you came near it. Did either you or your colored -friend notice any other house in the woods when you were sailing -over them?” - -“I gave my attention to the management of the aeroplane after -observing the cabin, and could easily have passed several dwellings -without seeing them. Bunk spoke of no other, though it is possible -he saw one.” - -“I have information which cannot be questioned that the spot we are -looking for is not far from the home of Uncle Tommy Waters the -weather prophet. Had my investigation been made by daylight, I -should have pushed it farther, but I was helpless at night. You will -have to make another search as soon as it is daylight.” - -“I am eager to do what I can, but you must tell me how.” - -“Is your negro capable of running your aeroplane?” - -“He can when the conditions are favorable, as they promise to be -to-morrow; I shouldn’t be willing to trust him otherwise.” - -“Good! let him handle the levers then, while you occupy the aluminum -chair and give your efforts to spying out the land.” - -“Shall we follow the same course as before?” - -“Substantially so; he will keep the speed just high enough to -sustain you at an altitude of say five hundred feet. You understand -that the closer you are to the ground, the narrower is your field of -vision, so you will keep far enough aloft to gain an extended -survey, and yet not so high that you will lose distinctness of view. -I notice that you carry a field glass.” - -“Yes; it is of German make and the best in the world; our government -sells them only to its army and navy officers; mine belongs to one -who is a relative, and who has loaned the instrument to me for life, -I making a suitable money acknowledgment therefor.” - -This pleasant little fictional arrangement explains how it is that -some of these fine instruments are in the hands of civilians. - -“You are not likely to need the glasses on this trip.” - -“Hardly; the heights from which I am to make the search are so -moderate that my eyes will require no help.” - -“Then will you loan them to me?” - -“With pleasure.” - -The detective explained the use to which he expected to put the -binoculars. - -“I shall take a position that will give me an extended survey over -the woods without drawing notice to myself, and after you are fairly -started on your aerial voyage, I do not intend to lose sight of -you.” - -“If I discover the place you have in mind, how shall I let you know -it?” - -“By signal.” - -“_They_ will be likely to see it.” - -“Not likely but certain; therefore the message must be of a nature -that will not rouse suspicion on their part.” - -Harvey could not forbear asking an explanation at this point. - -“You said that if your visit to the cabin had been made by daylight, -you would have gone farther. Why not do so in the morning?” - -“I should if time permitted. You understand that without your aid I -should have to make a hunt through the woods. This would not only -consume time but would surely be discovered by some of the gang on -the lookout. That is why I have refrained and waited for an -opportunity to present itself. When you locate the exact spot—and I -am sure you will do so—I can go straight to it.” - -“Will you not be watched?” - -“Quite likely, but I can push on in spite of that. Let us get back -to the important point of how you are to let me know of your -success. The simplest thing is—I’m blessed if I know,” said the -detective, after slight hesitation, with a laugh; “help me out.” - -That which at first seemed an insignificant matter threatened to -become insurmountable. Pendar’s first suggestion was that when -Harvey made his discovery he should swing his cap over his head, but -such a signal would be instantly noticed by the kidnappers, who -would accept it as a menace. - -“Suppose I tell Bunk to swoop downward as if about to make a -landing.” - -“That would be fully as bad, for the scoundrels would think it was -meant to gain a clearer view of them.” - -“If we sail upward?” - -“That’s it! They can give no meaning to such a manœuver. When you -are sure of what you see, direct your servant to go upward at the -sharpest angle possible. I shall be the only one who will know what -the movement means.” - -“It seems to me,” added the youth thoughtfully, “that those two -Italians who are stopping at the hotel must begin to suspect you.” - -“Not as yet; I count myself fortunate that I have thrown them off -the scent completely. There is no doubt of that, though it looks as -if there will be a waking up before to-morrow night.” - -“You have played your part with skill, Mr. Pendar.” - -“I’ll not deny that I feel some pride over my work thus far; but, -all the same, I have as yet accomplished nothing, and it is by no -means certain that I shall do anything more than pay a set of -criminals fifty thousand dollars to give back the child they have -stolen.” - -At this point Harvey recalled the other matters that had slipped his -mind during his previous talk with the detective. - -“You know, Mr. Pendar, that since Bunk and I started on our little -sail through the upper regions, we have several times run across a -curious character called Professor Milo Morgan.” - -“I know him well; he is a crank of the first order.” - -“He was friendly at first and did me a great favor when I was in -danger of being mobbed, but it is hard to forgive one of his acts.” - -“What was that?” - -“Wrecking my aeroplane, by chopping and battering it to pieces when -it was housed under the sheds of this hotel.” - -The detective rose from the side of the bed and stood upright in the -gloom in front of his young friend. - -“What in the name of the seven wonders put _that_ fancy into your -head?” - -“Why,” replied Harvey hesitatingly, not expecting such an implied -contradiction; “it couldn’t have been any one else.” - -“Well, it _was_ some one else; Professor Morgan had no more to do -with destroying your biplane than King George V.” - -The amazed Harvey stared in astonishment. - -“Bunk saw him sneaking out of the back of the shed early in the -morning, when he went to look at the machine.” - -“Did the Professor have an axe or hatchet in his hand?” - -“I believe not.” - -“Having told you what he did _not_ do, can you now form an idea of -what he _did_ do?” - -“I suppose he went off in that marvelous monoplane of his.” - -“But previous to that?” - -“I haven’t the remotest idea.” - -“He went to the telegraph office as soon as it was open, and sent -your father a long message, giving the particulars of your -misfortune. Your father, like the good fellow he is, immediately -ordered a new machine, which reached you this morning.” - -“I am amazed and gratified,” replied Harvey; “the first chance I -have I shall apologize to Professor Morgan.” - -“Don’t do that.” - -“Why not?” - -“He will know that you have been idiot enough to suspect him.” - -“But, Mr. Pendar, do you know who did destroy my machine?” - -“Don’t you?” - -“I have no suspicion.” - -“Well, I shall leave you to solve one of the simplest problems that -was ever submitted to a ten-year old child. I was so certain you -knew the truth at once, that I didn’t think it worth while to make -any reference to it when we next spoke together.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII. - - BOHUNKUS AT THE LEVERS. - - -Fortunately for Detective Pendar, the room which he occupied at the -hotel in Chesterton gave him a view of the immense forest to the -westward, over which Harvey Hamilton’s aeroplane was to sail in its -search for the headquarters of the men who had kidnapped little -Grace Hastings. - -The keen-witted officer was right in his belief that he had diverted -suspicion from himself, but how long this favorable situation would -continue was problematical to the last degree. It seemed impossible -to make any effective move without betraying his real character, as -well as the business that had brought him to this little country -town in eastern Pennsylvania. - -Pendar easily learned one fact: neither Catozzi nor Caprioni had -occupied their room the previous night, nor did they show up in the -morning at the hotel. His theory was that the couple had gone to the -retreat in the woods, where they were likely to stay until the -ransom was paid for the child. The nearness of the crisis made this -reasoning plausible. It followed, therefore, that at the time the -detective was threading his way through the gloomy labyrinths, they -were doing the same, though over a different course. They and he -must have been near each other some time during the night, but it -was well he saw nothing of them. While it may be difficult for one -person to shadow another in certain circumstances, an Apache warrior -could not have trailed two vigilant kidnappers, when they were alert -against such a betrayal. The chances would have been in favor of the -detective himself being discovered and all his schemes brought to -naught. - -In his exceeding caution, he continued to meet the two youths as if -they were strangers. When the time came for the starting of the -aeroplane, Pendar did not join the gaping crowd, but stayed in his -room on the upper floor, awaiting the call to use his field glass. -He heard the deafening roar of the motor, and a minute later saw the -odd looking structure climb from the open space into the upper -regions, and sail away to the westward. He saw Bohunkus Johnson, the -proudest youth in the whole country, seated in front, with his hands -upon the levers, behind him was Harvey Hamilton with a sharp eye -upon his movements. - -Detective Pendar saw the aeroplane slant upward and travel at a -rapid pace. It was not necessary to employ his glasses, and he -watched the flight of the machine until it was nearly a half mile -away. Then he brought the instrument to his eyes, carefully adjusted -the focal distance and did not allow anything to escape his -searching vision. His first sensation was pleased surprise over the -excellence of the instrument. Every outline of the aeroplane came -out clear and sharp, and it seemed as if the two youths were near -enough for them to hear him if he spoke in a conversational tone. He -noticed that the negro continued to sit straight, as if under the -eyes of the crowd that had seen him leave Chesterton, but Harvey -Hamilton was leaning slightly forward, like one studying every -feature of the landscape sweeping under him. - -The several days which the detective had spent in the neighborhood -had given him a good knowledge of its topography. He was quick, -therefore, to observe that the aeroplane was following a course well -to the north of its former one. This was prudent on the part of the -young aviator, for it gave him new view instead of the old one which -could serve him no further. He was approaching the ridge over which -he had sailed the previous day. - -As the distance between the watcher and the aeroplane rapidly -increased, the detective almost held his breath. He was leaning -against the window sill in order to make his posture firm and -prevent the slightest wavering of the instrument. With one hand he -occasionally turned the little cogged wheel in front so as to keep -the focus right, and not allow the slightest detail to escape him. - -“He is as far to the west as Uncle Tommy’s house, but a half mile -north of that. This will show him all he needs to see in that -direction.” - -The watcher’s heart began to misgive him, for the machine was fast -receding, and though Harvey must be intently watching he failed to -make any sign. Even with the power of the field glass, the great -bird with its spreading wings began to flicker, and Pendar was no -longer able to clearly make out the forms of the youths seated -therein. - -Suddenly the aeroplane flickered, became indistinct and the nearer -margin of the woods shut it from sight. - -“Another failure!” muttered the watcher bitterly. “I may as well get -ready to hand over that fortune to as vile a gang as was ever -disgorged from the mountains of Sicily.” - -The upper sash was lowered that he might obtain an unobstructed view -of the soft tinted sky beyond. He took care to stand far enough back -in the room to be out of sight of any persons in the street below. -If either of the Italians had returned, he did not mean they should -learn how he was spending the minutes. - -“I did not provide last night what young Hamilton should do if he -failed to make the discovery on his first, or rather second voyage -over the woods. It will be risky for him to come back, but it may -look as if he were on a little trial trip with his negro and wished -to return so as to take charge himself. If he does that he will take -a course to the south of his first trip, and, by Jove! there he -comes!” - -It gave the detective an expectant thrill to see the ship of the sky -swim into his field of vision and head directly toward him. Harvey -Hamilton was following the plan which had presented itself to the -man. The first flight disclosed the home of Uncle Tommy Waters the -weather prophet; the second revealed nothing, and the third, well to -the south, must tell the tale. The crisis was at hand. - -The officer did not call his field glass into play. The aeroplane -was not only plainly visible, but was becoming more vivid every -minute. Its elevation was five or six hundred feet, and the watcher -breathlessly waited for the sudden shift that was to proclaim the -discovery. The machine skimmed through the air without deviation, -like a stone when it first leaves the sling, and then the abrupt -shift came. - -But to Pendar’s consternation the aeroplane instead of shooting -upward dived toward the ground! - -He snatched the glasses to his eyes. By their aid he saw Harvey -Hamilton leaning forward and gesticulating excitedly to Bohunkus -Johnson. The deafening racket of the engine rendered his voice -useless, but he managed to make his wishes known. In desperate need -he might reach the levers, and if anything had gone wrong with the -machine this would have been done. But it was quickly evident that -there had been a misunderstanding between the two. Bohunkus must -have thought Harvey meant him to approach the earth, though it was -impossible to land unless some open space presented itself. The -dipping of the forward rudder brought the biplane half way down -before the controller comprehended what was expected of him. Then he -pointed the horizontal plane upward at so great an angle that the -ascent became startlingly rapid. - -Even in the extremity of anxiety, Detective Pendar could not repress -a smile at the sight which the glass revealed. The head of Bunk kept -flitting back and forth, in his efforts to handle the machine and to -learn what Harvey was trying to tell him. Pendar saw the young -aviator shake his fist angrily, and once he seemed on the point of -cuffing the heavy-witted youth for his stupidity. For a minute or -two the aeroplane wavered and swayed to that degree that it seemed -on the point of capsizing, but Bohunkus gradually regained control, -and began his manœuvers to land in the open space from which he had -ascended. He made a mess of it, the wheels striking the ground so -hard that both the boys came within a hair of pitching out. Then the -biplane banged over the road, coming to a halt barely in time to -escape a disastrous collision with a telegraph pole. - -“The next time you want to try your hand,” said the angry Harvey, -“I’ll put you in charge of a clam wagon.” - -Bohunkus Johnson and Harvey Hamilton having been playmates from -young childhood, had indulged in the usual number of “spats” natural -to such a relation. They were fond of each other and the colored -youth as a rule accepted the criticisms of his friend with good -nature; but in the present instance the reproof given him was made -in the presence of fully a score of men and boys and was heard by -all of them. Several grinned, and had not nature made it impossible, -Bunk would have flushed with resentment. As it was, he could not -accept the slur with meekness. - -“I done as well as yo’ could yo’self. Yo’ told me of I seed a cabin -I was to shoot down and knock de chimbly off, and den when I started -to do so, yo’ let out a howl dat nearly knocked my cap off. De next -time yo’ can ’tend to things yo’self.” - -“You may be mighty sure I shall; the wonder is that you didn’t smash -this machine worse than the other one.” - -“I wouldn’t keer if I did,” replied Bunk, stepping from his seat and -striding off. He paused long enough to call back: - -“I’m done trabeling wid yo’; I like to hab folks ’preciate what’s -done for ’em, which is what yo’ never did.” - -“The best thing you can do, Bunk, is to sail for Africa and make a -visit to Chief Foozleum.” - -Harvey laughed when he made this remark, for he never could feel -angry for more than a few minutes with the faithful fellow, and he -knew his resentment would soon cool. It did not occur to him that -the colored youth’s grievance was due to the tantalizing enjoyment -of the auditors. Had they been elsewhere, he would have brushed the -criticism aside like so much thistle down, but he could not stand -the ridicule of strangers. - -“Dat’s what I’ll do,” replied Bunk in response to the absurd counsel -of the other. - -“All right; bring me back an elephant.” - -Bunk had learned that in a verbal duel with Harvey he was always -sure to get the worst of it, and he did not venture any reply to the -last remark. With an angry sniff he stalked to the porch, dropped -into one of the chairs there, crossed his legs and scowlingly -watched the actions of his old friend. - -Little did Harvey Hamilton dream what the result would be of this -brief and somewhat hot exchange of words. - -Convinced that the angry fellow would speedily regain his natural -good humor, Harvey gave him no further thought. He made a careful -examination of his aeroplane, and was relieved to find, so far as he -could discover, that it had suffered no harm and was as good as -ever. - -He was anxious now to meet Detective Pendar, for he had important -news for him, but the man was nowhere in sight nor could the youth -tell where to look for him. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - - FIRED ON BY THE KIDNAPPERS. - - -When glancing around in quest of Detective Pendar, Harvey Hamilton -failed to look behind him. Some one touched his shoulder, as he -stood beside his aeroplane. Glancing back, there was his man. - -The time for them to be strangers to each other had passed. Pendar -asked crisply: - -“How did you make out?” - -“I found the spot.” - -“Certain there is no mistake about it?” - -“I saw the little girl herself; we have located her.” - -“Can you take me thither?” - -“Yes, but I can’t land; there isn’t enough space.” - -“Let me down in front of Uncle Tommy’s home; it isn’t far off.” - -“All right; take your seat; I’ll have you there in a jiffy. I didn’t -see either of those men.” - -“There’s one of them now on the edge of the crowd, toward the porch -of the hotel.” - -While the detective was seating himself, the young aviator looked in -the direction indicated. The Italian, Amasi Catozzi, was standing a -little apart from the others, watching the couple as a cat watches a -mouse which she expects to come within reach of her claws the next -moment. Dressed in a gray, natty suit and slouch hat, he kept his -hands in the pockets of his coat, which was buttoned to his gaudy -necktie. - -The hurried words between the man and boy must have told the truth -to the Black Hander. The individual whom he had accepted as a -commercial traveler was a professional detective, whose search for -the kidnapped child had brought him to this country town and very -near the spot where she was held a prisoner. He must have believed, -too, that the aeroplane had come thither, not accidentally, but to -play an assigned part in the drama. The prospect of the whole daring -scheme being brought to naught filled the miscreant with -unrestrainable rage. He stood for a moment like a statue, his -swarthy face aflame with passion. Then he took several hasty steps -forward as if to interfere. The propeller of the biplane was -revolving faster and faster, and it began gliding down the moderate -slope, preparatory to leaping upward from the earth. Harvey, with -hands and feet busy, gave his whole attention to the task, but the -shrewd Pendar rightly suspected they were not yet through with the -wretch who strode toward them. - -The machine was in the act of leaving the ground when Catozzi’s -right hand was jerked out of his coat pocket. Leveling a revolver, -he blazed away twice in rapid succession at the detective. The -latter had turned in his seat so as to face him, and was barely a -second behind him in returning the shot. - -The couple were not fifty feet apart when this interchange took -place. The Italian was an expert with firearms and had he not been -incited by so consuming a passion, he assuredly would have got his -man. He missed by a hair’s breadth, but the cool Simmons Pendar did -better. He saw his enemy’s body twitch, the Italian staggered -backward a couple of paces, and the pistol dropped from his grasp. - -The detective knew, however, that he had only winged him. In truth -he had not tried to kill but only to wound, and he succeeded. In -that moment Pendar, who generally held himself well in hand, felt -such a thrill of anger that he determined to end the wretch’s power -for evil forever. He sighted his weapon with the utmost care, and -had the conditions been favorable, he assuredly would have scored a -“bull’s eye,” but it must be remembered that the aeroplane was in -action, and already in the air, heading westward and going at a -speed of thirty or forty miles an hour. - -Moreover, Bohunkus Johnson at this point got into the game. He had -seated himself, as we remember, on the porch and was sulking over -the reproof of Harvey Hamilton. Now when he saw him going off -without him, he sprang to his feet; leaped down the few steps, -dashed forward and shouted: - -“Hold on, Harv! Yo’ve forgot something!” - -But his friend could not wait for him. In the racket made by the -motor, he heard nothing, and, if he had caught the words he would -have paid no heed. Far more weighty matters claimed his undivided -efforts. The action of the colored youth, however, brought him in -direct line with the Italian, and the fast receding detective dared -not fire because of the danger of hitting the negro or some member -of the group of staring spectators. - -The incidents described took so brief a time that no one who -witnessed them understood what had taken place until all was ended. -Certainly they could not have dreamed of its meaning. Why the -drummer seated behind the young aviator should turn about and -exchange shots with another man who seemed also to be a drummer, was -more than any person could figure out, unless he laid it to bitter -business rivalry. - -Conversation between Harvey Hamilton and Detective Pendar was -impossible, nor was it necessary. The few sentences spoken were -sufficient, though had there been the opportunity, the man would -have asked for more particulars. Although on this warm summer day he -wore no top coat, he carried two pairs of patent handcuffs, and his -weapon still held four charges, which no man in the world better -knew how to utilize. He would have been very glad to stand up in -front of the raging Catozzi with both their revolvers cracking and -only a few paces between them, but the time had not yet come for a -duel of that kind. He gave his intensest attention to what was -before him while Harvey Hamilton was equally resolute with his duty. - -Catozzi was not hit so hard as he thought when the twinge first -thrilled his shoulder. The bullet of the detective inflicted only a -flesh wound, and the man rallied instantly from the shock. He -recovered his weapon and for a minute watched the aeroplane speeding -away like an enormous bird. Then he noted that its line of flight -was directly over _the_ spot. Not a vestige of doubt remained as to -what this meant. - -The landlord had come out on the porch during the stirring incidents -and now approached the Italian. - -“What the mischief did that man mean by shooting at you? Did he hurt -you bad?” - -“No, no, no,” replied Catozzi, who despite the fact that a crimson -stain was beginning to show on his upper arm angrily added: - -“I am not hurt; don’t bother me.” - -He set off down the street, taking the direction followed by the -detective the night before. He walked fast until he reached the -beginning of the path which led to the home of the ancient weather -prophet. There he turned off and his pace became almost a run. He -needed no one to tell him the desperate need of haste. - -He had gone only half way when he left the main path and followed a -faintly marked trail,—so dimly indicated indeed that any person not -keen sighted or looking for something of the kind would have missed -it altogether. - -Meanwhile Harvey Hamilton was attending strictly to business. -Directly south of the tumble-down home of Uncle Tommy Waters, and -less than an eighth of a mile away, stood a smaller and more -dilapidated cabin, with no signs of cultivation about it. It seemed -wedged among a mass of rocks and stones, which formed a part of the -structure. One side was wholly composed of rocks. Surveying the -miserable shanty, one would have concluded that it had never been -used as a permanent dwelling, but might have been flung into shape -by a party of hunters who, visiting that section, had aimed to -provide against sudden storm and preferred to sleep there rather -than at any house or in the town. - -When the aeroplane was skimming over this unattractive spot, Harvey -turned his head and, meeting the glance of the detective, nodded. -The gesture said: “That’s the place,” and the answering nod -indicated that the man understood. - -What it was that had told the young aviator the startling truth was -more than his companion could guess, for, search as he might, he -could not detect the first sign of life below them. There was the -gray pile of boards and rails, which looked as if they had been -tossed among the boulders by a cyclone, but nothing else met the -eye. All the same, the youth had not been mistaken. - -Had not the interest of the two been centered upon what was beneath -them, they would have made an interesting discovery. Less than a -mile distant, a monoplane, as close to the earth as their own, was -bearing down upon them. One glance would have made known to our -friends that it was the well remembered Dragon of the Skies. There -could be no doubt that its owner, Professor Milo Morgan, was on his -way to take part in the game. But that interesting fact was not -learned until a brief while later. - -Having shown his companion the cabin he had sought so long, Harvey -Hamilton shot beyond it, and circled about until over the clearing -in front of Uncle Tommy Waters’ home, when he began descending by -means of the spiral, that picturesque and graceful manœuver, always -attended with peril, as was shown on the last day of the year 1910, -when the daring aviator Arch Hoxsey was killed at Los Angeles and -John B. Moisant met his death at New Orleans. - -It will be remembered that the biplane was at an elevation of not -more than five hundred feet when he began to volplane. The forenoon -was clear, and radiant with sunshine. There was no breeze except -that which was caused by the motion of the aeroplane. Harvey had -excellent control, and was confident of coming down at the spot -selected, when, without the slightest warning, he was caught in the -fierce grip of an eddy, whirlpool or pocket, or whatever it might be -called, and tossed about as if he were a feather. The ailerons -fluttered and the machine lurched like a mortally wounded bird, -frantically trying to hold its place in the air. Recalling the -instructions of Professor Sperbeck, Harvey did not run away from the -startling flurry, but plunged straight into it. It was another -illustration of the peril to which all aviators are exposed, of -being caught at any unexpected moment by the currents that must -always be invisible. - -Harvey braced himself, hoping that a few seconds would carry him -across the zone of danger, and came within a hair of pitching from -his seat. The wabbling machine suddenly tilted upward, and stood -almost vertical. The escape of Detective Pendar was equally narrow. -Although he gripped the supports with both hands, it seemed to him -that for one terrible moment he hung by them alone, with his legs -dangling in midair. He was certain the aeroplane was capsizing, and -he could only wait for the end of all things. Gladly would he have -given the whole reward, which dazzled his vision, for the privilege -of feeling the solid earth under his feet. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - - RETRIBUTION. - - -Their frightful peril lasted only a few seconds. Although the -machine still swayed like a ship laboring among surges, it struck -more tranquil air, and with its graceful spiral motion lightly -touched the ground, ran to the edge of the clearing and stopped with -its front rigger within a few feet of a huge oak on the edge of the -open space. - -It was still spinning forward when Detective Pendar leaped from his -seat, and without a word to Harvey Hamilton, who, of course, had -shut off the motor, dashed away on a run through the wood, making -for the spot among the rocks where the pile of lumber and rails -disclosed the headquarters of the kidnapping gang. He had not yet -seen one of them, but knew they whom he sought were there. - -Before he reached the spot he caught sight through the treetops of -the monoplane of Professor Morgan heading for the same point. -Recognizing him he uttered an impatient exclamation. - -“He’s going to mix in and spoil everything.” - -As easily and noiselessly as a soaring eagle, the circling machine -came to a rest directly over the ramshackle structure. The wonderful -“uplifter” was spinning under the monoplane and held it motionless -over the exact spot, at a height of barely a hundred feet. - -Detective Pendar in a frenzy of excitement leaped into the scant -open space, where he was in sight of the aviator, who, as he had -done in a former instance, stood erect, with a large oblong object -in his hand to which he was about to apply a lighted match. Reading -his purpose, Pendar shouted: - -“Don’t do that! You’ll kill the little girl!” - -Professor Morgan did not seem to hear him, or, if he did, paid no -attention. - -“Don’t, Professor! You will kill the child!” - -The man now called down from his elevation: - -“Don’t be alarmed! She is not there!” - -“I know she is,” insisted Pendar, drawing his revolver. “If you drop -that bomb I’ll shoot you!” - -The tall, ungainly figure remained upright. He had lighted the fuse -which was spitting flame. He still held it in his hand and was -carefully sighting with the purpose of making it fall where he -wished. - -“I tell you the girl is _not_ there, but the men are! Put up that -pistol or I’ll throw the bomb at you and send you to kingdom come -with them!” - -The naturally cool-headed detective was beside himself. The calm -assurance of the crank overhead stayed his hand. He did not know -what to do and therefore did nothing. - -“Stand back!” warned the aviator; “or you’ll catch it too!” - -The words were yet in his mouth, when an object eight or ten inches -in length, two or three inches in diameter and of a dull gray color, -left his hand and dived downward. The fuse was smoking and the bomb -turned end over end several times before it alighted on the warped -boards which served for a roof to the structure. It lay there for a -brief interval, during which it jerked to the right and left, as a -spurting hose will do when no one is holding it, then it toppled -over and dropped through a gap in the boards. - -The next instant there was muffled, thunderous report, and rocks, -rails and splintered wood flew in every direction, as if from the -mouth of Vesuvius. The bomb had exploded with terrific force, and a -noise that stunned the spectator, who caught a glimpse of something -resembling a huge bird which darted toward him. A rail, as if fired -from a modern siege gun, whizzed within a few inches of his head and -skittered among the branches behind him. - -[Illustration: THE BOMB HAD EXPLODED WITH TERRIFIC FORCE.] - -In those terrifying moments the detective saw another sight,—one -that held him dumfounded for a brief interval. Among the flying -debris was the form of a man, which shot upward for fifty feet, -turning over, passed above the head of Pendar and fell among the -trees, where it lay still and motionless. - -A second man came rolling like a log rushing down hill and settled -to rest a few paces in front of the shocked spectator. His clothing -was on fire in a dozen places. Rousing himself, the officer snatched -off his coat, and hurriedly wrapped it about the wretch, who lay -still, moaning with pain. - -But in the midst of the fearful scene, Simmons Pendar glanced around -in quest of that which he dreaded to see above everything else in -the world. Harvey Hamilton had identified the stolen child and how -could she escape that awful explosion? But she was not to be seen, -and with relief unspeakable he decided that Professor Morgan was -truthful in his declaration. Paying no heed for the moment to the -man at his feet, the detective looked upward and shouted: - -“Where is she?” - -There was no reply, for Professor Morgan was not there, or at least -was beyond hearing or replying to the question. Having accomplished -that which he had in mind to do, he had set his silent machine again -in motion, and was fast vanishing in the direction of the town of -Chesterton. - -Relieved of his great fear, Pendar stooped over the form at his -feet. To his amazement the man seemed to have suffered only trifling -injuries. The enwrapping of the coat had put out the incipient -flames and the fellow came as easily to his feet as if rising from -sleep. He said something to the detective in his own language, which -was not understood. Pendar reached out and taking his scorched -garment quietly put it on himself, but in the act of doing so he -gave proof of his professional deftness by slipping a pair of -handcuffs on his prisoner before he suspected the trick. He -struggled desperately to free himself, and unable to do so, tried to -strike his captor with the irons which clasped his wrists. But all -that remained possible was to try to run away, and the detective was -prepared to defeat an attempt of that nature. - -That the fellow understood English became clear the next minute, -when Pendar drew his revolver from his hip pocket and addressed him: - -“If you try to run off I’ll shoot you!” - -“Me no run off,” replied the man, cowering with fear. Probably his -meekness was pretense with a view of gaining an advantage over his -captor. - -“Where is that little girl you stole from her home in Philadelphia?” - -The prisoner shrugged his shoulders and shook his head: - -“Me no understand.” - -“Yes, you do; answer before I fire!” - -And the weapon was leveled with the muzzle within a few inches of -the man’s face, which was contorted by terror. - -“Don’t know,” he hastened to say. - -Detective Pendar was enraged enough to shoot him. With a dreadful -sinking of hope the officer asked himself whether there was to be a -miscarriage of justice after all. Grace Hastings was neither within -the shanty nor anywhere near it when Professor Morgan blew it up -with his bomb. Could it be that the abductors had discovered their -danger before that time and removed the little one to a safe -retreat, or could it be—— - -He dared not finish the question. One thing was clear: the -negotiations that had been carried on for so many days were now -ended, and could never be renewed. The friends of the child had -proved their determination not to pay the ransom demanded, and no -more communication could be held between them and the kidnappers. - -Humanity seemed to demand that attention should be given to him who -was hurled among the trees in the rear by the explosion; but in the -intensity of his chagrin and wrath, Detective Pendar decided that, -as he was already past help, time would be wasted upon him. Although -the garments of the prisoner showed faint wisps of smoke here and -there, the fire was gradually dying out and he was in no danger from -that cause. His captor compressed his lips with the resolution to -force the truth from the wretch. Surely he could throw light upon -the disappearance of the child, and the detective was resolute in -his purpose of forcing him to do so. - -“What is your name?” was the first question of the master of the -situation, who, noticing the other’s shrug and hesitation, added: -“You needn’t pretend you don’t understand me. What is your name, I -repeat?” - -“Alessandro Pierotti,” was the answer. - -“Who was the man that was blown into the wood behind me?” - -“Giuseppe Caprioni.” - -To test the truthfulness of the fellow Detective Pendar now demanded -the name of the other member of the group that had loitered during -the last few days about the hotel in Chesterton. Pierotti gave it -correctly, and his questioner was convinced that all were right. - -“That makes three. Who were the others connected with you?” - -“No more,—that all.” - -The detective did not believe this, aware as he was of the fearful -penalties that are visited by members of the Black Hand upon those -who betray their associates. He wondered in fact why Pierotti had -not tried to deceive him as to the names. It may have been because -he believed the truth was at the command of this captor. That others -were connected with his crime was a certainty, but this was not the -time nor place in which to probe the matter. - -“How long did you have the little girl in this part of the country?” - -The frightened prisoner wrinkled his brow in thought. - -“A week,—almost—not quite.” - -“Where is she now?” - -“Went off—she play—she soon come back.” - -This statement was perplexing and Pendar did not understand it. - -“When did she go?” - -“One—two—tree hour; she soon come back,” he repeated. - -“Who went with her?” - -“No one—she go with herself; she not go far.” - -“Which way?” - -Pierotti pointed in the direction of the cabin of Uncle Tommy -Waters. The path which has been mentioned as dimly marked, took -another course before joining the main trail which branched off from -the highway a little way out from Chesterton. - -While it seemed improbable that a captive like Grace Hastings would -have been permitted anything in the nature of freedom at so critical -a time, the detective decided to act upon the statement. - -“Lead the way, Pierotti; I shall walk behind you; if you try to slip -off, or I find you have deceived me, _look out_!” - - - - - CHAPTER XXX. - - THE RESCUE. - - -Harvey Hamilton was anything but pleased over the actions of -Detective Pendar in dashing off as he did without a word of -explanation. He expected to accompany him, and would have followed -but through fear of offending his friend. The youth could not forget -that he possessed nothing in the nature of a weapon and was more -likely to prove a hindrance rather than a help to the officer. - -“He is a brave man,—a reckless one,” he reflected, “thus to rush -upon a desperate gang who are armed and will stop at no crime. -Hello! what does that mean?” - -He had stepped down from his seat and glanced over his machine, when -chancing to look up in the sky he recognized the monoplane of -Professor Morgan, already near the spot where the young aviator had -seen the ruined shanty not long before, with the little girl playing -in front of it. - -The discovery that the odd character had not wrecked his first -machine, but had been the means of his securing a second with -remarkable promptness, changed the resentment of the youth to the -kindliest feelings toward the man. He watched the actions with -fascinated interest, for the distance was so slight that everything -was visible. It has been said that one of the achievements of -Professor Morgan was the knack of running his monoplane with -scarcely any perceptible noise. A misty, whirring object under his -perch showed that the “uplifter” was doing its effective work and -holding the machine motionless over the place desired. - -It was far enough for the intervening forest to muffle the voices of -the airman and the detective, who tried desperately to prevent his -dropping the bomb which wrought such frightful havoc. In the flurry -of the occasion, Harvey had not recovered his field glass from his -friend, an oversight which he regretted, for it would have helped -greatly in learning precisely what the Professor was doing. But his -unaided eyes told him enough to suggest a shrewd guess. - -“He is going to launch a bomb, and if he does, it won’t be a giant -cracker, which gave those young men such a big scare the other day.” - -A minute later came the tremendous report, and Harvey felt the -ground tremble. A mass of smoke and flying fragments rose over the -spot where the shanty had stood. - -“He has blown up the building and every one in it!” gasped the -startled youth. “I wonder whether the child has been hurt; Pendar -can take care of himself.” - -Harvey hesitated whether to run to the spot, and had made up his -mind to do so, when he was checked by an incident that in its way -was as startling as the explosion. - -It will be remembered that he had brought his aeroplane to rest in -the large clearing in front of the humble home of Uncle Tommy -Waters, the weather prophet. Had the circumstances been different, -he would have given attention to the house and its occupants, but -the thrilling incidents in course of happening elsewhere kept his -eyes turned in the opposite direction, and the cabin might as well -have been a hundred miles distant for all he knew of it for the -time. - -That which caught his attention with the suddenness of a snap of a -whip in his ear and caused him to whirl the other way was a childish -voice: - -“Oh, isn’t that a funny thing?” - -Harvey Hamilton was struck speechless for a moment by the sight that -greeted his eyes. Two little girls, one freckled, homely, and poorly -dressed, the other pretty, with clustering curls and in fine -clothes, stood side by side, no more than a dozen paces distant, -staring wonderingly at him and the aeroplane. The third member of -the group was an immense shaggy dog as black as midnight, which -stood wagging his tail as if pleased with what he saw. In the door -of the cabin behind them was the pudgy wife of Uncle Tommy, also -staring and seemingly at a loss to comprehend the strange doings and -sights. Uncle Tommy was not visible, having gone to Chesterton -earlier in the day, with the time of his return uncertain. - -Harvey beckoned the children to draw near. With some timidity they -did so, the dog following as if to see that no harm befell either. -The two halted a few steps away and smiled, the homely one with her -forefinger between her lips and her head to one side. Her companion -showed no embarrassment. - -“Your name is Grace Hastings, isn’t it?” asked the young aviator, in -a kindly voice and with a rapidly beating heart. - -“Yes,—what’s your name?” she asked with winsome confidence. - -“Harvey Hamilton; wouldn’t you like to go home to mamma?” - -“Oh, yes indeed; won’t you——” - -She suddenly broke down and sobbed. - -“There, my dear; you mustn’t cry, for we are going to take you home -just as soon as we can; your papa and mamma want to see you badly -and they shall not be kept waiting; won’t you come closer?” - -“May Peggy come too?” she asked with a smile, though the tears still -wetted her plump cheeks. - -“Certainly, for I know Peggy is a good girl.” - -“Yes, she is, and we love each other, don’t we, Peggy?” - -Grace looked at her companion for reply, and she nodded her head six -or seven times but did not speak. The two advanced and Harvey took -each by the hand. - -“How long have you and Peggy known each other?” asked Harvey of -Grace. - -“This is the first time the bad folks would let me go to see her,” -was the reply. - -The youth read the full meaning of these words. The kidnappers had -kept the little one a close prisoner from the first. For the sake of -her health, they probably allowed her to play at times near the -shanty, as she was doing when he first saw her, but as the time of -her captivity, as they viewed it, was shortened to a few hours, they -yielded to her wish to walk the little way through the woods to her -neighbor. She would be within quick reach, and besides, had promised -to come back after a brief absence. What she might reveal while -playing with Peggy Waters could not bring any risk of her loss to -her captors. These facts, which became known afterward, showed that -the flight of Harvey Hamilton’s aeroplane on its first sweep over -the ramshackle structure had not roused any distrust on the part of -the two abductors there, who kept out of sight while the biplane was -near. - -The young man was stirred by the sight of the child standing before -him, and chattering in her innocent way. Despite what had just -occurred and the certainty that Professor Morgan had played havoc -with the miscreants, the youth was uneasy. Some of the gang might -have escaped and started upon other mischief. Grace was too much -exposed to their evil intentions. - -“Let us go into the house,” said Harvey, taking each child by the -hand and walking toward the dumpy woman who still filled the door of -the cabin, staring as if she failed to understand what had taken -place. - -“Good morning,” saluted Harvey; “if you don’t mind we will go inside -and sit down for a little while.” - -“I’m sure you’re welcome,” replied the housewife, stepping back to -give room. “It seems to me there’s been queer goings on around here. -What made that awful noise I heerd a little while ago?” - -“A friend of mine blew up the shanty where several villains were -holding this little girl a prisoner.” - -“La sakes! You don’t say so; did you ever hear of sich carryings -on?” - -She stood with her arms akimbo and stared at her caller, who had -seated himself near the open door, where he could see his aeroplane -and whatever might appear in the clearing. Grace and Peggy sat -farther back, whispering and chuckling together, as new -acquaintances do who have no idea of the fearful meaning of what is -going on around them. - -“Where is Uncle Tommy?” asked Harvey of the wife. - -“He went to town two hours ago. You know,” she added with natural -pride, “that all the folks depends on him to know what kind of -weather we’re going to have, and he’s gone to Chesterton to tell -’em.” - -“I have heard of his reputation as a weather prophet.” - -At this juncture, Grace rose abruptly from her chair and asked -Harvey: - -“How long have I been here?” - -“Not knowing when you came I can’t tell exactly, Grace, but I am -sure it is only a short time.” - -“I promised Alessandro I wouldn’t stay long and I must be going.” - -“Wait a little while; he won’t care—.” - -“There he comes for me now! He will be angry and beat me,” she -exclaimed, standing beside her young friend and looking out of the -door in a tremor of alarm. - -Sure enough, the miscreant had come into plain sight. He was walking -with bowed head and his hands behind him, as if the wrists were -fastened together, and only one or two paces to the rear strode -Detective Simmons Pendar, with a revolver ready for instant use. The -picture told its own story. - -“Stay where you are,” said Harvey, laying a gentle hand on the -shoulder of Grace Hastings; “Alessandro sha’n’t hurt you.” - -With this assurance, the youth went down the few steps and advanced -to meet his friend. - -“I don’t admire his looks,” he remarked with a smile as he glanced -at the swarthy, scowling face. - -“He’s as ugly as he looks,” replied the detective. - -“Is he the only one?” - -“Professor Morgan’s bomb sent one flying among the trees, where he -will stay until carried away. And that is Grace Hastings?” said the -officer, with a radiant face, as he looked at the winsome -countenance in the doorway. - -“She told me that that is her name, and I think she ought to know; -but what do you mean to do with this fellow?” - -“I have been thinking. You know there were three of them; I -exchanged shots with Catozzi when we were starting with your -aeroplane. I am anxious to capture him, but he was left at -Chesterton, where he will probably wait till he receives more news.” - -“You can march this one ahead of you to the town and have him locked -up.” - -The face of the detective became grave. He shook his head. - -“I am afraid that if I do that, and the truth becomes known, as it -surely will be, the people will lynch him.” - -“Who cares if they do?” asked Harvey; “it will serve him right.” - -“He and the others deserve it, but the law should deal with them. I -have a better plan.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI. - - LYNCH LAW. - - -During this brief conversation between Harvey Hamilton and Detective -Pendar, the prisoner stood slightly to one side with his bare head -bent and his face looking like that of some baffled imp of darkness. -Not only had he lost his pistol and stiletto, but his hands were -useless to him. The weapons seemed not to have been on his person at -the moment of the explosion, for his captor had seen nothing of -them. Pendar looked at the woman. - -“Have you a clothesline?” - -“Of course I have, and I need it too,” was the reply. - -“Let me have it and I’ll pay you enough to buy three new ones.” - -“That sounds sensible; what do you want to do with it?” asked Mrs. -Waters, pleased with the chance of driving a good bargain. - -“I wish to bind this scamp so fast that he will never be able to -free himself.” - -“‘Cording to what you tell me you oughter put it round his neck; -I’ll give you all the help I can; yes, you can have the rope,” and -she walked into the kitchen to bring the article, which, although -knotted in several places, must have been fifty feet long. - -“In there!” commanded the detective, motioning to Pierotti, who -slouched through the door, the frightened little girl backing away -and staring at him. Sullen, revengeful, but helpless, the Latin -submitted to every indignity unresistingly. Pendar was an adept at -such work and wound the rope in and out and around, again and again -until every foot of it had been utilized, and the prisoner was bound -so effectually that had he been one of the famous Davenport brothers -he would have been unable to loosen his bonds. - -“Now, Mrs. Waters,” said the officer when he had completed his work, -“you needn’t have any fear of him.” - -“Fear of _him_!” repeated the woman with a sniff; “do you think the -like of him could scare me? Do you see that poker?” she asked, -pointing to the iron rod with the curved end leaning against the -wall of the fireplace; “if he dares so much as open his mouth to -speak to me, I’ll break it over his head.” - -“A sensible idea!” exclaimed Harvey Hamilton; “don’t forget it, and -I hope he will give you an excuse for doing what you have in mind.” - -Man and youth stepped outside, where the latter waited for his -friend to make clear his intentions. - -“The thing I am most anxious to do,” said the detective, “is to -reach the nearest telegraph office as quickly as I can, that I may -send a message to Horace Hastings and his wife with the news that -will raise them from the depths of despair to perfect happiness.” - -“It will take us only a few minutes to reach Chesterton with the -aeroplane.” - -“True, and we can carry the little girl with us. Besides, I sha’n’t -be satisfied until I have the nippers on the one still at large. Let -us be off, for you have no idea how eager I am to send the tidings -to the parents of Grace.” - -When the little one learned that she was about to be taken home to -see her papa and mamma, she clapped her hands and danced with joy. -She kissed Peggy good-bye, made the child promise to come and see -her in her home in the distant city and then told Mr. Pendar she was -ready. - -Naturally she was timid when informed that she was to take a ride -with the big bird, and she clung to her protector, who carefully -adjusted himself with her in his lap. She promised not to stir or -even speak while on the way. Harvey had headed his machine toward -the longest stretch of open ground, and set the propeller revolving. -Then he dashed forward, sprang into place and grasped the levers. -The biplane was already moving at a rapidly accelerated pace over -the withered grass, and at the proper point rose clear and sailed -away to the eastward. The tiny passenger stared and tried to hold -her breath when she realized that she was far above the treetops, -but she gave not the slightest trouble to her friends. - -The distance to Chesterton was so brief that it seemed our friends -had hardly left the earth when they began coming down again. An easy -landing was made in the open space in front of the hotel and Pendar -lifted Grace out. - -“Now you will go with me,” he said, grasping her hand and hurrying -down the main street to the telegraph office, which was several -blocks from the hotel. “Harvey, you will look after your machine and -I shall soon rejoin you.” - -It would be hard to describe the blissful joy with which the -detective seized one of the yellow telegraph blanks and wrote these -words, addressed to Horace Hastings: - - “I have Grace with me, perfectly well and unharmed. She asks - me to give her love to papa and mamma and to say that she is - coming home just as quickly as she can. As I shall be needed - here for some time yet, perhaps you would better come for - her. One of the kidnappers is dead, one a prisoner, and I - hope soon to have the third.” - - “PENDAR.” - -Brief as was the absence of the detective from the hotel, the -interval had been sufficient for a terrifying situation to develop. -A larger crowd than usual gathered at sight of the little girl -sitting on the lap of the man supposed to be a commercial traveler, -and when the two hurried down the street, there were eager inquiries -as to what it meant. An instinctive feeling of caution led Harvey to -make evasive answers, for he feared to tell the truth to the excited -crowd; but he could not falsify and was pressed so hard that he was -literally forced to give the facts. The little girl, who had walked -down the street with the supposed commercial traveler, was Grace -Hastings, kidnapped some time before in Philadelphia, and the man -who had her in charge was one of the most famous detectives in the -country. - -The story sounded so incredible that for a minute or two it was not -believed. Every member of the group had read of the unspeakable -crime, and their feelings were stirred to the depths. Parents -especially were insistent that no punishment was too severe for the -authors of the cruel wrong. - -“And one of them was that fellow who fired his pistol at the -detective when he was starting off with you in your flying machine?” -demanded a red-faced listener. - -Harvey nodded. - -“He was; where is he now?” - -“Yes; where is he?” - -A dozen glanced in different directions. Could they have laid hands -on the miscreant his life would not have been worth a moment’s -purchase. - -“I saw him hurrying down the street, right after the flying machine -left,” explained a large boy on the edge of the crowd. - -“Where was he going?” demanded the first speaker. - -“I didn’t ask him and I don’t ’spose he’d told if I had.” - -“But you’ve got one of ’em?” said another man to Harvey. - -“Yes; one was killed by the explosion, but the other wasn’t hurt to -any extent.” - -“Where is he?” - -“Safely bound in the house of Uncle Tommy Waters.” - -Uncle Tommy was in the group, somewhat back, chewing hard and -listening to the absorbing relation. He had not yet spoken, but did -not allow a word to escape him. The instant the last remark was -made, he stopped chewing, pushed nearer the young aviator and asked: - -“Did you say he’s in _my_ house?” - -“Yes, bound fast in a chair and under the watchful eye of your -wife.” - -“Do you mean to tell me that consarned critter is a-settin’ in my -parlor this minute and talking love to Betsey?” roared the wrathful -Uncle Tommy, in a still higher voice. - -“I don’t think he is trying to make love to your wife; if he does, -she has the poker at hand and she told me she would use it if he -gave her the least excuse.” - -The weather prophet boiled over. Ignoring the youth who had given -the infuriating news, he addressed the crowd: - -“Do you hear that, folks? That limb of Satan is a-settin’ in my -front parlor and Betsey hasn’t any one with her! It’s the most -outrageous outrage that was ever outraged. Do you ’spose I’m goin’ -to stand it?” - -“What will you do about it?” asked a neighbor tauntingly. - -“What will I do ’bout it? I’ll show him. He’s one of the varmints -that stole that sweet innercent child. _Let’s lynch him!_” - -The proposal struck fire on the instant. Nothing is so excitable as -an American crowd, and an impetuous leader can do anything with it. -A dozen voices shouted: - -“That’s it! lynch him! lynch him! come on, boys! we’re together in -this.” - -The last words were uttered by a tall, middle-aged farmer without -coat or vest. He had a clear, ringing voice, as if born to command. -In a twinkling he was at the head of the swarm which was increasing -in numbers every minute, with every one ardent to carry out the -startling proposal first made by Uncle Tommy Waters. - -Harvey Hamilton was alarmed. It has been shown that he had not a -shadow of sympathy for the criminal, who was bound in the cabin of -the weather prophet, but he knew the detective’s sentiments. He had -left the prisoner behind in order to save him from the very fate -that now threatened, and which had been precipitated by the truth -the youth saw no way of holding back from them. - -Standing beside his silent machine, Harvey shouted: - -“You mustn’t do that! It is contrary to law; the courts will punish -him; leave him to them!” - -“Yes,” sneered the leader, halting long enough to exchange a few -words; “he won’t be in jail more than three months when he’ll be -pardoned or they’ll let him out on parole; it’ll cost money to -convict him and we’ll save the State the expense.” - -“You are mistaken; there is too much resentment over this Black Hand -business to show any mercy to the criminals.” - -“That’s what’s the matter with this crowd; come on, boys!” - -The mob was moving off, when Detective Pendar, still holding the -hand of Grace Hastings, came hurrying from the street to the front -of the hotel. He read the meaning of what he heard and saw, and -raised his hand for attention. - -“I appreciate your feelings, my friends, but you mustn’t stain the -fair name of Pennsylvania by such an illegal deed as you have in -mind. The law will punish these men. Here is the little child, and -you can see she has not been harmed in the least.” - -It was an unfortunate appeal. The sight of the frightened girl and -the knowledge that she was the victim of a most cruel wrong, roused -the fury of the men to a white heat. The protesting detective was -swept aside like chaff, and the whole party broke into a run for the -home of Uncle Tommy Waters, with the weather prophet himself in the -lead. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXII. - - MYSTERIES ARE EXPLAINED. - - -If the wrathful Uncle Tommy Waters could have looked in upon his -home at the time Harvey Hamilton was telling his story, he would -have seen there was no ground for misgiving so far as the partner of -his joys was concerned. - -A muscular woman, with a big iron poker in hand, a massive dog -nosing about the house and ready at instant call, surely had little -to fear from a man whose wrists were encircled by steel bracelets -and who was swathed like a mummy in a network of rope, no matter how -sinister his mood might be. She, too, had heard from her husband the -story of the kidnapping of little Grace Hastings, and having a child -of her own of about the same age, she gave it as her honest opinion -that every one of the criminals should be burned at the stake, -thrown head first into a well, tumbled over the highest precipice in -the world, and then left to perish with cold in the region -discovered by Commander Peary and not discovered by Dr. Cook. - -When she found herself alone with the horrible villain, she told -Peggy to go outside and play with the dog, while she had a little -talk with the prisoner. - -She seated herself a couple of paces in front of him, and looking -piercingly into his glittering black eyes, demanded in a low, -ominous voice: - -“Now, what do you think of yourself? Don’t speak a word or I’ll bang -you with this poker,” and she raised the stiff rod threateningly. - -Understanding what was said to him, the prisoner prudently held his -peace. - -“I asked you what you thought of yourself. What oughter be done with -a scamp that steals a little child from its father and mother? -Hanging is too good for him. Ain’t you ashamed? Look out! Don’t you -dare open your mouth!” - -And again the primitive weapon was brandished close to the captive’s -crown, whose shaggy wealth of hair could not have shielded it had -the poker descended. - -“You ask me what I think,” finally blurted Pierotti in desperation; -“you say you strike if I open mouth; I think you are mighty big -fool,—that’s what I think—now you know.” - -As the Italian sat he faced the open door, toward which the back of -the woman was turned. While striving to grasp the meaning of the -broken sentences, she saw from the expression of the impish -countenance that he was looking at some one behind her. She whirled -about, and almost fell from her chair, for standing in the doorway -was a second member of the Black Hand, in the person of Amasi -Catozzi, who had been slightly wounded by the revolver of Detective -Pendar. - -This criminal, quick to read the meaning of the departure of the -officer with the young aviator, in an outburst of uncontrollable -passion fired at him, and then made all haste to the headquarters in -the woods, whither his companion had preceded him. He was still -running when the explosion told its horrifying story. He knew what -had taken place as well as if he had been an eyewitness, with the -exception of the personal results to his two associates. With a -raging chagrin which no one can comprehend, he saw that the princely -ransom which he had felt in the itching palm of his hand had slipped -away forever. All that remained to him was to save his own neck, as -well as that of the survivors, if so be there were any, provided he -could bring about such a consummation without adding to his own -peril. - -Skilfully keeping out of sight in the wood, he saw Alessandro -Pierotti handcuffed and driven to the cabin as a prisoner. Catozzi -would have felt a gleeful delight in shooting the man with whom he -had already exchanged shots, but to do that would have intensified -his own danger, since it would have added ardor to the efforts to -run him to earth. The certain result of such disaster would be a -verdict of murder, when kidnapping at most involved only a sentence -to a long term of imprisonment, with the cheering prospect of a -speedy pardon in the background, or a release upon parole, and the -opportunity to resume his atrocious misdeeds. Consequently, Catozzi -did not interfere during the first part of the proceedings. - -As stealthily as a red Indian he peered out from the depth of the -forest. Waiting until the detective and child accompanied the young -aviator in his flight to Chesterton and were gone long enough for -him to feel no fear of their return, he went forward and presented -himself in the door while the pointed and somewhat one-sided -conversation was going on between Mrs. Waters and the bound prisoner -in the chair. - -It would have pleased the new arrival to give the woman her final -quietus, but he was restrained by the same knowledge that stayed his -hand when he might have shot Simmons Pendar. She was so terrified -that she could only stare in a daze at Catozzi, with a limp grasp -upon the simple weapon in her hand. She would have begged for mercy -had she not quickly seen that it was not necessary. The Italian -merely glanced at her, and striding forward to the chair, speedily -cut the thongs and the prisoner rose to his feet. The loosening of -the handcuffs would require more time and could wait. The two talked -briefly in their own language. Pierotti indulged in the luxury of a -hideous grimace at the woman as he was following his companion out -of the door and across the clearing to the forest, into which they -plunged and were immediately lost to sight. - -This explanation will make clear the disappointment of the mob which -swarmed out of the wood soon afterward, with the panting Uncle Tommy -still at the head, and the worried detective beside him. He had -turned over the care of Grace Hastings to Harvey Hamilton, who -remained behind at Chesterton. In his flurry and eagerness Uncle -Tommy caught the toe of his boot at the threshold and sprawled on -his hands and knees into the “parlor” of his residence. - -“Is my lamb safe?” he asked, scrambling to his feet and gazing at -the pudgy figure still seated and maintaining a somewhat stronger -grip upon the poker. - -“You old simpleton! Why don’t you clean your boots?” was the loving -response of his life partner, who quickly regained her natural -disposition when she saw that all danger had gone by. - -Her story was quickly told. The disappointment to all, except the -detective, was keen, and his feelings were solely due to his respect -for law and order. Uncle Tommy was asked whether his dog could not -take the scent of the two fugitives and run them down, but the -weather prophet replied that the canine wasn’t worth a shoestring -for such work. - -“You never will be able to find the couple in the woods,” said -Pendar; “there are too many hiding places; they can dodge you for -weeks; the only course is for us to return to Chesterton at once, -and for me to telegraph to all the surrounding towns, asking the -authorities to be on the lookout for them. They will have to leave -the woods sooner or later and there is a fair chance of catching -both.” - -He added in a lower voice: - -“What is left of one of them lies a little way from here; the body -must not be neglected.” - -The announcement caused a striking change in the moods of all. Three -of the men walked forth with the detective and viewed all that -remained of the Black Hander. One of them carried a blanket which -was tenderly laid over the body. - -“It is best not to remove it until the coroner has given -permission,” explained the officer; “since there has been a death he -must make an investigation.” - -The party straggled back to town, Uncle Tommy being the only one who -stayed behind. Detective Pendar having decided upon his course acted -promptly. When he entered the telegraph office he found a long -message from Mr. Hastings awaiting him. It was so fervent in its -expressions of gratitude that the eyes of the detective filled and -he could not command his voice for some minutes. The telegram -contained a loving message to the child, and the assurance that the -father would start for Chesterton at once to bring her home. - -Pendar sent notices to all the nearby towns and to the large cities, -doing his work so thoroughly that he said to himself as he lighted a -cigar and leaned back in his chair: - -“If those two fellows can break through the net that I have spread -round them, they will almost deserve to get away. They may keep in -hiding for several days, but sooner or later they will be gathered -in.” - -Harvey Hamilton proposed to carry Grace in his aeroplane to -Philadelphia, confident that by starting early the next morning he -could reach her home by noon, but his friend showed him the folly of -anything of that nature. She was unaccustomed to riding in the air, -and an accident was more than likely. Moreover, her father was due -in Chesterton on the afternoon of the morrow. - -“The child has already passed through too much to incur any more -danger from which it is possible to save her. And that reminds me, -Harvey,” added the detective with a smile, “you have decided by this -time who it was that chopped up your aeroplane.” - -“It must have been Catozzi and Caprioni.” - -“Beyond a doubt.” - -“Why did they do it?” - -“They may have seen a possible danger in the presence of a machine -like that in the neighborhood of Chesterton and decided to put it -out of commission.” - -“Why didn’t they do the same with my second?” - -“It would have involved a great deal more risk, and could have -accomplished little or nothing for them. Besides, we mustn’t forget -the element of unadulterated cussedness that actuates so many -members of mankind. Professor Morgan took a fancy to inspect your -machine at close range without the chance of meeting you, and so he -made a visit early in the morning, only to find it smashed to -everlasting smithereens. He left, your colored boy being just in -time to gain a glimpse of him, and straightway telegraphed your -father, and you know what followed.” - -This part of my story may be summed up in a few sentences. On the -morrow the coroner entered into an official investigation, as in -duty bound, of the death of the Italian supposed to be Giuseppe -Caprioni, blown up by the explosion of a bomb. The testimony of -Professor Milo Morgan was much needed, but he had departed no one -knew whither, and that of Simmons Pendar supplied its place. The -verdict was in accordance with the facts, so far as they could be -ascertained, and the body was buried in Potter’s Field. - -The next day the gratifying intelligence came that both Catozzi and -Pierotti had been captured in Groveton, only twelve miles from -Chesterton. Driven out by hunger they had applied at a house for -food, and were quickly arrested. They were tried, found guilty and -sentenced to the longest terms possible in State Prison, where it is -to be hoped they will spend the remainder of their days. - -Horace Hastings reached Chesterton by special train earlier than was -expected and took his child home with him. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIII. - - WHERE IS BOHUNKUS? - - -Harvey Hamilton stayed in Chesterton till the close of the incidents -just narrated. His interest was so stirred that he had no wish to -leave before their conclusion. During the hours of waiting, he made -several short flights in his aeroplane, and when he and Detective -Pendar were called upon to give their evidence the flying machine -was convenient. In addition, he gave several of the townsmen the -most thrilling experiences of their lives. He invited Uncle Tommy -Waters to accompany him on an aerial excursion, but a million -dollars would not have tempted the old gentleman to take his feet -off the firm earth. - -A seemingly small matter gave the young aviator anxiety. Upon his -return from the explosion of the shanty, he expected to find -Bohunkus Johnson either sitting on the porch of the hotel or -strolling about the town. Although the colored youth was offended by -the brusque reproof of Harvey, it was not his nature to hold a -grudge, and his friend was prepared to meet him half way and -apologize for his hasty words, but no Bohunkus showed up. The night -passed without his appearance. Harvey went to his room in the early -morning only to find that his bed had not been occupied. - -“He has gone home,” was the conclusion of the youth. “If he wishes -to pout I shall not interfere, but he ought to have left some word -for me.” - -While waiting in Chesterton, Harvey wrote a letter to his father, -giving a full account of the recovery of little Grace Hastings, her -restoration to her parents and the capture of the two surviving -members of the Black Hand, which, as has been stated, was duly -followed by their sentence to long terms in the penitentiary. This -letter was crossed by one from his father, which confirmed the -explanation made by Mr. Pendar of the wrecking of the first -aeroplane. He had received quick notice of the misfortune from -Professor Morgan, and sympathizing with his son had provided him -with a second flying machine in record time. When a young man who -took an aerial ride with Harvey told him he had seen the two -supposed commercial travelers in the vicinity of the hotel sheds at -daylight of the eventful morning, the last shadow of doubt was -removed as to the identity of the offenders. - -Mr. Hastings paid over the entire reward to Simmons Pendar, who -would have insisted that one-half of the large sum should go to -Harvey Hamilton, had the latter not notified him that any such -proposition would be accepted as an insult. - -Despite a feeling of vexation, Harvey became so concerned over -Bohunkus that he finally telegraphed to Mr. Cecil Hartley, the -farmer to whom the colored boy had been bound years before, and -asked whether he was at home. The reply was that he had not been -seen since he left in the aeroplane with Harvey. This was -disquieting news and the youth did not know what to make of it. Had -not Detective Pendar been absent just then he would have applied to -him for counsel. Enlightenment, however, came from an unexpected -quarter. - -It was on the evening of the second day, after the guests at the -hotel had eaten supper and left the dining-room, that the landlord -came out and sat down near Harvey, who occupied a chair at the -farther end of the porch. The boniface was chuckling as if in good -humor over something. Harvey wondered what it could be. - -“You ain’t worrying about that darkey of yours?” was the first -question. - -“I am not worried so much as I am curious,” replied the youth; “he -took offense the other day because I reproved him for an act of -stupidity, but it is not his nature to sulk so long. I thought he -had gone home, but learned a short while ago that he hasn’t been -there.” - -“Oh, no; he’s a long way from home by this time.” - -“Do you know where he is?” asked the startled Harvey. - -“Not precisely, but I reckon I can make a good guess.” - -“Please do so.” - -“You remember that after that queer crank that they call Professor -Morgan had blowed up the headquarters of them kidnappers, he did not -stay in them parts.” - -“No; I noticed he headed for Chesterton.” - -“That’s where he came; he landed in the shed yard near the spot -where your machine was smashed and had hardly touched the airth when -that darkey of yours was there and the two begun talking together -mighty earnest.” - -“Do you know what it was about?” asked Harvey, in whose mind a -sudden suspicion had formed. - -“I don’t know what was said at first, ’cause they was too fur off -for me to hear, but they hadn’t been talking more’n five -minutes—maybe not that long—when they walked up on the porch and sot -down. I was standing a few feet from them looking out at the things -which was beginning to hum, so I heard about all that was said. What -do you ’spose it was about?” - -“I can make a guess, but I prefer you should tell me.” - -“That darkey said something about his father that was a famous chief -in Africa that he’d like to visit, and he asked the Professor if he -couldn’t take him there. The Professor said nothing in the world was -easier, though he wasn’t sure his machine was quite ready, but it -would be very soon. He had made a lot of wonderful inventions and -had figured out things so he could keep afloat in the air for nigh -twenty-four hours. They would have to do better than that to cross -the Atlantic Ocean, but he hadn’t any doubt he would soon have -matters settled so there would be no trouble. As near as I could -make out, the Professor invited him to go along and stay with him -while he finished some experiments and got things fixed so he could -remain aloft for two or three weeks, without taking aboard any new -ile.” - -“And Bohunkus agreed to that!” exclaimed Harvey. - -“If that is the darkey’s name, he jumped at the chance. The -Professor’s idea was to wait at the hotel here for two or three -days, till matters sort of quieted down, but the African insisted -they should start at once.” - -“That perhaps was natural, but did he give any reasons for his -haste?” - -The landlord chuckled again. - -“He said it was on your account; you was always interfering with his -affairs, and you’d be sure to make objections; you meant well, but -you didn’t know much and they would have trouble with you if they -didn’t leave before you got back. I hope you ain’t offended with the -words I’m telling you.” - -“Offended!” repeated Harvey, “that good-hearted fellow couldn’t -offend me; I only feel concern because he has placed himself in the -hands of a lunatic.” - -“That’s the Professor and no mistake. Well, the darkey had it all -his own way. Not long after, they walked out to the shed yards and -shot away in that outlandish machine that doesn’t make any noise and -travels like a greased streak of lightning. Before they started, the -Professor told the darkey he must not write any letter of -explanation to you.” - -“Did he do so?” - -“He didn’t think of it at first, but the Professor had reminded him, -so he went to his own room and wrote without his knowledge.” - -“What did he do with the letter?” - -“Gave it to me.” - -“And why didn’t you hand it to me?” asked Harvey. - -“‘Cause I had to promise I wouldn’t till this evening after supper. -The darkey explained that if you got it too soon, you’d butt in and -upset things and he didn’t mean to have anything like that. Here’s -the letter.” - -And the landlord drew a missive from his inner coat pocket and -handed it to Harvey, remarking as he did so: - -“I had a mind to give it to you as soon as you and the detective got -back, for I didn’t feel right about that outlandish scheme of the -Professor, but I had made my promise and stuck to it.” - -Excusing himself, Harvey Hamilton walked into the writing-room, and -under the glare of the gaslight unfolded a sheet of paper which was -not inclosed in an envelope. He recognized the scrawling hand that -had written his name on the outside and read the following amazing -communication. The only liberty I have taken with it is in the way -of punctuation, in order to help make clear the meaning: - - “DEER HARV: - - “doan’ think ime mad at U, coz I aint,—its all right; I - think a bully lot of U. Me and the purfesser start 2 day for - Afriky to make a vizzit to my dad, the grate cheef Foozleum, - when i cum back, ile bring U a nelefunt that we’ll hang in a - nett under the masheen. I meen to fetch a graff 2 [several - other spellings of this difficult word were crossed out], as - we can cut a hole in the top of the dragging of the Skize - and let his head stick thru; doan’ try to foller us, ’cause - U can’t carry nuff ighl to keep the steem agoing no - more,—with luv. - - BUNK.” - -Harvey smiled at this phonetic system run mad. Then an expression of -worriment clouded his countenance. - -“Poor Bunk! You don’t know what you are doing. You have gone into a -danger from which heaven alone can save you; but I shall do all I -can without wasting an hour, though I fear it is too late.” - -And what Harvey Hamilton did and all that befell Bohunkus Johnson in -his aerial flight with Professor Morgan will be told in - - “THE FLYING BOYS TO THE RESCUE.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - Transcriber's Notes: - - Italicized phrases are presented by surrounding the text with - _underscores_. Small capitals have been rendered in full - capitals. - - Punctuation has been standardized. Minor spelling and - typographic errors have been corrected silently, except as noted - below. Hyphenated words have been retained as they appear in the - original text. - - Alternate spellings of "anyone" and "any one" have been left as - is in the text. - - Alternate spellings of "manœuver" and "maneuver" have been left - as is in the text. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Flying Boys in the Sky, by Edward Ellis - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FLYING BOYS IN THE SKY *** - -***** This file should be named 50823-0.txt or 50823-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/8/2/50823/ - -Produced by Rick Morris and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was -produced from scanned images of public domain material -from the Google Books project.) - -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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/50823-0.zip b/old/50823-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c5f4302..0000000 --- a/old/50823-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50823-h.zip b/old/50823-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index af9b03c..0000000 --- a/old/50823-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50823-h/50823-h.htm b/old/50823-h/50823-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 23426a1..0000000 --- a/old/50823-h/50823-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10138 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> - <title>The Flying Boys in the Sky, by Edward S Ellis - A Project Gutenberg eBook</title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 10%; } - h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.4em; } - h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; } - .pageno { right: 1%; font-size: x-small; background-color: inherit; color: silver; - text-indent: 0em; text-align: right; position: absolute; - border: thin solid silver; padding: .1em .2em; font-style: normal; - font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; } - p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; } - sup { vertical-align: top; font-size: 0.6em; } - .sc { font-variant: small-caps; } - .large { font-size: large; } - .xlarge { font-size: x-large; } - .small { font-size: small; } - .lg-container-l { text-align: left; } - @media handheld { .lg-container-l { clear: both; }} - .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: left; } - @media handheld { .linegroup { display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; }} - .linegroup .group { margin: 1em auto; } - .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; } - div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; } - div.footnote {} - div.footnote > :first-child { margin-top: 1em; } - div.footnote p { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.0em; margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - div.pbb { page-break-before: always; } - hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom:1em; } - @media handheld { hr.pb { display: none; }} - .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always;} - .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; } - div.figcenter p { text-align: center; text-indent: 0; } - .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; } - .id001 { width:579px; } - .id002 { width:431px; } - .id003 { width:442px; } - .id004 { width:427px; } - .id005 { width:433px; } - @media handheld { .id001 { margin-left:14%; width:72%; }} - @media handheld { .id002 { margin-left:23%; width:53%; }} - @media handheld { .id003 { margin-left:22%; width:55%; }} - @media handheld { .id004 { margin-left:23%; width:53%; }} - @media handheld { .id005 { margin-left:23%; width:54%; }} - .ic002 { width:100%; } - .ig001 { width:100%; } - .table0 { margin: auto; width: 70%; } - .table1 { margin: auto; width: 70%; } - .nf-center { text-align: center; } - .nf-center-c0 { text-align: left; margin: 0.5em 0; } - .nf-center-c1 { text-align: left; margin: 1em 0; } - .c000 { margin-top: 1em; } - .c001 { margin-top: 4em; } - .c002 { page-break-before: auto; margin-top: 4em; } - .c003 { margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c004 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%; margin-right: 40%; } - .c005 { margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c006 { margin-top: 2em; } - .c007 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; padding-right: 1em; } - .c008 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; padding-right: 1em; } - .c009 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; } - .c010 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; } - .c011 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%; margin-right: 40%; - margin-top: 1em; } - .c012 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; } - .c013 { margin-top: 2em; text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c014 { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.0em; margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c015 { margin-left: 5.56%; margin-right: 5.56%; margin-top: 1em; } - .c016 { text-decoration: none; } - .c017 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; width: 10%; margin-left: 0; - margin-top: 1em; text-align: left; } - .c018 { margin-left: 5.56%; margin-right: 5.56%; margin-top: 1em; text-indent: 1em; - margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c019 { margin-left: 5.56%; margin-right: 5.56%; text-align: right; } - .c020 { margin-left: 5.56%; margin-right: 22.22%; text-align: right; } - .c021 { margin-right: 5.56%; margin-top: 1em; text-indent: 1em; - margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c022 { margin-right: 5.56%; text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.0em; - margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c023 { margin-right: 5.56%; margin-top: 2em; text-indent: 1em; - margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c024 { margin-left: 5.56%; margin-right: 11.11%; margin-top: 1em; - text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c025 { margin-left: 5.56%; margin-right: 11.11%; text-align: right; } - .c026 { margin-left: 5.56%; margin-right: 11.11%; text-indent: 1em; - margin-top: 0.0em; margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c027 { margin-right: 5.56%; margin-top: 1em; } - .c028 { margin-left: 5.56%; margin-right: 5.56%; margin-top: 4em; } - .c029 { margin-left: 5.56%; margin-right: 5.56%; margin-top: 0.5em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c030 { margin-left: 5.56%; margin-right: 5.56%; margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - div.figcenter p { font-size: 85%; } - div#fig00 img {padding:5px; border:1px solid black;} - div#fig01 img {padding:5px; border:1px solid black;} - div#fig02 img {padding:5px; border:1px solid black;} - div#fig03 img {padding:5px; border:1px solid black;} - div#fig04 img {padding:5px; border:1px solid black;} - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Flying Boys in the Sky, by Edward Ellis - -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: The Flying Boys in the Sky - -Author: Edward Ellis - -Release Date: January 1, 2016 [EBook #50823] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FLYING BOYS IN THE SKY *** - - - - -Produced by Rick Morris and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was -produced from scanned images of public domain material -from the Google Books project.) - - - - - - -</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 class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='large'>THE FLYING BOYS SERIES</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div> - <h1 class='c002' title='The Flying Boys in the Sky'><span class='xlarge'>THE FLYING BOYS IN THE SKY</span></h1> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE FLYING BOYS SERIES</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c003'>Timely and fascinating stories of adventure -in the air, accurate in detail and intensely -interesting in narration.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div>—<span class='small'>BY</span>—</div> - <div>EDWARD S. ELLIS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c004' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='sc'>First Volume</span></div> - <div>THE FLYING BOYS IN THE SKY</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='sc'>Second Volume</span></div> - <div>THE FLYING BOYS TO THE RESCUE</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c004' /> -<p class='c005'><span class='sc'>The Flying Boys Series</span> is bound in -uniform style of cloth with side and back -stamped with new and appropriate design -in colors. Illustrated by Edwin J. Prittie.</p> - -<p class='c005'>Price, single volume $0.60 -Price, per set of two volumes, in attractive box $1.20</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div id='fig01' class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/frontispiece.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Biplane Forged Bravely Ahead.</span></p> -</div> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>THE FLYING BOYS SERIES</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c006'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE FLYING BOYS</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>IN THE SKY</span></div> - <div class='c001'><span class='small'>BY</span></div> - <div>EDWARD S. ELLIS</div> - <div>Author of “Catamount Camp Series”,</div> - <div>“Deerfoot Series”, etc., etc.</div> - <div class='c006'>ILLUSTRATED BY</div> - <div>EDWIN J. PRITTIE</div> - <div class='c006'>THE JOHN C. WINSTON COMPANY</div> - <div>PHILADELPHIA</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>Copyright, 1911, by</div> - <div><span class='sc'>The John C. Winston Co.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>CONTENTS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='13%' /> -<col width='76%' /> -<col width='9%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>CHAPTER</td> - <td class='c008'></td> - <td class='c009'>PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>I.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapI.'><span class='sc'>Learning to Fly</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>9</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>II.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapII.'><span class='sc'>Bohunkus Johnson</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>18</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>III.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapIII.'><span class='sc'>The Aeroplane in a Race</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>27</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>IV.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapIV.'><span class='sc'>Trying for Altitude</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>36</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>V.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapV.'><span class='sc'>A Woodland Expert</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>45</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>VI.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapVI.'><span class='sc'>Working for Dinner</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>54</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>VII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapVII.'><span class='sc'>The Dragon of the Skies</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>63</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>VIII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapVIII.'><span class='sc'>The Professor Talks on Aviation</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>72</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>IX.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapIX.'><span class='sc'>The Professor Talks on Aviation</span> (Continued)</a></td> - <td class='c009'>79</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>X.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapX.'><span class='sc'>The Flying Boys Continue Their Journey</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>90</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XI.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXI.'><span class='sc'>Fired On</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>98</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXII.'><span class='sc'>Peaceful Overtures Fail</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>107</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XIII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXIII.'><span class='sc'>Science Wins</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>117</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XIV.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXIV.'><span class='sc'>Milo Morgan Saves the Day</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>125</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XV.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXV.'><span class='sc'>Uncle Tommy</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>134</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XVI.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXVI.'><span class='sc'>A Mysterious Communication</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>143</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XVII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXVII.'><span class='sc'>Called to the Rescue</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>152</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XVIII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXVIII.'><span class='sc'>Planning the Search</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>161</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XIX.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXIX.'><span class='sc'>The Aeroplane Destroyed</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>170</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XX.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXX.'><span class='sc'>A Puzzling Telegram</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>179</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXI.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXI.'><span class='sc'>Beginning the Search</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>188</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXII.'><span class='sc'>In Danger of Collision</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>197</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXIII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXIII.'><span class='sc'>The Cabin in the Woods</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>206</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXIV.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXIV.'><span class='sc'>On the Trail of the Backhanders</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>215</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXV.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXV.'><span class='sc'>A False Clue</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>224</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXVI.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXVI.'><span class='sc'>The Search Renewed</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>233</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXVII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXVII.'><span class='sc'>Bohunkus at the Levers</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>242</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXVIII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXVIII.'><span class='sc'>Fired on by the Kidnappers</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>251</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXIX.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXIX.'><span class='sc'>Retribution</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>260</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXX.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXX.'><span class='sc'>The Rescue</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>269</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXXI.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXXI.'><span class='sc'>Lynch Law</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>278</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXXII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXXII.'><span class='sc'>Mysteries are Explained</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>288</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'>XXXIII.</td> - <td class='c008'><a href='#chapXXXIII.'><span class='sc'>Where is Bohunkus?</span></a></td> - <td class='c009'>297</td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c004' /> -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='72%' /> -<col width='27%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><a href='#fig01'><span class='sc'>The Biplane Forged Bravely Ahead</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'><i>Frontispiece</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'></td> - <td class='c010'>PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><a href='#fig02'><span class='sc'>A Fanlike Stream of Light Shot Out</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>64</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><a href='#fig03'><span class='sc'>In the Center Stood a Log Cabin</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>194</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c007'><a href='#fig04'><span class='sc'>The Bomb Had Exploded With Terrific Force</span></a></td> - <td class='c010'>262</td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span><span class='xlarge'>The Flying Boys</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>in the Sky.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c011' /> -<div> - <h2 id='chapI.' class='c012'>CHAPTER I.<br /> <br />LEARNING TO FLY.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>One mild summer morning in 1910, Ostrom -Sperbeck, a professional aviator, stood on -the edge of a broad meadow belonging to -the merchant, Gabriel Hamilton, closely watching -the actions of Harvey Hamilton, the seventeen-year-old -son of his friend, to whom the lithe, -smooth-faced German was giving his first lessons -in flying an aeroplane.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was on the return voyage from Naples to -New York of the Italian steamer <i>Duca degli -Abruzzi</i>, that Mr. Hamilton and his boy made the -acquaintance of the genial foreigner, who was -on his way to the United States to take part as a -competitor in several of the advertised meets in -different parts of the country. The acquaintance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>thus begun ripened into a strong friendship and -the Professor became the guest of the merchant, -who was a commuter between his country residence -and the metropolis.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The youth, like thousands of American boys, was -keenly interested in the art of flying in the air, and -the Professor was glad to undertake to give him -instruction. The two went by train to Garden -City, Long Island, where the elder found his new -Farman biplane awaiting his arrival. Harvey -mounted to the aluminum seat in front of the gasoline -tank and engine, while his conductor placed -himself a little below him in front, where his limbs -had free play. The machine was pointed to the -southwest and Harvey enjoyed to the full his first -ride above the earth. His attention was divided -between the wonderful moving panorama below -and studying every action of the expert, who was -as much at home on his elevated perch as when -seated in the smoking room of the <i>Duca degli -Abruzzi</i>, chatting with his friends. He noted the -movements of the feet which controlled the vertical -rudder at the rear, and the lever beside which -the Professor sat and elevated or depressed the -horizontal rudder on the outrigger in front, thus -directing the ascent and descent of the machine.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>A thrilling surprise awaited Harvey when, after -two stops on the way for renewing the gasoline and -oil, they reached the merchant’s home. Professor -Sperbeck wished to make a preliminary tour -through the country which he had now visited for -the first time, and he left his order at Garden City -for the construction of a new biplane. The one -that had been finished was sold to Mr. Hamilton, -who made a birthday present of it to his son, it -being a question as to who was the more pleased, -Harvey or his parent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Omitting other preliminaries for the present, -let us return to the smooth, sloping meadow where -under the eye of the German expert, the young -aviator was receiving his first instruction in the -fascinating diversion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know that you did not let an action of mine -elude you,” said the Professor, “and you feel that -you understand pretty much all.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Standing by the biplane, the smiling Harvey -nodded his head.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have a dim suspicion in that direction.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You can never make yourself an aviator without -self-confidence, but you may have too much -of it. In that case you become reckless and bad -results are certain to follow. Nor can you learn -by simply observing the conduct of another. You -have a motto in your country about experience.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>“It is Benjamin Franklin’s,—‘Experience keeps -a dear school but fools will learn in no other,’” -said Harvey, atremble with eagerness.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Quite true; well, if you please, you may seat -yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The lad stepped forward and sat down, his feet -resting on the cross lever below, while he grasped -the upright control lever on his right.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Suppose you wish to leave the ground and -mount into the air?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I pull this lever back; the motion turns up -the horizontal rudder out there in front and the -auxiliary elevating rudder in the rear; when I -have gone as high as I wish, I hold the rudder -level, and when I wish to descend, I dip it downward.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nothing could be more simple; and when you -desire to change your direction to the right or -left?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I work this lever with my feet, as we do in -tobogganing.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You have two smaller levers on the left.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They control the spark and throttle.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We won’t enter further into the construction -of the machine at present. I am sure you were -born to be a successful aviator.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>The quiet assurance of these words vastly -strengthened the confidence of Harvey Hamilton. -He knew the Professor believed what he said, and -who could be more capable of correct judgment? -Then, as if fearing he had infused too much courage -into the youth, the instructor added:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So far everything seems easy and simple. We -were fortunate on our way here, in having the -most favorable weather conditions, but you are -sure sooner or later to run into complex conditions. -Columns of cold air are forever pressing downward -and warm ones pushing upward. This constant -conflict creates air holes and all sorts of twists and -gyrations that play the mischief with aviators, -unless they know all about them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You have seated yourself, but don’t try to -start till I give the word. I wish first to put you -through a little drill. I shall call certain conditions -and you must do the right thing on the instant. -Are you ready?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Fire away,” replied Harvey, on edge in his -expectancy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ascend!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Like a flash the youth pulled the control lever -back.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Too far; lessen the angle.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He promptly obeyed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Volplane!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>Harvey pushed the lever forward, but not too -far.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Quite well; go to the right.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The youth started to shift the rear rudder with -his feet and smiled.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That is hard work.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because of the gyroscopic action of the propeller; -it is much better to turn to the left, though -I suppose one can manage a long turn to the -right.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The Wright brothers have no trouble in swinging -that way.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because they use two propellers, revolving in -opposite directions, thus neutralizing that gyroscope -business.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are tipping to the left!” shouted the Professor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the instant the aviator swung the control -lever to the right.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are caught in a fierce tempest.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Since Harvey could not well make the right -evolution he replied:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I should dive into it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That’s right; never run away from a maelstrom. -I suppose you feel competent to make a -voyage through the air?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>“I don’t see why I cannot,” replied Harvey; -“I studied everything you did on our way from -Garden City and I think I know what to do in any -emergency.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Admitting that that is possible—which it -isn’t—it is all-important that before you leave -the earth you should get acquainted with your -machine.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Ask me about its parts and see whether I am -not.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That isn’t what I mean; you got that information -from the answers to my inquiries at the factory -at Garden City, which I asked for your benefit. -You must be as familiar with the aeroplane as with -your pony which you have ridden for years and -feel as much at home in your seat as if you had -occupied it for months. It will take time to -acquire that knowledge.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am at home now,” replied Harvey, who -could not help thinking his friend was over-cautious.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your danger is of having too much self-confidence. -Remember and do exactly what I tell -you to do and nothing else.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The pupil assured his instructor of the strictest -obedience.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Very well.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>The Professor stepped to the rear, grasped a -blade of the propeller and gave it a vigorous swing. -That set the motor going with its deafening racket, -but it was so throttled that the machine stood still -for a minute or two, Sperbeck holding back all he -could with one hand until the pressure became -too great to resist. Then the aeroplane began -moving forward, with fast increasing speed. -When it had traveled a hundred yards, Harvey -grasped the lever ready to point the front rudder -upward upon receiving the order from the Professor. -The noise of the motor would have -drowned the loudest voice, and the youth kept -glancing around for the expected signal. But it -was not made. Instead, the Professor motioned -with one hand for him to circle to the left. Harvey -was disappointed but did not hesitate for an instant. -He came lumbering and lurching over the sward, -and, shutting off the motor, halted a few paces in -front of his instructor, who had lighted a cigarette.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is best to cut grass for two or three days,” -explained the teacher.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It surely will not take that long,” replied -Harvey in dismay.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I trust not, but no ascent will be attempted -to-day.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey forced himself to smile, though he made -a comical grimace.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>“Put me through the paces; I’m bound to -learn this business or break a trace.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Several spectators had gathered on the edge of -the field and were watching the actions of the two -with the aeroplane. They would have come nearer -had not Harvey warned them by a gesture not -to do so. He did not mind their enjoying the -sight, for they could do that when a little way off -as well as if closer, but they were likely to get in -his way, and hinder matters.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Again and again the biplane went awkwardly -forward on its three small wheels with their rubber -tires. The field contained ten or twelve acres, -thus giving plenty of space for maneuvering. -Once he came within a hair of running into the -fence, because as it seemed to him the machine -did not respond with its usual promptness, but -he showed rapid improvement and the Professor -complimented him on his success.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’m playing the part of a navigator of a prairie -schooner,” said the youth, “though they are -drawn by animals instead of being propelled by -wind. I suppose, Professor, that before the summer -is over you will let me try my wings?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That depends upon how well you get on with -your first lessons.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span> - <h2 id='chapII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER II.<br /> <br />BOHUNKUS JOHNSON.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Suddenly a shout came from the edge of the -field, and a negro lad vaulted over the fence -and ran toward the couple. As he drew near -he called:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why didn’t yo’ tole me ’bout dis, Harv?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I did call at your house for you, but Mr. -Hartley said you were asleep.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What ob dat? Why didn’t yo’ frow a brick -fru de winder and woke me up? Gee! What hab -yo’ been trying to do, Harv?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The newcomer was about the same age as Harvey -Hamilton, but taller, broader and larger every -way. He was the “bound boy” of a neighbor and -had been a playmate of the white youth from early -childhood. He was as much interested in aviation -as Harvey, and had been trying to build an air -machine for himself, or rather helping his friend -to construct one, but their failure was so discouraging -that they gave it up. What was the -sense of attempting such a task when Mr. Hamilton -stepped in and bought one of the best of aeroplanes -for his son?</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>Professor Sperbeck had met Bohunkus Johnson, -being first attracted by his odd name and then by -the willingness and good nature of the colored -youth. Bunk, as he was generally called by his -acquaintances, was much disappointed because -he had not been present earlier, but no one was -to blame except himself. Shoving his hands in -his pockets, he walked about the aeroplane, which -he had admired upon its arrival, inspecting and -trying to understand its workings.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hab yo’ flowed?” he asked, abruptly halting -and looking at Harvey who retained his seat.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not yet.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why doan’ yo’ do so? What’s de use ob -fooling round here?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Professor Sperbeck thinks I should learn more -before leaving the ground. How would you like -to try your hand?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bohunkus took off his cap and scratched his head.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I guess I’ll watch yo’ frow flipflaps awhile.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey turned to the Professor, who shook his -head.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You don’t wish to smash the biplane so soon. -You will have enough tumbles without his help. -If you are ready you may try it again.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>By this time Harvey had become somewhat -accustomed to the sensitiveness of the machine. -It required slighter movements of the lever than -he had supposed and the response was sometimes -quicker than he expected. He understood what -his instructor meant by insisting that an aviator -should become familiar with his machine.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bohunkus was asked to hold the rear of the -aeroplane until the revolving propeller acquired -more velocity. The dusky youth buried his -heels in the dirt and held the framework with -might and main. The pull rapidly increased, -while he put forth all his strength, which was -considerable. The Professor gave no help, but -trying to keep his face straight, watched things. -Despite all he could do, Bunk was compelled to -yield a few inches. He still resisted desperately, -but while he could not add to his power, the -uproarious motor fast did so. Suddenly it made a -bound forward, and Bunk sprawled on his face, -with his cap flying off. His hold had slipped and -the machine shot forward with a speed far greater -than any one of the three could have reached.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hang de ole thing!” exclaimed Bunk, climbing -to his feet and brushing the dust from his clothes; -“what’s de use ob it yanking a feller like dat?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The roaring motor was too near for either of his -friends to understand his words, but it was easy to -imagine their substance.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>When Harvey had completed his circuit of the -field, Bunk asked that he might try his hand. He -certainly was not lacking in assurance, but the -Professor would not consent.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You might do well, but the chances are you -would not. You will get your chance after a -time. You may ride with Harvey if you wish.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>With some hesitation, Bunk climbed into the -seat behind his friend.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Am yo’ gwine to go up?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not at present. Why do you wish to know?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So I can jump if yo’ don’t manage things -right.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He grasped one of the supports on either side -and braced himself. Naturally he was timid, but -it did not seem to him there could be much danger -so long as they remained on the ground. Half -way round the field, his self-confidence returned, -and his dark face was lighted with a broad grin as -the machine came to a stop near where the Professor -was waiting.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why can’t yo’ fly fru de air by staying on -de ground?” was the next bright question of -Bohunkus; “dat would be as nice as habin’ -Christmas come on de fourth ob July, so yo’ could -slide down hill barefoot.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>“Suppose I relieve you for awhile,” suggested -the instructor. Harvey sprang to the ground and -Mr. Sperbeck took his place, indicating, when -Bohunkus started to leave his seat, that he should -remain.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few minutes later, the negro received the shock -of his life. The Professor allowed the aeroplane to -rush over the ground until its speed must have been -forty miles an hour. Then he pulled back the lever -and it instantly began mounting into the air. -Bohunkus did not comprehend what was going on -until he was fifty feet aloft and still ascending.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He threw his head to one side and stared at the -ground, which appeared to be rushing away from -him with dizzying swiftness. For an instant he -meditated leaping overboard and catching the -earth before it got beyond his reach. He partly -rose to his feet, but the distance was too great. -He called to the Professor:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Stop! I doan’ feel well; let me git down. -What’s de use ob such foolishness?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>But there was too much uproar for the aviator -to hear, and had he caught the words he would -have given no attention. Bohunkus in his affright -glanced across the field to where Harvey Hamilton -was standing with his gaze on the machine. -Harvey waved his hand and the simple act did -much to bring back the courage of the negro.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>“I guess I can stand it as well as him,” was his -reflection; “so go ahead.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The course of Professor Sperbeck might well -give the youth a calmness which he could not have -felt in other circumstances. He skimmed several -miles over the country, rising five or six hundred -feet in the air, and attaining a velocity of fifty -miles an hour. He had been pleased with the -aeroplane on the ride from Garden City, and was -still more pleased upon trying it out again. It -seemed to have gained a steadiness and sureness -which it lacked before.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As has been said, the real test of an aviator’s -skill is not in sailing through the air where all is -tranquil, but in starting and in landing. Professor -Sperbeck had left the ground without the least -difficulty and he now came down with the grace -and lightness of a bird.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the afternoon Harvey Hamilton resumed -his lessons, the instructor complimenting his -proficiency.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If the conditions are favorable to-morrow, we -shall leave the ground with you at the helm,” he -assured his pupil, when they gave over the attempts -for the day. At the side of the field nearest the -house, Mr. Hamilton had had a hangar built into -which the aeroplane was run and the door carefully -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>locked. It was natural that the neighbors should -show much curiosity in the contrivance, and there -was no saying what mischief they might do. -Bohunkus felt so much concern on this point that -he came over to his friend’s home after the evening -meal and joined them on the porch, where Mr. -Hamilton was also seated.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I think,” said Bunk, “that we hadn’t oughter -leave dat airyplane by itself.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We haven’t,” replied Harvey; “the building -is strong and the door locked.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But some folks mought bust off de lock and -run off wid it; some ob dem people am mighty -jealous ob me and yo’, Harv.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They are all good friends of ours,” remarked -the merchant; “I’m sure nothing is to be feared -from them.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I hopes not, but I feels oneasy.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What would you suggest?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dat some one keeps watch all night.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Suppose you do it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ll take my turn wid Harv.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Very well; when the night is a little farther -along, Bunk, you may go out there and stand -guard till say about midnight; then come to the -house and wake up Harvey, and he will take his -turn at playing sentinel.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>“That soots me,” Bunk was quick to say, -knowing it would be much easier to keep awake -during the first half of the night. So, while the -others chatted as the evening wore on, the colored -youth rose, yawned, stretched his arms and -announced that he would go to his home not far -off, tell Mr. Hartley and his wife of the arrangement -and then assume his duties at the hangar.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Although he saw no call for all this extra care, -Harvey was quite willing to divide the duty with -his colored friend, but he meant that Bunk should -come to the house and rouse him, for he could not -be expected to stay awake. However, the young -aviator dreamed so much of flying through the air, -and was so absorbed with the entrancing scheme, -that he was the first one to wake in his home. -He sprang out of bed, as the sun was creeping up -the horizon, and lost no time in hurrying out to -the hangar to learn why Bohunkus had not called -him, though he held a strong suspicion of the -real reason.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As Harvey sped around the corner of the low, -flat structure, the first object upon which his eyes -rested was Bohunkus, stretched out on his back, -his mouth open, and breathing loudly, as no doubt -he had been doing through most of the night. -Harvey left him lying where he was, and rejoined -his folks with the story of what he had seen.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>An hour later, Professor Sperbeck, accompanied -by the merchant and Harvey, walked to the -hangar to resume the instruction of the previous -day. In the interval, Bohunkus had awakened -and gone for his breakfast. He said nothing of -his remissness and his friends did not refer to it, -since they had more serious matters to hold their -attention.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Hamilton was much pleased with the proficiency -shown by his son, but did not stay long, -since important business called him to the city. -The day was a busy one for the young aviator, -who was allowed to make a flight in the afternoon -with the watchful Professor seated behind him. -He had very few suggestions to make.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When Harvey came down to earth, he bumped -rather energetically, but no harm was done, and -on the third trial no criticism was made. Two -more days were spent in practice and then the -instructor said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are prepared to make as long a voyage -through the air as you wish, and without any -assistance from me.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span> - <h2 id='chapIII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER III.<br /> <br />THE AEROPLANE IN A RACE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>The barograph showed that the aeroplane was -more than nine hundred feet above the -earth and the anemometer, or small wind -wheel, indicated that the speed was forty-odd -miles an hour, with the propeller making a -thousand revolutions a minute. It was capable of -increasing that rate by twenty per cent. and the -aviator was gradually forcing it to do so.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The youth who sat in front, with the long control -lever in his right hand, was our friend -Harvey Hamilton, who, under the instruction of -Professor Ostrom Sperbeck, the German aviator, -had become so expert that he felt equal to any -emergency that was likely to occur during his -aerial excursions. The small levers on his left, -governed as we remember the spark and throttle, -while the vertical rudders were operated by the -feet. So long as the heavens remained calm or -only moderate breezes were encountered, everything -would go as smoothly as if he were treading -firm ground, but there was no saying what -troubles were likely to arise,—some of them with -the suddenness of a bolt from the blue.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>Harvey had his back to the tank, which held -ten gallons of gasoline, or petrol as it is called -on the other side of the ocean, and two gallons -of oil, one being as indispensable as the other.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the aluminum seat just in front of the tank -was Harvey’s passenger, the support being adjustable -and capable of carrying two persons without -threatening the center of gravity, provided care -was used. This passenger has already been introduced -to you under the name of Bohunkus Johnson, -who was the bound boy of a neighboring -farmer, Mr. Cecil Hartley. He was a favorite -with his easy-going master, who sent him to the -district school during winter and let him do about -as he pleased at other times. He had picked up -the simplest rudiments of a primary education and -with the expenditure of a good deal of labor could -write, though he scorned to pay any attention to -so unimportant a matter as spelling.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bunk and Harvey being of the same age, were -playmates from earliest childhood. The fact that -they were of different races had no effect upon -their mutual regard. Being the son of a wealthy -merchant, the white youth was able to do many -favors for his dusky comrade, who, bigger and -stronger, would have risked his life at any time -for him.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>Although this particular flight was made on a -sultry summer afternoon, each lad wore thick -clothing and a cap specially made for aviators, -as a protection against wind and cold. The -first intention of Harvey was to climb high -enough in the sky to establish a record for himself -that would make all other rivals green with -envy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But not yet. There was too much fascination -in coddling to the earth, where the wonderful -varied panorama was ever changing, and always -of entrancing novelty and beauty.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bohunkus having little to do except use his eyes -enjoyed the visual feast to the full. At the beginning -he studied the action of Harvey, seated at his -feet, having in view that thrilling hour when he -would be permitted to handle the levers and guide -the airship through space himself.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I can do it as well as him,” he said to himself; -“de machine sets on its three little wheels wid dere -rubber tires, and de propeller am started so fast -dat yo’ can’t see de paddles spin round; den dem -dat am holding de same lets go and it runs ’bout -fifty yards, like lightnin’; den Harvey pulls de big -lever back and dat flat rudder out front am turned -upward and de ting springs into de air like a scared -bird and dere yo’ am!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>As Bohunkus sat he grasped a bit of the framework -on his right and a corresponding support on -his left. This was not always necessary, for it -was smooth sailing, but, as has been intimated, -there was no saying when a sudden squall or -invisible pocket or hole in the wind would shake -things up, and force one to hold on for dear life. -He leaned slightly forward and looked down at the -world sweeping under him. They were skimming -over a village, numbering barely a score of buildings, -the only noticeable one being the white church -with its tapering spire pointing toward the realm -to which erring men were directed. Just beyond -the dusty winding road disappeared into a wood a -mile in extent, emerging on the other side and -weaving through the open country until it could no -longer be traced.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The river far to the left suggested a ribbon of -silver, so small that several tiny sails creeping over -it appeared to be standing still. To the right and -front a large city was coming into clearer view. -The spires, skyscrapers and tall buildings were a -vast jumble in which he could identify nothing. -He did not attempt even to guess the name of the -place.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>A railway train was just leaving the village below -them on its way to the city in the distance. The -youths saw the white puff of steam from the whistle, -which signalled its starting, and the black belchings -of smoke came faster and faster as the engine -rapidly gained headway. Harvey slightly advanced -the lever and the aeroplane began descending a -little way in front of the train. The contestants in -this novel race should be nearer each other to -prevent any mistake and make the contest more -exhilarating.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Two hundred feet from the ground, Harvey -pulled back the lever and the flat rudder on the -front outrigger became horizontal. The downward -dip of the machine ceased and with a graceful -curve glided forward on a level course. No professional -could have executed the maneuver -with more precision. Harvey during these few -moments decreased the revolutions of the propeller -so as not to draw away from the locomotive. The -race should be a fair one, even if the result was not -in doubt.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This lagging caused the biplane to fall somewhat -to the rear and gave the train time to hit up -its pace. The engineer and fireman had caught -sight of the machine some minutes before, and -eagerly accepted the challenge. Both were leaning -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>out of the cab windows and the engineer waved his -hand at the contestant aloft. The fireman swung -his greasy cap and shouted something which of -course the youths were unable to catch. The -passengers had learned what was in the wind, and -crowded the platforms and thrust their heads from -the windows, all saluting the aviator and intensely -interested in the struggle for mastery.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey was too occupied with the machine to -give much attention to anything else. He knew he -could rely upon Bohunkus for all that was due in -that line. The dusky youth was so wrought up that -he came startlingly near unseating himself more -than once. He leaned far over, circled his cap about -his head and shouted and whooped and kicked out -his feet with delight. The laughing passengers -who stared into the sky, saw the black face with its -dancing eyes, bisected by an enormous grin, which -displayed the rows of perfect even teeth, and all -learned what a perfectly happy African looks like.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Jim Halpine, the engineer, said grimly to his -fireman:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ve heard about their flying faster than -anything can travel over the ground, but I’ll teach -that fellow a lesson. Old 39 can make a mile a -minute as easy as rolling off a log; watch me walk -away from him.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>He “linked her up” by drawing the reversing -lever back until it stood nearly on the center and -dropped the catch in place. Then the puffs came -faster and faster, and not so loud, and 39 rapidly -rose to her best pace. Having done all he could -in that direction, Jim kept his left hand on the -throttle lever, and divided his attention between -peering out at the track in front and glancing -upward at the curious contrivance that was coursing -through the air just above him. The fact that -it was creeping up caused no misgiving, for that -was manifestly due to the fact that he himself had -not yet acquired full headway.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey meant to get all the fun possible out of -the race. He was certain he could beat the engine, -but to do so “off the reel” would spoil the enjoyment. -He would dally for a time and when defeat -seemed impending, would dart ahead—always -provided he should be able to do so.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The locomotive had a straight away run of -seven or eight miles, when it would have to slow -down for the city it was approaching. The race -therefore must be decided within the next ten -minutes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey Hamilton played his part well. The -engine and train being directly under him, his -view of them was perfect without detracting from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>the necessary attention to his biplane. He was -just behind the last car when he knew from the -appearance of things that the engineer had struck -his highest pace. The youth speeded up the -motor so as slightly to add to the propeller’s -revolutions, but he showed no gain in swiftness. -He was only holding his place.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The shouting passengers shouted still more, -if that could be possible, and called all sorts of -tantalizing cries:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Throw down your rope and we’ll give you a -tow.” “Get out and run alongside of us!” “You -ain’t racing with a cow.” “We’re going some!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Such and similar were the good-natured taunts, -which produced no effect upon the aviators for -they did not hear them. The most exasperating -gesture was that of Jim Halpine the engineer, who -leaned far out of his cab and gently beckoned to -the youths to come forward and keep him company. -The fireman stood between the cab and tender and -imitated his chief.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey Hamilton seemed to see and hear them -not. Bending far over with the lever grasped, -he acted as if trying to add to his speed by the pose, -as a person in his situation will sometimes do -unconsciously. His face was drawn, as if with -tense anxiety, and there was not the shadow of -a smile upon it. All the same he was chuckling -inwardly.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>Bohunkus Johnson was almost beside himself. -At first he did not doubt that a crushing triumph -would speedily come to him and his companion, -but as the seconds flew by and there was no gain -upon the train thundering over the rails, a pang of -doubt crept over him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Go it, Harv! Put on more steam! What’s -de matter wid yo’?” he shouted, swinging his arms -and hitching forward as if to add an impulse to -their progress. “If yo’ lose dis race I’ll jump -overboard and swim to land. Dem folks see me -blushing now!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Less than a minute later, the African shouted to -unhearing ears:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Glory be! Dat’s de talk! Now we’ve got ’em!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The aeroplane was overtaking the train. -Though the gain was slow it was unmistakable.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span> - <h2 id='chapIV.' class='c012'>CHAPTER IV.<br /> <br />TRYING FOR ALTITUDE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Ah, but Harvey Hamilton was sly. He began -slowly creeping up until his machine -was directly over the rear passenger coach, -there being three beside the express car. Had -he dropped a stone from his perch, it would have -fallen upon the roof of the last one. The exultant -expression on the myriad of faces took on a tint -of anxiety. The fireman yanked open the door -of the fire-box and shoveled in coal. No need of -that, for 39 was already blowing off, even when -running at so high speed. Jim Halpine had drawn -over the long reversing lever till it stood within -a few inches of perpendicular and another shift -would have choked the engine.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The young aviator held his place for a brief -while and then began gradually drifting back -again. Bohunkus Johnson groaned.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Confound it! what’s de use ob trying to be -good?” he wailed; “dem folks will grin dere -heads off. Harv! make tings hum!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>Heedless of him, Harvey was carrying out his -own scheme. He saw that the game was his and -he was playing with the locomotive. When -gaining on it, the airship was not doing its best, -and his slight retrogression was in order to make -his victory more impressive. Each contestant -was going fully sixty miles an hour. No. 39 could -do no more, but the aeroplane had not yet extended -herself. She now proceeded to do so, inasmuch -as in the circumstances the struggle must soon -terminate.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Having dropped well to the rear again, Harvey -called upon the motor to do its best. Its humming -took on the character of a musical tone, and the -propeller spun around, twelve hundred revolutions -to the minute. The keenest eye could detect -nothing of the ends of the blades, and only faintly -discern them nearer the shaft, as if they were so -much mist.</p> - -<p class='c014'>And then the biplane forged bravely ahead. -She moved steadily along over the roofs of the cars, -one after the other, and pulled away from the -engine whose ponderous drivers appeared to be -spinning around with the dizzying swiftness of the -propeller overhead. Jim Halpine was utilizing -every ounce of power, but could do no more, for -he was already doing his best. It humiliated -him to be thus left behind, but there was no help -for it. In his chagrin he tried a little trick which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>deceived no one, not even the two victors. Pretending -he detected something amiss on the rails, -he emitted a couple of blasts from his whistle -and shut off steam. It looked as if he was actuated -by prudence, but the obstruction was imaginary.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Most of the passengers like true sportsmen -cheered the winner. Even the grinning fireman -circled his cap again about his tousled head, but -the engineer was glum and acted as if the only -thing in the world of interest to him was the rails -stretching away in front. What did he care for -airships bobbing overhead? They were only -toys and could never amount to anything in the -economy of life.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As for Bohunkus Johnson he could not contain -himself. Harvey remained as calm as a veteran, -and gave no attention to anything except his -machine, but his companion stood up in the hurricane -at the imminent risk of playing the mischief -with the aeroplane’s center of gravity, waved his -cap and furiously beckoned the engineer not to -lag behind. His thick lips could be seen contorting -themselves and evidently he was saying -something. Had the laughing passengers been -able to catch his words—which they were not—they -would have heard something like the following:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>“Why doan’ yo’ trabel? Yo’s only walking; -we ain’t half trying; can’t yo’ put on more steam -and make us show what we can do? I’m plum -disgusted wid yo’.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey Hamilton did not speak. He was -“letting out” the machine. He meant to learn -what it could do. When several hundred yards -ahead of the train, he lifted the lip of the rudder -in front, and the structure glided upward until -he was a quarter of a mile above the earth. Even -then Bohunkus behaved so extravagantly that the -aviator turned his head and motioned to him to -cease.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Can’t doot, Harv! My mouf am so wide open -dat it’ll take me a good while to bring my jaws -togeder agin, and I’m ready to tumble out head -fust.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>By and by the colored youth toned down -enough to resume his seat and check his explosions -of delight, though he looked around and waved -his hand several times at the train which was now -so far to the rear that his action was not understood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Gee! but it’s getting cold!” he exclaimed -some minutes later, with a shiver. He buttoned -his thick coat to the chin, donned his mittens, -and wondered what it all meant. He had never -understood, though he had been told more than -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>once, that temperature decreases with increasing -altitude. He had objected to donning such thick -garments when about to start on their flight, but -Harvey was the boss and insisted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bohunkus’s next surprise came when he looked -between his feet. They were directly over the -city noticed some time before, but the buildings -were shrunken and mixed together in a way that -even he understood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The anemometer suspended at the side of Harvey -Hamilton showed that the aeroplane was -coursing through the air at the rate of not quite a -mile a minute. With the low temperature caused -by the altitude, the wind created in the still atmosphere -cut the faces of the two like a knife, and even -penetrated their thick clothing. Bohunkus -turned up his coat collar, and drew his cap over -his ears, but his feet ached. He hoped the aviator -would soon strike milder weather, though the -colored youth did not know whether it was to -be sought for above or below.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If it gits colder as yo’ go up,” he reflected -between his chattering teeth, “it must be orful -cold when yo’ reach heben; I remember now dat -I was tole something ’bout dat, but I thought dey -was fooling me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>The front rudder still sloped upward, and -Harvey showed no intention of dropping lower or -even of maintaining the level already reached. He -and his companion had started on a week or ten -days’ outing, and it struck him that now was as -good a time as he was likely to have for making -a notable record.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So the propeller kept humming and they continued -to climb. A glance at the barograph by -his side showed that he had reached five thousand -feet; to this he added another thousand, then -another, and he felt a thrill when the indicator -made known he was close to nine thousand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Although, as you may know, several aviators -have mounted almost two miles, none had done so -at the time of which I am now speaking. Harvey -was near the limit, and he had but to persevere -a little longer to achieve a grand triumph. But -the cold was becoming almost unbearable. In -the hope of moderating the piercing chill, he -lessened his speed, but was not sensible of much -improvement.</p> - -<p class='c014'>His unremitting attention was not needed and -he turned his head and looked at Bohunkus. -The sight made him laugh. The negro had not -only drawn his upturned collar about his ears, -with his cap sunk low over them, and his mittened -hands shoved into his pockets, but he had shrunk -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>within himself to that degree that only his staring -eyes and the tip of his nose were visible. He -was hunched together, and gave one of the best -imitations imaginable of a young man freezing -to death.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I know his race doesn’t like cold weather, -but it won’t hurt him,” reflected Harvey with -another look at his barograph. To his astonishment, -he had made no perceptible gain during -the last several minutes. He turned on full power -and kept the forward rudder inclined upward. -He waited awhile before examining the instrument -again. So far as it could indicate he was not a -foot higher than before.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was mystified. What could it mean? With -the propeller revolving more than a thousand times -a minute, he ought to have risen a half mile higher.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I never heard of anything like it; the explanation -is beyond me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>With a thrill of misgiving, he glanced at the -different parts of the machine. There were the -two slightly curving wings, measuring thirty-five -feet from tip to tip; the horizontal rudder on the -front outrigger responded easily to the levers, -as he proved by test; the ailerons or wing tips, -one above the other, worked simultaneously -and with the same ease; the ash which formed the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>foundation of the engine, the whitewood of the -ribs, and the sprucewood of most of the structure, -all scraped and highly varnished, did not show -the least flaw. The rigidity which is indispensable -in the framework was maintained throughout. -The rubberized linen covering of the wings was -taut and as smooth as silk, and the eye could not -detect the slightest wire or thing out of gear.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Professor Sperbeck never told me anything -of this, though if he were here, he would understand -it. I wonder whether we have climbed -any farther.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Another inspection of the instrument failed to -show that the biplane had ascended an inch.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Can it be that our height has anything to do -with it——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey Hamilton uttered an exclamation. The -mystery was solved. The aeroplane had risen -so high that the rarefied air refused to lift it farther. -The propeller was whirling at its utmost velocity, -but the cold, thin atmosphere could sustain no -more. It was impossible, situated as he was, -to go any higher.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If Bohunkus wasn’t with me, I could rise a -half mile or more, but there’s no use of trying it -now. Some time I’ll do it alone.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>The limit marked was a trifle under nine thousand -feet. It was a notable exploit, but, as we -know, it has been surpassed by other aeroplanes, -and more than doubled by aeronauts.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Another fact flashed upon Harvey: it was two -hours since he and his companion had started -on the flight that was destined to be a memorable -one, and they were a hundred miles from home. -There could be only a small amount of gasoline -left in the tank, and it would be impossible to -return without procuring more. Prudence urged -that he should lose no time in doing so. He -slowly advanced the control lever, the front rudder -dipped downward and he began approaching -the earth. Some minutes must pass before they -should feel the pleasant change of temperature, -but it could not be long delayed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In the midst of his pleasant anticipations, -Harvey was startled by a shriek from Bohunkus:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We’s gone, Harv!” he shouted; “nuffin can -sabe us!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span> - <h2 id='chapV.' class='c012'>CHAPTER V.<br /> <br />A WOODLAND EXPERT.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>The aeroplane was caught in a furious snow -squall. While descending it ran into the -swirling tumult which in an instant enveloped -it like a blanket, the myriads of particles -filling the air so thickly that the terrified Bohunkus -could not see the ailerons and even the aviator was -partly shrouded from sight. Harvey Hamilton -was faintly visible as he leaned over and manipulated -the levers. Not only was the snow everywhere, -but the machine itself was rocking like a -ship laboring in a storm. It tipped so fearfully -that the negro believed it was about to capsize -and tumble them out. He shrieked in his terror, -and held fast for life.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey paid no heed to him. He had enough -to engage his skill and wits. He recalled that -Professor Sperbeck had told him what to do when -caught in one of those elemental outbursts. Instead -of running away from it, he headed for its -center, so far as he could locate it, as the navigator -does when gripped by the typhoon of the Indian -Ocean.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>Within five minutes of the aerial explosion, as -it may be called, the biplane was sailing in the -same calm as before. The sun was shining low -in the sky and all was as serene as the mildest -summer day that ever soothed earth and heavens. -The gust had come and gone so quickly that it -seemed like some frightful nightmare. The youths -might have doubted the evidence of their senses, -but for the reminder of the snowflakes on the -wings, different parts of the machine and their -clothing. They had entered so balmy a temperature, -however, that the particles soon dissolved -and left only a slight moisture behind them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Wal, if dat don’t beat all creation,” mused -Bohunkus; “de fust ting I knowed I didn’t -know anyting and de next dat I knowed wasn’t -anyting. Wonder if Harv seed dat yell I let out -when dat rumpus hit me on de side ob my head.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The aviator acted as if unaware of the dusky -youth’s presence. Knowing the gasoline was -nearly gone, he centered his thoughts upon making -a landing. To his astonishment he saw an immense -forest below him, many miles in extent. -This seemed remarkable in view of the fact that -only a short time before he had sailed over a large -city, which could not be far to the south. He -would have turned about and made for it, knowing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>he could renew his supply of fuel there, and find -accommodations for himself and companion. -But the fluid was lower than he had supposed. -It would not carry him thither and he must volplane, -or glide to earth, the best he could.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It need not be said that a stretch of woods is the -worst place in the world for an aeroplane to descend -to the earth. In fact it is impossible to land -without wrecking the apparatus and endangering -the lives of those it is carrying.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The keen eyes of the youth were scanning the -ground below when to his surprise he caught -sight of a village of considerable size to the westward. -Why he had not observed it before passed -his comprehension. It was barely two miles -distant and he was wondering whether he had -enough gasoline left to carry him over the woods -to the broken country beyond when he made a -second and pleasing discovery. A short distance -ahead an open space in the forest showed,—one -of those natural breaks that are occasionally seen -in wide stretches of wilderness. It was several -acres in extent and seemed at that altitude to be -free of stumps and covered with a sparse growth -of dry grass, so level that it formed an ideal landing -place. He did not hesitate to make use of it.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>Now when an aeroplane comes down to earth, -the greatest care is necessary to avoid descending -too suddenly. A violent bump is likely to injure -the small wheels beneath or the machine itself. -The aviator therefore oscillates downward somewhat -after the manner of a pendulum. When -near the ground, he shifts his steering gear so that -the machine glides sideways for a little way. -Then he circles about or takes a zig-zag course, -until it is safe to shut off power and alight. As our -old friend Darius Green said, the danger is not so -much in rising and sailing through the sky as it is -in ’lighting.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey Hamilton displayed fine skill, seesawing -back and forth until at the right moment the three -small wheels touched the ground, the machine -under the slight momentum ran forward for two -or three rods, and then came to a standstill. A -perfect landing had been effected.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Gee, but dat’s what I call splendacious!” -exclaimed Bohunkus; “it’s jest de way I’d done -it myself.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The aviator leaped lightly from his seat, and his -companion did so more deliberately. He yawned -and stretched his arms over his head. Harvey gave -him no attention until he had examined the different -parts of the machine and found them in order. -Then he looked gravely at the African and asked:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>“Didn’t I hear you make some remark at the -moment we dived into that snow squall?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“P’raps yo’ did, for de weather was so funny -dat it war nat’ral dat I should indulge in some -obserwation inasmuch as to de same.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But why use so loud tones?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dat was necessumsary on ’count ob de prewailing -disturbance ob de atmospheric air wat was -surrounding us.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’m glad to hear your explanation, but it -sounded to me as if you were scared.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Me scared! Yo’ hurts my feelings, Harv; -but I say, ain’t yo’ gwine to tie de machine fast?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What for?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To keep it from running away.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It won’t do that unless some one runs away -with it; but, Bunk, we can’t do any more flying till -we get some gasoline and oil, and it doesn’t look -to me as if there is much chance of buying any in -these parts.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Mebbe we can git it ober dere.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Where?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“At dat house jest behind yo’.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey turned about and met another surprise, -for on the farther edge of the natural clearing -stood a dilapidated log dwelling, with portions of -several outbuildings visible around and beyond it.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>“I must be going blind!” was his exclamation; -“I came near passing this spot without seeing it -and never noticed that house.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>But the young man was hardly just to himself. -In his concentration of attention upon a landing -place, he had given heed to nothing else, and the -descent engaged his utmost care until it was -finished. It was different with his companion, -who had more freedom of vision. Moreover, the -primitive structure which the aviator now saw -for the first time was so enclosed by trees that it -was hardly noticeable from above.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No fence was visible, but a small, tumble-down -porch was in front of the broad door, which was -open and showed a short, dumpy woman, slovenly -dressed and filling all of the space except that -which was above her head, because of her short -stature. Her husband, scrawny, stoop-shouldered, -without coat, waistcoat or necktie, wearing a -straw hat whose rim pointed straight upward at -the back and almost straight downward in front, -with a yellow tuft of whiskers on his receding chin, -and a set of big projecting teeth, was slouching -toward the two young men, as if impelled -by a curiosity natural in the circumstances. The -thumb of each hand was thrust behind a suspender -button in front, and it was evident that he felt -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>some distrust until Harvey Hamilton’s genial -“Good afternoon!” greeted him. His trousers -were tucked in the tops of his thick boots, which -now moved a little faster, but came to a stop -several paces off, as if the owner was still timid.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How’r you?” he asked with a nod, in response -to Harvey’s salutation; “what sort of thing might -you be calling that? Is it an aeroplane?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That’s its name; you have heard of them.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ve read about them in the newspapers and -studied pictures of the blamed things, but yours -is the first one I ever laid eyes on.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Despite the uncouth manner of the man, it was -evident that he possessed considerable intelligence. -He stepped closer and made inquiries about the -machine, its different parts and their functions, -and finally remarked:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s coming, sure.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you refer to?” asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The day when those things will be as common -as automobiles and bicycles. If I don’t -peg out in the next ten years, I expect to own one -myself.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I certainly hope so, for you will get great -pleasure from it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not to mention a broken neck or arm or leg,” -he remarked with a chuckle. “Now I suppose -you call this contrivance a biplane because it has -double wings?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>“That is the reason.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And it seems to me,” he added, turning his -head to one side and squinting, “the length is a -little greater from the nose of the forward rudder -to the end of the tail than between the wing -tips?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are correct again; there is a difference of -about two feet.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The wings are curved a bit; I have read that -that shape is better than the flat form to support -you in air.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Experiments have proved it so.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And this stuff,” he continued, touching his -forefinger to the taut covering of one of the wings, -“is rubberized linen?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is with our machine, though some aviators -prefer other material.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Spruce seems to be the chief wood in your -biplane.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because of its lightness and strength.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The horizontal rudder in front must be used -in ascending and descending and the two vertical -ones at the rear for steering your course. I should -judge,” he said, scrutinizing the motor, “that -your engine has about sixty-horse power.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>“You hit it exactly; I am astonished by your -knowledge.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It all comes from remembering what I read. -And the wing tips are the ailerons, and the engine -weighs about three hundred pounds.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“A trifle less, the whole weight of the aeroplane -being eight hundred pounds.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your propeller is made of black walnut, and -has eight laminations, and when under full headway -revolves more than a thousand times a -minute.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“See here,” said Harvey; “don’t say you -haven’t examined aeroplanes before.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“As I told you, I never saw one until now, but -what’s the use of reading anything unless you keep -it in your memory? That’s my principle.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span> - <h2 id='chapVI.' class='c012'>CHAPTER VI.<br /> <br />WORKING FOR DINNER.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Further conversation justified the astonishment -of Harvey Hamilton. The countryman, -who gave his name as Abisha -Wharton, showed a knowledge of aviation and -heavier-than-air machines such as few amateurs -possess. In the midst of his bright remarks he -abruptly checked himself.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What time is it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey glanced at the little watch on his wrist.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Twenty minutes of six.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You two will take supper with me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bohunkus Johnson, who had been silently -listening while the three were standing, heaved -an enormous sigh.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dat’s what I’se been waitin’ to hear mentioned -eber since we landed; yas, we’ll take supper wid -yo’; I neber was so hungry in my life.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I appreciate your kindness, which I accept on -condition that we pay you or your wife for it. -We have started on an outing, and that is our -rule.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>“I didn’t have that in mind when I spoke, but -if you insist on giving the old lady a little tip, we -sha’n’t quarrel; leastways I know <em>she</em> won’t.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That is settled then. Now I should like to -hire you to do me a favor. I don’t suppose you -keep gasoline in your home?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Never had a drop; we use only candles and -such light as the fire on the hearth gives.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How near is there a store where we can buy -the stuff?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I suppose Peters has it, for he sells everything -from a toothpick to a folding bed. He keeps the -main store at Darbytown, two miles away. I -drive there nearly every day.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Will you do so now, and buy me ten gallons -of gasoline and two gallons of cylinder oil?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I don’t see why I shouldn’t; certainly I’ll do it. -Do you want it right off?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Can you go to town and back before dark?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My horse isn’t noted for his swiftness,” replied -Abisha with a grin, “but I can come purty nigh -making it, if I start now.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dat’s a good idee; while yo’s gone, Harv and -me can put ourselves outside ob dat supper dat -yo’ remarked about.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey’s first thought was to accompany his -new friend to the village, but when he saw the -rickety animal and the dilapidated wagon to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>which he was soon harnessed, he forebore out of -consideration for the brute. Besides, it looked as -if he was likely to fail with the task. Accordingly, -our young friend handed a five-dollar bill to his -host and repeated his instructions. Then he -and Bohunkus sauntered to the rude porch, -where Mrs. Wharton came forth at the call -of her husband, and was introduced to the -visitors, whose names were given by Harvey. She -promised that the evening meal should suit -them and passed inside to look after its preparation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The winding wagon road was well marked, and -Abisha Wharton, seated in the front of his rattling -vehicle, struck his bony horse so smart a blow that -the animal broke into a loping trot, and speedily -passed from sight among the trees in the direction -of Darbytown. Harvey and Bohunkus, having -nothing to hold their attention, strolled to the woodpile -and sat down on one of the small logs lying there, -awaiting cutting into proper length and size for the -old-fashioned stove in the kitchen. A few minutes -later the wife came out and gathered all that was -ready for use. As she straightened up, she remarked -with a sniff:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That Abisha Wharton is too lazy ever to cut -’nough wood to last a day; all he keers about is to -smoke his pipe, or fish, or read his papers and -books.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>When she had gone in, Harvey said to his -companion:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We haven’t anything to do for an hour or so; -let’s make ourselves useful.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’m agreeable,” replied Bohunkus, lifting one -of the heavy pieces and depositing it in the two -X’s which formed the wood horse. The saw lay -near and was fairly sharp. The colored youth -was powerful and had good wind. He bent to -work with a vigor that soon severed the piece in -the middle. He immediately picked up another -to subject it to the same process, while Harvey -swung the rather dull axe and split the wood for -the stove. It was all clean white hickory, with so -straight a grain that a slight blow caused it to -break apart. The work was light and Harvey -offered to relieve his companion at the saw.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Don’t bodder me; dis am fun; besides,” added -Bohunkus, “I cac’late to make it up when I git -at de supper table; I tell yo’, Harv, yo’ll hab to gib -dat lady a big tip.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I certainly shall if I wish to save her from -losing on you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>For nearly an hour the two wrought without -stopping to rest. By that time, most of the wood -was cut and heaped into a sightly pile. The odor -of the hickory was fragrant, and it made a pretty -sight, besides which we all know that it has hardly -a superior for fuel, unless it be applewood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>By and by the woman of the house came to the -door and looked at the two boys. She was delighted, -for she saw enough wood ready cut for the -stove to last her for a week at least. Bohunkus was -bending over the saw horse with one knee on the -stick, while a tiny stream of grains shot out above -and below, keeping time with the motion of the -implement, and Harvey swung the axe aloft with -an effect that kept the respective tasks equal. -Gazing at them for a moment, the housewife -called:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Supper’s waiting!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So am I!” replied Bohunkus, who, having a -stick partly sawn in two worked with such energy -that the projecting end quickly fell to the ground. -Harvey would not allow him to leave until the -pieces were split and piled upon the others.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now let us each carry in an armful.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>They loaded themselves, and Harvey led the way -into the house, where the smiling woman directed -them to the kitchen. There being no box they -dumped the wood upon the floor, then seated -themselves at the table, and she waited upon them.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>Despite her untidy appearance, Mrs. Wharton -gave them an abundant and well-cooked meal, to -which it need not be said both did justice. They -were blessed with good appetites, Bohunkus -especially being noted at home for his capacity in -that line. They pleased the hostess by their compliments, -but more so by their enjoyment of the meal.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a mild, balmy night, and at the suggestion -of the woman they carried their stools outside and -sat in front of the house and on the edge of the -clearing, to await the return of the master of the -household. Sooner than they expected, they heard -the rattle of the wheels and the sound of his voice, -as he urged his tired animal onward. It took but -a few minutes for him to unfasten, water and lead -him to the stable. Then the man came forward -and greeted his friends.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How did you make out?” asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I got what I went after, of course; the gasoline -and oil are in the wagon, and there’s about three -dollars coming to you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Which you will keep,” replied Harvey. -“We have finished an excellent meal and shall -wait here for you if you don’t mind.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’m agreeable to anything,” remarked the -man, as he slouched inside, where by the light of -a candle he ate the evening meal with his wife. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>Our friends could not help hearing what she said, -for she had a sharp voice and spoke in a high key. -She berated him for his shiftlessness and declared he -ought to be ashamed to allow two strangers to saw -and split the wood which had too long awaited his -attention. She made other observations that it is -not worth while to repeat, but evidently the man -was used to nagging, for it did not affect his -appetite and he only grunted now and then by way -of reply or to signify that he heard.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When Abisha brought out his chair and lighted -his corncob pipe, it was fully dark. The night -was without a moon, and the sky had so clouded -that only here and there a twinkling star showed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do you ever fly at night?” asked their host.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We have never done so,” replied Harvey, -“because there is nothing to be gained and it is -dangerous.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why dangerous?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We can’t carry enough gasoline to keep us in -the air more than two hours, and it is a risky thing -to land in the darkness. If I hadn’t caught sight -of this open space, it would have gone hard with -us even when the sun was shining.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s a wonderful discovery,” repeated Wharton, -as if speaking with himself, “but a lot of improvements -will have to be made. One of them is to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>carry more gasoline or find some stuff that will -serve better. How long has anyone been able to -sail with an aeroplane without landing?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I believe the record is something like five -hours.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In two or three years or less time, they will -keep aloft for a day or more. They’ll have to do -it in order to cross the Atlantic.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There is little prospect of ever doing that.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Wellman tried it in a balloon, but was not able -to make more than a start.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I agree with you that the day is not distant -when the Atlantic will be crossed as regularly by -heavier-than-air machines as it is by the <i>Mauretania</i> -and <i>Lusitania</i>, but in the meantime we have -got to make many improvements; that of carrying -enough fuel being the most important.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this point Bohunkus felt that an observation -was due from him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Humph! it’s easy ’nough to fix dat.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hab reg’lar gasumline stations all de way -’cross de ocean, so dat anyone can stop and load -up when he wants to.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How would you keep the stations in place?” -gravely inquired Wharton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Anchor ’em, ob course.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>“But the ocean is several miles in depth in -many portions.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What ob dat? Can’t you make chains or -ropes dat long? Seems to me some folks is mighty -dumb.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ve noticed that myself,” remarked the host -without a smile. Failing to catch the drift of his -comment, Bohunkus held his peace for the next -few minutes, but in the middle of a remark by -his companion, he suddenly leaped to his feet with -the gasping question:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What’s dat?”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span> - <h2 id='chapVII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER VII.<br /> <br />THE DRAGON OF THE SKIES.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>The others had seen the same object which -so startled Bohunkus. Several hundred -feet up in the air and slightly to the north, -the gleam of a red light showed. It was moving -slowly in the direction of the three, all of whom -were standing and studying it with wondering -curiosity. It was as if some aerial wanderer was -flourishing a danger lantern through the realms -of space.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What can it be?” asked Abisha Wharton in -an awed voice.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Not knowing the proper answer, Harvey Hamilton -held his peace, but Bohunkus had an explanation -ready.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It am de comet!” he exclaimed, having in -mind the celestial visitor named in honor of Halley -the astronomer, over which the world had been -stirred a short time before; “it hab broke loose -and is gwine to hit de airth; we’d better dodge.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And he plunged into the house, where the wife -had lighted a candle and set it on the table in the -front room. The others left him to his own devices -while they kept their eyes on the mysterious -visitant to the upper world.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>They saw that the light was moving in a circle -a hundred feet in diameter, and gradually descending. -Whatever connection anything else had with -it was invisible in the gloom. If the peculiar -motion continued, it must come down in the clearing -where Harvey’s biplane had settled to rest some -time before.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly a fanlike stream of light shot out from -a point directly above the crimson glow. It -darted here and there, whisked over the small -plain, flitted above the treetops and then flashed -into the faces of the two persons who were standing -side by side.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s another aeroplane!” cried Harvey; “it -carries a searchlight and the man is hunting a spot -to land.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>At this juncture, Bohunkus’s curiosity got the -better of him. He came timidly to the open door -and peeped out.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hab it struck yet?” he asked; “it’ll be -mighty bad when it swipes yo’ alongside de head. -Better come in here——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>At that instant the blinding ray hit the dusky -youth in the face, and with another gasp of affright, -he dashed to the farthest corner of the room, -where he cowered in trembling expectancy.</p> -<div id='fig02' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/p_064-5.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>A Fanlike Stream of Light Shot Out.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>The couple outside were too much absorbed -in what they saw to give heed to him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You’re right,” said Wharton; “it’s an aeroplane -and the aviator means to alight.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The searchlight continued darting here and -there, but the spreading glow finally settled upon -the ground near where the biplane stood silent -and motionless.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is unaccountable that it makes no noise. -Look!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The aviator now demonstrated that he was an -expert in the management of his machine. He -oscillated downward, zig-zagging to the right and -left, until he gently touched the earth and the -wheels running a short distance settled to rest. -The searchlight flitted toward different points -several times and then was abruptly extinguished. -Harvey and Wharton walked across the ground -toward the machine. Before they reached it, they -made out the dim forms of a monoplane and a -man standing beside it. To the youth he was the -tallest and slimmest person he had ever seen. His -stature must have been six and a half feet and in -common language he was as thin as a rail. He had -observed the approach of the two and silently -awaited them.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>“Good evening!” saluted Harvey, who was -slightly in advance of his companion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How do you do, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The voice would have won an engagement for -the owner as the basso profundo in an opera troupe. -It was like the muttering of thunder, and as Abisha -Wharton expressed it, seemed to come from his -shoes.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Since Wharton left it to his young friend to do -the honors, Harvey, pausing a few paces away, -exerted himself to play the host.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I see that your machine is a monoplane; you -seem to have it under good control.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why shouldn’t I? I made every part of it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Even to the searchlight?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Of course; is that biplane yours?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is; we landed several hours ago, having -been kindly furnished a meal and lodgings for the -night. I presume you will keep us company; -my friend here, I am sure, will be glad to do what -he can for you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Kerrect,” added Wharton; “you’re as welcome -as the flowers in spring.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Don’t you travel by night?” asked the visitor, -ignoring the invitation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not when I can avoid it; it is too risky to land -in the darkness.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>“Night is the favorite period with me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But you can’t keep in the air all the time.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you know about it, young man?” -asked the other in his sepulchral tones; “I don’t -expect to make a landing till after sunrise to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I never heard of such a thing.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There are lots of things you never heard of; -I built this monoplane, without help from any one; -it embodies a number of new principles, one of -which is the ability to keep in the air for twelve -hours without renewing the gasoline; I mix a -certain chemical with that fluid which increases -its power tenfold; I shall not rest until it is multiplied -a hundred times.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You have an invention that will make you -wealthier than Carnegie or Rockefeller.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’m not seeking wealth,” said the other -sourly, as if not pleased with the suggestion; -“there are better things in life than riches.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“All the same, it’s mighty pleasant to have -them,” replied Harvey, nettled as much by the -manner as by the words of the stranger.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“See here,” interposed the hospitable Wharton; -“we are keeping you standing——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There is no compulsion about it, sir; I am -doing what pleases me best.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>“Will you walk into my house and have something -to eat? There isn’t much style about us, -but my wife will give you a good cup of coffee and -some corn bread and fried chicken.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ll go to your house, but I’ll not eat for I’m -not hungry.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Wharton led the way to the porch. Harvey, -who was curious to learn more of this strange -individual, deftly placed his chair so that the -rays from the candle fell through the open window -upon him. In obedience to the youth’s order, -Bohunkus brought out a fourth stool, so that all -were seated, the woman of the house remaining -inside and attending to her duties, as if she felt -no interest in what was going on.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The negro sat close to his companion and -huskily whispered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Am he de feller dat rid down on de comet?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Bunk, the best thing you can do is to keep -still and listen; our conversation is likely to be -above your head.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Jest like de comet; all right; I ain’t saying -nuffin.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>A part of the yellow rays touched Harvey, and -the stranger turned and scrutinized him as if -impelled by curiosity similar to that of the youth. -The movement revealed the visitor’s face plainly, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>and it may be said it was in keeping with the -impression he had already made. He wore a -motorman’s cap, and a long, linen duster, buttoned -to the chin and reaching downward to his slim -tan shoes. What clothing was within this envelope -was out of sight.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The face was long and covered with a grizzled -beard that reached well down on his breast. He -had removed his buckskin gloves, crossed his legs, -and placed one of the hand coverings in his lap, -while he loosely grasped the other and idly flipped -the first with it as he talked.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But his eyes were the most striking feature of the -remarkable man. They were overhung by shaggy -brows, were of a piercing black color, and glowed -as if with fire. Their startling glare caused a -sudden suspicion in the mind of Harvey Hamilton -that the man was partially insane. At least, -he must be the curious individual best described -by the word “crank,” one whom much study and -research had made mad. As is well known, such -a person often succeeds in hiding his affliction -from his friends, or gains the reputation of being -simply eccentric.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is your name and why are you -here?” he abruptly asked, still looking in the -face of Harvey, who said he lived at Mootsport, -something more than a hundred miles -distant.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>“I have started on an outing with my colored -friend, without any particular destination in view; -when we have had enough sport, we shall -return. Who are you?” queried the youth, -feeling warranted in asking a few equally pointed -questions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My name is Milo Morgan; I have no special -home, but stop where the notion takes me; my -business is invention, as it relates to the aeroplane.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“May I ask what improvements you have -made, Professor?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He hesitated a moment as if uncertain what -to reply.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not half as many as I am sure of making in -the near future. The rigging of a searchlight -cannot be called an invention, for it has long been -in common use on warships and others, and all -aeroplanes are supplied with electricity. I have -rigged up a wireless telegraph, so as to pick out -messages from the air; I have succeeded in compounding -a fluid which as I told you is ten times -stronger than gasoline; I run without noise, and -my uplifter will carry me vertically upward, as -high as I care to go.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>“I should think you were blamed near the -limit,” suggested Abisha Wharton, profoundly -interested in what the Professor was saying.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have only begun; and I intend to justify the -name of my monoplane.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I didn’t hear it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Because I haven’t spoken it, but when you -have a daylight view of my machine you will see -the name painted on the under side of the wings, -‘The Dragon of the Skies.’”</p> - -<p class='c014'>This was said with so much solemnity that -Harvey had hard work to hide his smile. He no -longer doubted that he was talking with a crank.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do you mind telling me what is the great -object you have in view?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is to build a machine that will keep afloat -and travel at an average speed of sixty miles an -hour,—probably greater. That will enable me -to cross the Atlantic in a little more than two days -and I shall have no difficulty in sailing to Asia -or Africa.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span> - <h2 id='chapVIII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER VIII.<br /> <br />THE PROFESSOR TALKS ON AVIATION.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>The last remark of Professor Morgan threw -Bohunkus Johnson into a state of excitement. -He had obeyed Harvey and remained -mute during the conversation, but he -now addressed the visitor directly:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Did yo’ say Afriky, boss?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The man looked in his direction and nodded -his head.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That’s what I said, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Dat’s where my fader libs.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey felt it his duty to explain:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My colored friend claims to be the son of a -distinguished African chief, whom he hopes to -visit some day.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is the name of the chief?” asked the -Professor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“His given name is the same as his; the full -name is Bohunkus Foozleum.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I can’t say I ever heard of him,” remarked the -Professor without cracking a smile.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I sent him a letter a month ago, in de care ob -Colonel Roosevelt and it’s ’bout time I got an -answer. I’m sure de Colonel will call on him -while he’s hunting in Afriky.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>“Well, when my machine is perfected, I’ll take -you with me and it sha’n’t cost you a penny,” said -Professor Morgan.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bohunkus chuckled with delight and settled -down to listen. The visitor now ignored him and -addressed the others.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Aviation is the theme that fills nearly all -minds and it is daily growing in importance. -The possibilities are boundless; it will revolutionize -travel, social life and the methods of warfare. -It will render the destruction of life and -property so appallingly easy that no nation will -dare array itself against another. You and I are -likely to see that day when:—</p> -<div class='lg-container-l c015'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“‘The war drum throbs no longer and the battle flags are furled</div> - <div class='line'>O’er the parliament of nations, o’er a reunited world.’</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>“We can remember the universality of the -bicycle; then came, and it stays with us, the -automobile, and now it is the aeroplane. The day -is near when there will be numberless routes -established between cities and countries and when -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>the ocean will be crossed east and west by a procession -of heavier-than-air machines, and every -family will have its hangar and its occupant -awaiting the wish of the owner.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Professor showed a disposition to quiz the -young aviator, who met him as best he could, -though sensible of his lack of knowledge as compared -with one who had given so much thought -and experimentation to it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Naturally,” said he, “men’s first ideas were -of using wings as birds do, but it would take a -Samson or a Hercules to put forth the necessary -strength. But it has been tried times without -number. I think the ancient Greeks wove many -romantic tales of aerial flights—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Professor paused and Harvey accepted -the invitation:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Such as Daedalus and Icarus, who were said -to have flown to the sun and back again. The -Greek Achytus made a dove of wood, driven by -heated air, and one of his countrymen constructed -a brass fly which kept above the ground for some -minutes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do you recall what aviator first came to grief?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“‘Simon the Magician,’ who during the reign -of the emperor Nero made a short flight before a -Roman crowd but tumbled to death, as did a -good many during the Middle Ages.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>“The Chinese were centuries ahead of the rest -of the world in the use of the mariner’s compass, -printing, gunpowder and the flying of kites. -There are authentic records of balloon flights in -the fourteenth century, and a hundred years later -discoveries were made of which present aviators -have taken advantage. You have learned that -although America was visited a thousand years -ago and even earlier by white men, the glory of -the discovery is given to Christopher Columbus. -So the credit of the first real step in aviation -belongs to two Frenchmen. Can you help me to -recall their names?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I don’t think you need any help,” laughed -Harvey, who saw the drift of his friend’s quizzing, -“but the men you have in mind were Joseph -and Etienne Montgolfier, who lived at Annonay, -about forty miles from Lyons.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What was their idea of aerostation?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They learned from many experiments that a -light globe filled with hot air will rise because its -weight is less than the surrounding atmosphere, -just as a cork or bit of pine comes to the surface -of water. They made a globular ball, thirty-five -feet in diameter, of varnished silk, and in June, -1783, in the presence of an immense crowd at -Annonay built a fire under the mouth on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>lower side. Soon after when the ropes were -loosened, the balloon mounted upward for more -than a mile, then was carried to one side by a -current of air and as the vapor within cooled, came -gently down to earth again.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The incident caused a sensation and Paris -subscribed money for manufacturing hydrogen, -a very buoyant gas to take the place of hot air. -The brothers sent up such a balloon in Paris in -the latter part of August. It sailed aloft for half -a mile, finally drifted out of sight and came down -fifteen miles from the starting point.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Did it carry any passenger?” asked the Professor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No; the time had not come for that venture, but -soon after the brothers sent up a second hot air -balloon at Versailles, in the presence of the king -and queen. A wicker cage was suspended below -and in it were a duck, a rooster and a sheep, all -of which showed less excitement than the cheering -thousands. It rose about a fourth of a mile, and -eight minutes after leaving the ground descended -two miles away.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who was the first man to go up in a balloon?” -asked Abisha Wharton.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I don’t remember his name; can you tell me, -Professor?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>“Pilatre de Rozier, whose ascent was made on -the 15th of October, 1783, in an oval balloon constructed -by the Montgolfiers. It was not quite -fifty feet in diameter and half again as high. A -circular wicker basket was suspended beneath, -and under the neck of the balloon in the center -was an iron grate or brazier supported by chains, -the whole structure weighing sixteen hundred -pounds. M. de Rozier fed the flames with straw -and wood and thus kept the air sufficiently heated -to lift him eighty-four feet, where held by ropes, -the balloon remained suspended for four and -a half minutes and then gently came back to -earth.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This incident blazed the way for successful -aerostation. M. de Rozier accomplished higher -and more durable ascents and occasionally took -a passenger with him. We must remember, -however, that in all these instances, the balloon -was restrained by ropes and could not wander -off. The aeronauts chafed under such restriction, -and on November 21, 1783, M. de Rozier -and the Marquis d’Arlandes cut loose from -the earth in front of a royal palace in the Bois -de Boulogne, it being the first time such a thing -was ever done. The ascent lasted not quite -half an hour, when the aeronauts came safely -down in a field five miles distant from the starting -point.” <a id='r1' /><a href='#f1' class='c016'><sup>[1]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='footnote' id='f1'> -<p class='c014'><a href='#r1'>1</a>. <span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>It is well to bear the following distinctions in mind: -aerostation is the art of flying in a balloon; when the balloon -is equipped with motor and propellers so as to be navigable, -it is dirigible; an aerocar is any kind of a flying machine; an -aeronaut is any one who navigates the air in a balloon; an -aeroplane is a flying machine which is heavier than air; a -monoplane is a one-planed and a biplane a two-planed flying -machine; a triplane consists of three superposed planes; a -quadruplane of four planes; airmen are either aeronauts or -aviators; aviation is the art of flying in an aeroplane and -an aviator is one who so flies; aeronef is an aeroplane as -defined by International Congress; a hangar corresponds to -a garage for an automobile; ornithopter is a heavier-than-air -machine, with wings upon which it depends for support -and propulsion; petrol is the European name for gasoline.</p> -<hr class='c017' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span> - <h2 id='chapIX.' class='c012'>CHAPTER IX.<br /> <br />THE PROFESSOR TALKS ON AVIATION (Continued.)</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Professor Morgan continued: “Thus -far the aeronauts had used hot air with -which to make their ascents, but the fire -under the balloon was always dangerous and more -than one fatal accident resulted therefrom. Hydrogen -gas was far better, but more costly. Public -subscriptions enabled two brothers named Robert, -assisted by M. Charles, to construct a spherical balloon, -twenty-eight feet in diameter, the silk envelope -being covered with varnish, and the upper half -inclosed in a network which supported a hoop -that encircled the middle of the sphere. A boat-like -structure dangled a few feet below the mouth, -and was attached to the hoop, while a safety valve -at the apex prevented bursting through expansion -of the gas as the balloon climbed the sky.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“This structure was inflated with hydrogen gas -in the Garden of the Tuileries, Paris, on the first -of December, 1783. M. Charles and one of the -Roberts seated themselves in the car, provided -with extra clothing, provisions, sand bags for -ballast, a barometer and a thermometer, and gave -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>the word to let go. The balloon soared swiftly, -the aeronauts waving hands and hats in response -to the cheers of the multitudes below. The ascent -was a success in every respect. Having drifted -thirty miles from Paris, the balloon safely descended -near Nesle. There was so much gas left -that the enthusiastic M. Charles decided to go up -again, after parting with his companion. He -climbed nine thousand feet and then by the dexterous -use of his ballast came to earth again without -the least jar.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The impulse thus given to ballooning spread -to other countries and it would be idle to attempt -any record of their efforts. It may be said that for -nearly a hundred years little or no progress was -made in aerostation. Then came the second stage, -the construction of dirigible or manageable balloons. -All the structures which had hitherto left -the earth were wholly under control of air currents, -as much as a chip of wood is under the control of -the stream into which it is flung. People began to -experiment with a view of directing the course of -the ships of the sky. While it was impossible to -make headway against a gale or strong wind, it -seemed that the aeronaut ought to be able to overcome -a moderate breeze. The first attempt was -by means of oars and a rudder, but nothing was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>accomplished until 1852, when Giffard used a -small engine, but the difficulty of constructing a -light motor of sufficient power checked all progress -for awhile. It could not do so for long, however, -as the inventive genius of mankind was at work -and would not pause until satisfied. One of -Giffard’s stupendous ideas was a balloon more than -a third of a mile long with an engine weighing -thirty tons, but the magnitude and expense involved -were too vast to be considered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It would be tedious to follow the various steps -in dirigible ballooning. It was not until 1882, -that the Tissandier brothers, Gilbert and Albert—Frenchmen—built -a dirigible cigar-shaped balloon -substantially on the old lines, but it could not be -made to travel more than five miles an hour in a -dead calm, and was helpless in a moderate wind. -None the less their attempts marked an epoch, for -they introduced an electric motor. The ‘La -France,’ when constructed some time later, was a -hundred and sixty-five feet long, twenty-seven feet -at its greatest diameter, and had a capacity of -sixty-six thousand cubic feet. Many changes -and improvements followed and an ascent was -made in August, 1884, during which the balloon -traveled two and a half miles, turned round and -came back in the face of a gentle breeze to its -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>starting point, the whole time in the air being less -than half an hour. This was the first exploit of -that nature.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But,” added the Professor, “I am talking too -much about dirigible ballooning, for our chief -interest does not lie there. I am sure you have -read of the Schwartz aluminum dirigible; Santos-Dumont -and his brilliant performances with his -fourteen airships; Roze’s double airship, and Count -Zeppelin’s splendid successes with his colossal -dirigibles.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We have dealt only with structures that were -lighter than air. The wonderful field that has -opened before us and into which thousands are -crowding, with every day bringing new and startling -achievements, is that of the heavier-than-air -machines. In other words, we have learned to -become air men and to fly as the birds fly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Success was sure to come sooner or later, and -when it did come every one wondered why it was -so late, since the principles are so simple that a -child can understand them. Otto Lilienthal, after -long study and experimentation, published in -Berlin in 1889, as one of the results of his labors, -the discovery that arched surfaces driven against -the wind have a strong tendency to rise. Then he -demonstrated by personal experiments that a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>beginning must be made by ‘gliding’ through the -air in order to learn to balance one’s self. He -piled up a lot of dirt fifty feet high, and from its -summit made a number of starts, succeeding so -well that he tried a small motor to help flap his -wings. Sad to say, an error of adjustment caused -the machine to turn over in August, 1896, and he -was killed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Percy S. Pilcher of England experimented -for several years along the same lines and used -the method of a kite by employing men to run with -a rope against the wind, but he was destined to -become another martyr, for he was fatally injured -one day by a fall. Chanute and Herring of -Chicago taught us a good deal about gliders. -Herring used a motor driven by compressed air -and had two plane surfaces for his apparatus, -but his motor was too weak to sustain him for -more than a few minutes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Professor,” said Wharton, “I have often -heard of the Hargrave kite; why do folks call it that -name?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You mean the box pattern, made of calico -stretched over redwood frames. They are the -invention of Lawrence Hargrave of Sydney, -Australia. He attached a sling seat to one and -connected three above it. A brisk wind showed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>a lift of more than two hundred pounds, and he -made a number of ascents, the kites preserving -their stability most satisfactorily.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Of course you do not need to be told anything -about Orville and Wilbur Wright of Dayton, -Ohio. These plucky and persevering fellows experimented -for years in the effort to overcome obstacles -that had baffled inventors for centuries. Among -the problems they solved were whether stability -is most effectively gained by shifting the center -of gravity, or by a special steering device, and -what the power of a rudder is when fixed in front -of a machine. They decided that in gliding -experiments it is best for the aviator to lie in a -horizontal position; that a vertical rudder in the -rear of a machine is preferable in order to turn to -the right or left, and a horizontal rudder or small -plane in front is the most effective device for -guiding the aeroplane up or down.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The Professor was in the middle of his interesting -talk, when he abruptly paused and came to -his feet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ve stayed longer than I intended,” said he; -“I must bid you good night. If it won’t be too -much trouble to your wife I shall be glad to drink -a cup of coffee.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No trouble at all,” replied Abisha Wharton -springing from his stool; “won’t you eat something?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>“I don’t need it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The three walked through the open door into -the larger room where the wife was sitting. Bohunkus -was leaning back against the front of -the house sound asleep, as he had been for some -minutes. No one disturbed him. The woman -had heard the words of the visitor, and quickly -brought in a big coffee pot from which she poured -a brimming cup, placing some milk and sugar -on the table. The Professor had not yet thanked -any one for the proffers made him and he did not -do so now, but standing erect, with his cap -almost touching the ceiling, he drank, smacked -his thin lips and remarked that the refreshment -was good.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Standing thus clearly disclosed in the candle-light, -the Professor impressed Harvey Hamilton -more than before. He was as straight as an arrow -and his piercing black eyes had a gleam that must -have possessed hypnotic power. In fact the -woman showed so much restlessness under his -glances that she made a pretext for leaving the -room and remained out of sight until he departed. -He did not offer to pay his host and still forgot -to acknowledge by word the kindnesses shown him.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>Harvey and Abisha accompanied him on his -brief walk across the little plain to where his -machine was waiting. Without any preliminaries -such as testing the wires, levers, framework and -different parts of the apparatus, he seated himself.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Now,” he said in his thunderous bass, “note -the action of my uplifter.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>This contrivance was simply a horizontal propeller -under the machine, which being set revolving -with great rapidity hoisted it gently from the -ground and as straight upward as a cannon shot -fired at the zenith. It was easy to understand the -principle of the action, but not of some of the other -performances of the eccentric inventor. When -the aerocar was well off the earth, the regular -propeller in front began work and the uplifter -became motionless.</p> - -<p class='c014'>All this time only a faint humming noise was -noticeable, but in a few minutes that became -inaudible. Professor Morgan was swallowed up -in the darkness and speedily vanished, for he made -no use of his searchlight. He must have been -half a mile to the northward when he let off a -rocket. Ordinary prudence on account of sparks -probably caused him to send it sideways. It -formed a striking picture,—this germination as it -were of a blazing object in mid air, which shot -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>away with arrowy swiftness in a graceful parabola -that curved downward, and when about half way -to the ground burst into a myriad of dazzling -sparks of different hues that were quickly lost in -the gloom.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The two spectators waited and gazed in silence, -but saw nothing more and returned to their -seats in front of the cabin.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Strange man,” said Harvey, “I wonder -whether we shall ever see him again.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I don’t think there is much chance of my -meeting him, but you may bump against him -some time when you are cruising overhead.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That seems hardly likely, for the field is too -big.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And yet Harvey Hamilton and Professor Milo -Morgan were destined to meet sooner than either -suspected and in circumstances of which neither -could have dreamed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Wharton refilled his corncob pipe and puffed -with deliberate enjoyment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you think of him, Mr. Hamilton?” -he finally asked.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He’s wonderfully well informed about aviation, -but is cranky.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He’s more than that.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>“He’s plumb crazy.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You wouldn’t think so from his conversation; -no one can talk better than he.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But his eyes! They gave him dead away; -I’m glad he didn’t stay all night.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What difference could that make?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“More’n likely he would have got up and -killed us all while we were asleep.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey laughed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“While he isn’t the sort of companion I should -fancy, I’m sure he is not that kind of a lunatic. -The chances are that he will lose his life through -some of his experiments in aviation, the same as -those we talked about.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Shall we say anything to Bohunkus about -the man being off his base?” asked Wharton, -as if in doubt regarding his duty in the circumstances.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It isn’t worth while; nothing can be gained by -doing so.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And in reaching this decision, Harvey Hamilton -made a grand mistake, as he was fated to learn -before many days. It would have been a fortunate -thing, too, had the colored youth kept awake -during this chat, but it was not so to be.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>As the night advanced, the host told his guest -he was at liberty to retire whenever agreeable. -The couple had a sleeping room upstairs, and not -being well provided for company, a blanket was -spread on the floor in the lower front room. -Bohunkus was still unconscious, his cap having -fallen at his feet. Harvey reached over and -shook his shoulder.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come, Bunk, it’s time to go to bed—excuse -me!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Although the action was gentle, it destroyed the -sleeper’s center of gravity, and he and the stool -tumbled over on the floor. Even then, he was -only partially awakened and mumbled a wish -that folks would stay on their own side of the bed, -as he climbed unsteadily to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The weather was so mild that there was no -discomfort in occupying a room whose windows -and door were open. With the aid of the candle, -Bohunkus stumbled to the blanket in the corner, -pitched down upon it and the next minute was -slumbering as soundly as when his stool tipped -over with him. He and Harvey had laid aside -their heavy coats before they sawed and split -the supply of wood, and the single blanket gave -them all the protection they needed. Thus the -two lay down to pleasant dreams.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span> - <h2 id='chapX.' class='c012'>CHAPTER X.<br /> <br />THE FLYING BOYS CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>The morning dawned clear, mild and bright. -Harvey and Bohunkus were astir at an -early hour and filled the tank with gasoline -and replenished the supply of oil. An examination -of the aeroplane was made and every wire, -brace, lever and appurtenance found, so far as -could be judged, in perfect condition. The two -went back to the house where an excellent meal -was awaiting them. Harvey slipped so liberal a fee -into the hands of the woman that she was delighted -and showed it to her husband, who grinned appreciatively. -It may be said that he earned the extra -pay through a valuable suggestion to the aviator,—one -that was effective and so simple that -it was strange it had not been thought of before.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You tell me,” said Abisha, “that when one of -them things is ready to start on its flight, you hold -it until the propeller has got its grip and then let it -go with a jump.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Something like that is the practice.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“When there’s only two of you, how do you -manage it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>“The only way is to start the thing, with Bunk -in his seat; I run alongside for a few steps and -spring into my seat.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You might slip and let the aeroplane get away -from you. Then Bunk would be thrown out on -his head.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He wouldn’t be hurt if he landed that way,” -replied Harvey with a laugh, “but he might alight -on his shins and that would be bad.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Let me show you a better plan.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Abisha strode to the woodpile and came back -with a long, strong stick. He set one end in the -ground, with the upper inclined against the footboard. -The prop thus gained held the biplane -immovable before a strong push.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Let her shove all she wants to,” explained the -man, “and when you’re ready, kick the stick aside.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The scheme could not be better,” said Harvey -admiringly, as he made sure that the point in -contact with the machine could not injure it. He -seated himself and Abisha swung the propeller -around; the engine instantly responded with its -deafening roar and a powerful thrust was exerted -against the prop. In a few minutes, the youth -leaned over, grasped the stick and swung it aside. -The machine made a bound like a runner starting -on a race, spun over the ground for a hundred feet -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>or more, and then in obedience to the upturned -rudder in front, leaped clear of the ground. She -was off.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey glanced back. In the door was the -smiling housewife, with her husband on the spot -where he stood when the flight began. He waved -his hand in salutation and the two aviators responded.</p> - -<p class='c014'>This is a good place in which to give the explanation -that must be made in order to understand how -it came about that these two youths were so far -from home, and engaged upon the outing that was -destined to prove the most memorable in the life at -least of one of them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey Hamilton was the son of a wealthy -merchant, whose business took him to New York -every week-day morning. The youth was preparing -to enter Princeton University, and his elder -brother Dick was a student in Yale. In the -beginning of the summer the family separated, -each member indulging his or her taste in the way -of vacation, with the parent glad to pay the bills. -The mother and daughter Mildred went to the -White Mountains, Dick to the Adirondacks with -a party of students, while Harvey and his father -took a jaunt through a part of Europe, sailing -home from Naples on the <i>Duca degli Abruzzi</i>. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>Wife and daughter, knowing when they were due, -were at home to meet them. Dick was still in the -mountains, from which he wrote the most glowing -accounts of his life in camp and conquests of the -gamy trout that are still to be found in the cool -streams.</p> - -<p class='c014'>On the homeward passage, Harvey and his -father were lucky enough to meet the noted German -aviator, Ostrom Sperbeck, of whom we have -heard already.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Hamilton explained to the Professor that -his son Harvey with the assistance of the colored -youth, who was “bound out” to a neighbor, were -at work on an aeroplane with which they hoped to -fly, but the Professor warned them against it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is too dangerous; some of the best aviators -have lost their lives and you know that one of the -Wright brothers came within a hair of being killed. -Encourage your son, if you wish, in the sport, for -those who are boys to-day are the ones that will -make the greatest discoveries and advances in -aviation, but do not let him take any risks that can -be avoided. Buy him a first-class machine and -forbid him to use any other.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Mr. Hamilton was impressed with the advice -and acted upon it.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>Bohunkus Johnson was as ardent as his young -friend, but, lacking his mental brightness, was not -given charge of the aeroplane, though promised a -chance of trying his hand later on.</p> - -<p class='c014'>So much having been told, it will be understood -how on a pleasant summer day, Harvey and -Bohunkus started on their outing, with permission -to be gone several weeks, though their expectation -was to return in the course of ten days or so.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Several facts will be borne in mind. Nothing -not deemed absolutely necessary was taken with the -aviators. Inasmuch as they could not stay more -than two hours in the air, without replenishing -their supply of fuel, they carried no food, nor were -any weapons taken along, for it was not probable -they would ever need anything of the kind. Although -Harvey headed toward a spur of the Alleghany -Mountains, with the object of relieving what -promised to become a monotonous experience at -times, it did not seem possible that they would ever -run into personal danger from that cause. He -carried a pair of binoculars held by a strap over -one shoulder, for such an instrument was likely to -prove useful in their voyages through the air.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey ascended for a fourth of a mile, and -Bohunkus shuddered at the thought of plunging -again into the arctic regions, but his friend lowered -the front rudder and they skimmed away on a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>level. The view was as entrancing as ever, with -cities, towns, villages, scattered houses, stretches -of wood and cultivated country, winding streams, -puffing engines pulling trains that looked like insignificant -toys, and the gleam of what seemed to be -a lake of several miles area in the distance. The -wanderer through the finest picture galleries in -Europe can become sated with the numberless -master-pieces, and wonderful as was the unfolding -panorama, the youths grew tired of its splendid -sameness. When they gazed at the earth it was -without any clear impression of what they saw.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Far to the westward loomed a mountain, the -outlines showing a dim blue haze against the -summer sky. Harvey had fixed the elevation in -his mind before leaving home and, it was his -intention to sail over the summit into the more -unsettled country beyond. As near as he could -judge the range was about twenty miles distant.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I can easily make it in an hour,” he reflected, -“and not hurry.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was traveling at a moderate pace, for he did -not like to impose a strain upon the machine by -pressing it to the limit. There was no call for -hurry, and after clearing the elevation he could -land at some town and buy what gasoline he -needed. He shifted the course of the aeroplane -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>slightly, and descended until within two or three -hundred feet of the earth. There were no tall -buildings to be avoided, and none of the trees that -showed were lofty enough to interfere. Bohunkus -sat in his usual seat, idly grasping the supports, -for the progress was so smooth that he might have -folded his arms without risk, always provided the -aeroplane did not collide with any of the fierce -aerial gyrations, which are so dangerous to aviators, -because being invisible, no precaution can be -taken against them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey slackened his speed still more, and -coursed easily forward, crossed a winding creek, -and was skimming toward a moderate stretch of -woods, when he noticed a man standing on the -margin and watching the aeroplane. The fact -that he held a gun in one hand did not concern the -youth, who, prompted by the spirit of mischief -natural in one of his years, dropped still lower and -headed for the man, as if he meant to crash into -him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The stranger, instead of turning about and -dashing into the wood where he would have been -safe from pursuit, suddenly raised his double-barreled -shot gun and let fly with both charges. -Nothing of the kind had been dreamed of, either -by Harvey or his companion, and they were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>startled indeed when they heard the shot rattle -through the wires and framework of the machine. -One of the pellets nipped the cheek of Harvey -and Bohunkus yelled,</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’m shot all to pieces, Harv!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey turned his head in affright, but saw no -evidence that the other had been harmed in the -least. The man, seeing that his hasty aim had -been ineffective, began hastily to reload his weapon -with the evident purpose of doing execution next -time.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span> - <h2 id='chapXI.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XI.<br /> <br />FIRED ON.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Bohunkus Johnson was never so angry -in his life and the resentment of Harvey -Hamilton was equally intense. That a man -should deliberately shoot at their machine without -provocation more than a bit of harmless mischief, -was beyond bearing. The colored youth stood -up and shouted to his friend:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’m gwine to jump! I’ll teach him sumfin!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Wait one moment,” replied Harvey, as he -shut off power and hastily dropped to earth. -His momentum carried him several rods beyond -the young man, who was still busy reloading his -gun. Fortunately for our friends it was of the old-fashioned -muzzle pattern, and required more -time than the modern weapon. He roared with -an oath:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ll larn you better than to go skyugling over -the country and trying to scare folks to death. -Jes’ wait till I git my gun loaded agin!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>But neither Harvey nor Bohunkus had any -intention of waiting. Before the machine came -to a rest, the colored youth leaped to the ground -and broke into a run for the man, who held his -position.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>“Yo’s gwine to larn me something, am yo’? -Wal, dis am de time to begin!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sail into him, Bunk!” shouted Harvey, “and -if you need any help, I’ll give it!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“All yo’ got to do am to keep out ob dis bus’ness; -I’m running dis funeral,” replied the African, -without shifting his gaze from the young farmer, -who could not have been much older than Bohunkus. -Not once did the latter check his pace, -but dashed at full speed at the man. The instant -he was within reach, he landed a blow that sent -the other spinning backward, with his feet pointing -upward and the weapon hurled from his grasp.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was not a knockout, however, and the fellow -was game. He bounded up again as if made of -rubber, and charged in turn upon his assailant. -Bohunkus had little “science,” but he had been -in many bouts, and was as strong as a bull. He -braced himself to receive the attack, which came -the next instant. A clenched fist landed on his -jaw with a force that nearly carried him off his -feet, and then the two went at it hammer and -tongs, with no apparent advantage at first on -either side.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>Harvey, seeing that his machine was unharmed, -watched the fight. Nothing would have suited -him better than to take Bunk’s place, for he had -been taught boxing by a professional and he knew, -though he might not have been so big or strong as -his comrade, that he could readily vanquish the -awkward but powerful fighter. Coolness, straight -hitting and skilful parrying would do the business. -He did not mean to stand idly by and see Bunk -maltreated, but it would not be sportsmanlike to -break in unless to stop the struggle.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The countryman was tough and wiry, and it is -doubtful how the fight would have ended had it -depended upon fists alone, but in one respect -Bunk was much the other’s superior. He was -known as the best wrestler in the neighborhood of -his home. When nearly a score of blows had -been exchanged, the negro rushed in, grasped his -antagonist about the waist, lifted him clear of the -ground, and flung him on his back with a violence -that it seemed must have jarred his teeth. Before -he could spring to his feet again, Bunk was across -his chest and evening up things in the most -impressive style that can be imagined.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly the victim shouted at the top of his -voice:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Bill! Sam! Dick! Tom! Hurry up and part -us afore we kill each other!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>This was a strange appeal and puzzled Harvey, -who was disposed to think it was simply a bluff. -The victim was too proud to beg for mercy, and -tried to scare off his assailant. Harvey stepped -forward, picked up the partially loaded gun from -the ground, and with several quick stamps of his -shoe so broke the two hammers that the weapon -became useless for the time.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That will prevent his using it against us,” -was the thought of our young friend, who again -turned his attention to the combatants on the -ground.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Don’t be too hard on him, Bunk; I guess he’s -had enough.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why doan’ he holler ‘<i>’nough</i>!’ den? dat’s what -I’m waitin’ fur.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The victim had ceased his outcries, and was -desperately trying to writhe free and roll off the -burden, but his master couldn’t be shaken from -his perch.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why doan’ yo’ holler like a gemman oughter -do when he’s had ’nough? Holloa!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>When Harvey Hamilton thought the fellow was -merely bluffing by his calls for help, he made a -mistake. From out of the wood came running a -man larger and older than any one of the three, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>and he was followed by a second, third and fourth,—all -full grown, massive, muscular and each with -fire in his eye. They had heard the cry of their -comrade in extremity and made haste to come to -his help.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Their arrival caused a change of program. -Much as I like Bohunkus Johnson (and I trust that -you, too, share the feeling), I am obliged to confess -that like many of his race he had a tinge of -yellow in his composition. So long as he held the -upper hand, or so long as the fight was in doubt, -he displayed courage, but the arrival of reinforcements -threw him into a panic. He whisked off -the prostrate figure, leaped to his feet and dashed -at his highest speed into the woods. He ran -like a person whose life was in danger, and the -young man who had suffered at his hands sped -after him, breathing threatenings and slaughter.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The new arrivals, who had been referred to as -Bill, Sam, Dick and Tom, were evidently young -farmers, none more than twenty-five years old. -They had sturdy frames and could have given -a good account of themselves in a physical struggle. -They must have been mystified by what they saw, -for the one who had dashed off in pursuit of -Bohunkus had not paused to make explanation.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>One fact was a vast relief to Harvey Hamilton: -none of them carried a weapon, though it may be -thought the quartet did not need anything of -the kind in order to work their will with the slim -active youth. The latter, with a quickness of -resource which would have done credit to one -older than himself, picked up the discarded shotgun -at his feet, covering the lock as he did so with -one hand in order to hide the harm it had suffered. -So long as the others believed it sound and loaded, -he could command the situation.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Say, you,” said the tallest of the quartette in -a loud voice, “what’s the meaning of this row? -We don’t exactly git the hang of things.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Facing the group and with his back toward the -biplane, Harvey answered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your friend had a misunderstanding with my -friend, and it doesn’t seem to be settled yet, -though it looks as if yours had the advantage.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What was the quarrel about?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Your friend—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That’s Herb,” interrupted the other speaker.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Herb fired his gun at us without any cause.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Yes; we heerd it; if he didn’t have any cause, -what was the reason he took a shot at you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Pure cussedness is all I can think of.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Didn’t he hit either of you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He grazed my face; we came down to ask -an explanation, and my colored companion was -giving him a good pummeling, when you came -up and scared him away.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>“I take it, stranger, that that contraption over -there is one of them infarnal flying machines.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is a flying machine, but there’s nothing -infernal about it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Folks hain’t no bus’ness to cavort round the -country in them.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I don’t see why they haven’t; we are not -injuring you or any one else.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Boys,” said the speaker, turning to his companions -who were standing near and listening to -the conversation; “the best thing we can do is to -rip the blamed thing to slathers. What do you -say?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Them’s our sentiments,” replied one while -the three nodded.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Come on then; it won’t take us long to make -kindling wood of it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He took a step forward, and then stopped. -Harvey had leveled the gun.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The first one that lays a hand on my aeroplane -must be prepared to have daylight let through -him.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a staggering threat, but in the trying -moment, Harvey Hamilton could not help reflecting -that the weapon was not only injured, but unloaded. -He would be in a sorry situation should -they learn the truth.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>The strained situation could not last, and he -slowly backed toward the machine, holding the -weapon in front, ready to be raised again to a -level should it become necessary.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Four of you are rather too much for me,” -he said with a grim smile.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hooh! One of us could lay you out as easy -as rolling off a log.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am willing to take you one at a time, but -I know that as soon as I get the best of him the -rest of you will pitch in and do me up.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was “Bill” who was talking for the four. -He grinned and with a snort replied:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’d ax nothing better than one crack at you, -but there ain’t no show with that loaded gun in -your hands; nobody but a coward would use -that.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then you may consider me a coward, for I -am on to your tricks.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>By this time Harvey had reached his machine, -but the problem remained as to how he could -seat himself and start the motor without inviting -an attack that must overwhelm him and wreck -his property. He stood for a minute undecided, -while his enemies, less than a dozen paces away, -were on the alert for a chance to seize any advantage -that offered.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>Suddenly the young aviator stepped into his seat, -but, standing upright, faced about and confronted -them still with gun in hand. They showed an -ugly disposition at the prospect of his eluding them, -but seemingly there was no way to prevent it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If you would like a closer view,” Harvey said, -“I have no objection, but you must come one at a -time. You may do so first.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He indicated Bill, who hesitated:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No shenanigan!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nothing of the kind, I promise you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>After a moment’s pause, he gingerly approached, -but showed he was not wholly free from misgiving.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you think of that big wheel?” asked -Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hooh! seems to be made of black walnut,” -replied the other, laying a hand on one of the propeller -blades.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So it is; have you enough muscle to turn it -round?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That’s dead easy,” replied Bill, grasping one -of the arms and whirling it about with double the -force that was necessary.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span> - <h2 id='chapXII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XII.<br /> <br />PEACEFUL OVERTURES FAIL.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>The revolution of the propeller of course -started the engine, with such a terrific -outburst of noise that Bill instinctively -drew back a pace or two. In an instant the blades -were spinning round with tremendous velocity, -and the aeroplane began moving over the ground -with fast increasing speed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The sight roused Bill, who dashed forward to -intercept it. He had almost reached the machine -when it bounded upward and glided beyond his -grasp. The delighted Harvey tossed the gun toward -him, and in a rage at his slip Bill snatched -the weapon from the ground and shouted:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Stop or I’ll shoot!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>His action and movement of the lips told the -young aviator the substance of the threat, and with -a tantalizing gesture he called back:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Shoot and be hanged!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bill was in a savage mood and brought the gun -to his shoulder. He aimed carefully, and with the -brief distance between the two could hardly have -missed had the weapon been in order; but we -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>recall that the hammers were broken, to say nothing -of the lack of a full charge in the barrels. Either -would have been sufficient to save the fleeing -aviator, who having set the machine going, looked -round to watch his enemy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He saw him suddenly lower the gun and then -fling it angrily to the ground. No doubt his -chagrin was intensified by the remembrance of the -chance he had let pass when the youth was really -at his mercy. He shook his fist at Harvey, who -was now a hundred feet above the ground and -going at moderate speed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In that hurried scrutiny, however, the aviator -made a disquieting discovery. Two of the remaining -young men were invisible. Doubtless they -had dived into the wood in pursuit of the panic-stricken -Bohunkus, who of necessity was left in a -most dangerous situation. Harvey had been -compelled to desert him for the time, though he was -the last person in the world to abandon a friend -in trouble. How to save him from the vengeance -of the baffled party was a serious question.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If there were only one chasing him,” thought -Harvey, “I shouldn’t care a fig, for Bunk has -already proved himself his master, but he will be -helpless against four or even two, and it looks as -if he will have three at least to fight.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>The problem was a puzzling one. The flight -of the colored lad was so sudden that he and Harvey -had not been able to exchange a word. A few -sentences would have effected an understanding. -His friend would have told him to make his way -to the nearest town and there wait until he could -hunt him out and take him aboard again. Moreover, -among Bunk’s accomplishments was a -remarkable fleetness of foot. He could have continued -his flight through the wood into the open -country and gained enough advantage to offer -Harvey the opportunity of picking him up before -his enemies interfered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But it was useless to speculate, since all this was -out of the question. Having ascended some three -hundred feet, Harvey began slowly circling around, -with just enough speed to hold the elevation. He -returned so as to hover directly over the head of -Bill, who still stood alone on the edge of the wood -closely watching him. Thus the situation remained -for several minutes, during which Harvey -Hamilton met with one of the narrowest escapes -of his life.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Feeling that in one respect the countrymen were -the masters, he decided to express to Bill, who was -evidently the leader of the quartet his willingness -to apologize, pay for the injured gun, and leave a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>liberal tip for Herb, the only one who had suffered -during the singular meeting; and then descend, -take Bunk aboard and bid good-bye to the inhospitable -country.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The objection to the plan was the probability of -treachery on the part of Bill and his companions. -All had shown an ugly disposition and so much -resentment that it was more than likely they would -break the agreement, and at least destroy the -aeroplane so utterly as to place it beyond repair.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was this misgiving that caused Harvey to -hesitate. He circled several times—always to the -left—gradually descending, and kept watch of the -solitary figure below him. Finally, having made -his decision, he leaned over the side of the aeroplane -and shouted as he slowed down the motor:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Say, Bill, what’s the use of our quarreling?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bill did not attempt to answer the conundrum.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If I do the fair thing, will you call it off?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you mean by the fair thing?” demanded -the surly young man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I broke that gun and will pay you for it; I’ll -give you ten dollars to hand to Herb, though I -don’t see why he should get anything.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bill was silent a minute, as if turning the proposition -over in his mind. Finally he glared upward -and uttered the one query:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>“Wal?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“When I have done that, I shall take my colored -friend aboard and have the honor of bidding you -good day until we meet again.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>This was a clear proposal and could not fail to -impress Bill favorably, no matter whether he -meant to “tote fair” or not. Bill didn’t seem able -to think of any objection or to suggest an amendment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“All right,” he shouted back; “I’ll do it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey meant there should be no room for a -misunderstanding.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am to come down to the ground, hand you -ten dollars as a salve—”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I guess Herb will need some salve for that face -of his,” grimly interjected Bill.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And another ten dollars to pay for the damages -to the gun. That will make everything right -between us and none of you will interfere further.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’m agreeable; hurry down.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was at this juncture that Harvey Hamilton -received warning of a frightful peril that in another -moment would have caught him inextricably. He -had started to volplane to the ground, when an -impulse caused him to turn his head sufficiently to -glance at the man with whom he had just made his -agreement. In that passing glimpse, Harvey saw a -hand reach from behind the trunk of a large oak -at the back of Bill and exchange guns with him.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>It was done in a twinkling, only the arm holding -the weapon and the corner of the fellow’s face -showing for an instant, during which he placed in -the grasp of Bill a loaded piece and relieved him of -the useless one.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There could be no mistake as to the meaning -of the sinister action: Bill intended to play false. -He would secure the money promised, and quite -likely rob Harvey of all that remained, would -wreck the aeroplane and shamefully maltreat both -youths. But for this discovery, Harvey would -have walked into the lion’s den the next moment, -but with that coolness which was one of his most -striking traits, he began edging away and upward, -as if it were a part of his plan of manipulating the -descent. If Bill chose to use his gun, he was near -enough to make only a single shot necessary, and -Harvey’s object was to get beyond range, before -revealing his purpose.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What are you doing?” called Bill, handling his -weapon threateningly.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I want to make sure the machinery is working -right; it will take only a minute.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bill was partly satisfied, but had no excuse for -objecting.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>The circling grew wider, until the right height -was attained, when Harvey headed toward the -dim range of mountains in the distance, with a -speed of at least fifty miles an hour. Only a few -seconds were needed to place him far beyond range. -Checking his motor for an instant so as to permit -his voice to be heard, he called to Bill:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I don’t like the looks of that new gun in your -hand; don’t expect me before to-morrow or some -day next week.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>In his impotent rage, Bill brought his weapon to -his shoulder, took quick aim and discharged both -barrels. It was a foolish thing to do, for not one -of the shots carried to the aeroplane, all being dissipated -long before they could reach it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Clever as had been the strategy of Harvey, the -grave problem remained as to how he was to -extricate Bohunkus Johnson from his dangerous -situation. Disappointed in capturing the aviator -and his machine, the party were quite sure to turn -their rage against the colored youth, unless by his -superior fleetness he could elude the whole party.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey’s altitude gave him a clear view of the -patch of woods, which was perhaps a third of a -mile in width and double that length. It was the -season of the year when the foliage was at its full, -and if Bunk gained a fair start he ought to have -no trouble in hiding himself from his enemies; but -how were he and his friend to come together again?</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>“It is as hard to decide as it is to figure out why -that man behind the oak with his loaded gun did -not keep hidden till I came within reach, and then -open on me without giving away his scheme as he -did; that would have cooked my goose, though they -may have felt doubt of getting hands on the -machine if they fired before it touched ground.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Without climbing higher, Harvey circled about -the woods, scanning the green depths below for -some signal from his comrade. Bill and his companion -had passed from sight, so that the five -were somewhere in the depths of the forest. The -aviator glided along the sky over the tree tops -without catching a glimpse of anything to give -hope. Then he passed a little way beyond the -western end and circled about again. He saw -a farm house a mile distant, and unless hope presented -itself in some form very soon, he determined -to go thither in quest of help against the lawless -young men.</p> - -<p class='c014'>What was that which suddenly caught his -roving eye? On the margin of the wood something -flitted for a moment like a bird hopping from -one branch to another. He would have believed -it was such, had it not been so near the ground. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>Whisking his binoculars from his shoulder, he -scanned the object. His heart thrilled when he -recognized a cap swung by a person standing -behind the trunk of a large tree.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s Bunk!” exclaimed the delighted youth; -“his foes are so near that he daresn’t show himself.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey was quick to make up his mind. Shutting -off power for a moment he called in his clear, -ringing voice:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Wait where you are, Bunk! I’ll be back in a -minute or two; don’t leave till I give the word and -then come a-running.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The cap was waved again and Harvey fancied he -saw the corner of the negro’s countenance as he -peered round the trunk.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The fear of the aviator was that the five men -who were sure to be watching his movements, -knowing he was trying to save his colored companion, -would have their attention drawn to the -spot over which the aeroplane was hovering. -There was the danger that they had heard his call -and would act on the hint, but the risk had to be -taken.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey next shifted to the opposite side of the -wood, where he dallied back and forth for half an -hour, as if trying to fix upon a good landing place. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>He knew he was under the eyes of the angered -countrymen, but was certain he had drawn them -to that side of the forest, where they were so far -from Bohunkus that it would take considerable -time for them to return to his neighborhood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Suddenly the aeroplane darted off like a swallow, -skimming over the trees, at the spot selected.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Quick, Bunk! Don’t lose a second! Jump -aboard!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Out of the wood dashed a young man and ran -straight for the machine at headlong speed, but -he was not Bohunkus Johnson!</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span> - <h2 id='chapXIII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XIII.<br /> <br />SCIENCE WINS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Clever as was Harvey Hamilton, and skilfully -as he had played the game, he was -outwitted at last, for the individual who -rushed toward him was his enemy Bill, and he -carried a loaded gun.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Not only that, but after him hurried one, two, -three, four others, ready to back up their leader. -One of them carried a deadly weapon. Bohunkus -Johnson was nowhere in sight.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No wonder the young aviator was dumfounded -for the moment. He was still seated, with his -hands grasping the levers, but he was too wise to -try to flee, with that gun commanding him and the -holder of it in the mood to use it. In a twinkling, -the grinning Bill was at his side and laid his free -hand upon one of the propeller blades.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Shall I start the thing humming agin?” he -asked with grim irony.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey’s wits flashed back to him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Wait till I do my part,” he replied, as if the -slightest misunderstanding had not come between -them.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>As he spoke, he stepped on the ground and drew -out his pocket book, while the five stood expectantly -around, all not understanding what the -action meant.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I was so afraid we might have some accident -with that gun,” he remarked, observing the -damaged weapon in the hands of one of the party; -“that I broke the hammers; you can get them -fixed at a gunsmith’s for a dollar, so I guess that -will about make it right.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>With which he handed a ten-dollar bill to Bill, -who crumpled it up and shoved it into his pocket, -without a word of acknowledgment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The situation was delicate to the last degree. -A few feet away stood Herb, whose homely face -spoke eloquently of the scrimmage through which -he had passed. One eye was closed, the upper -lip was swollen to twice its usual size, and the -cheeks were bruised, to say nothing of the rent -shirt, with more than one crimson stain showing -upon it. To offer to settle the matter by handing -the sufferer money was like adding insult to -injury, though the majority of mankind have -little trouble in swallowing offenses of that -nature.</p> - -<p class='c014'>No one could have met the point more tactfully.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>“Herb,” said Harvey, stepping toward him; -“you and my colored man had a run-in and the -last I saw of him he was going for life.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You bet he was!” said the other; “it’s blamed -lucky for him he run so fast I couldn’t ketch him; -if I’d done so there would have been a dead nigger -in these parts.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey hid the pleasure that this reply gave him. -Bunk had escaped from his foe and was safe -somewhere.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He got me foul,” Herb added, feeling that some -explanation was due his fellows who had seen him -in his humiliating situation; “but I throwed him -off and then he took to his heels.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Herb added several sulphurous exclamations -which it isn’t necessary to place on record.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I saw him running, but I notice that he -managed to injure your clothes and it is no more -than right that the damage should be taken out -of his wages. Will this make it square?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>When Herb saw the size of the bill handed to -him his little gray eyes—or rather one of them—sparkled -with greed. But the three who had not -been thus remembered were angered.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Say, boss, you seem to have a purty good wad -there; ’spose you hand out a few more of the long -green.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>This suggestive remark was made by the -scowling scamp who answered to the name of -Sam. As if there should be no doubt of his -meaning, Bill took it upon himself to add:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That’s right; you don’t need any money when -you’ve got that sky wagon to tote you about. So -fork over.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey’s face flushed, but holding his anger -under control, he said to Bill:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The agreement between us was that if I handed -this money to you, my colored friend was to -rejoin me and neither he nor I nor the machine -be molested.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How can the moke jine you when he’s run off?” -asked Herb.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We’ll waive that point, but you are not to injure -my machine nor expect any more money from me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Do you mean to say you won’t give it?” -demanded Bill truculently.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ll die first; I didn’t know you were a gang -of cowards as well as scoundrels.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who’re you calling a coward?” growled Bill, -his sunburned face flushing an angrier red.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Every one of you! Five against one; you -wouldn’t dare attack me singly.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I wouldn’t, hooh? Boys,” added the bully, -addressing his companions, “this lily is my game. -You don’t have any put here. Understand?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>They sourly nodded, though little or no reliance -could be placed on any promise they might make.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Will you agree to fight me alone?” asked -Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Of course; that suits me down to the ground.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And the rest are not to mix in, no matter what -happens?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Hain’t I told you that? What ails you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That suits me,” replied Harvey, who coolly -took off his coat and flung it across the footrest -of the aeroplane. If anything like fair play was -shown him, he had no fear of the result, for though -his antagonist was taller and possibly stronger, he -knew nothing of the science of boxing. Having -doffed his outer garment, Harvey proceeded in the -same deliberate fashion to roll up his sleeves. -Then he poised his right fist a few inches in front -of his chest and diagonally across it, with the left -extended toward his antagonist. The left foot -was advanced so that the weight of his body -rested on the right leg, so balanced that he could -leap forward or backward as might suddenly -become necessary. His handsome face was a -shade paler, and he compressed his lips as he said -in a quiet even voice:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’m ready!”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>The prospect of a fight between two men or -even boys is always sure to interest the spectators -no matter who they may be. Every one of the -five men was in a state of delighted expectation, for -not an individual felt the faintest doubt that the -dandified youth was about to undergo the beating -of his life. The four were ready to promise they -would remain neutral, for they could not believe -a possibility existed of their champion needing -help.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As for Bill himself, he chuckled, for he dearly -loved a fight and he felt venomous toward this -intruder, because he seemed to be rich and had -lately played a humiliating trick upon him. He -handed his gun to Dick, but did not remove his -coat, because he did not happen to be wearing any. -He made a motion with each hand in turn, as if -to shove the bands of his shirt toward the elbow, -but he merely tightened them. He did indulge, -however, in a little act that is generally peculiar -to a countryman. He spat on his horny palms -and rubbed them together.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey saw from the first that though Bill -might be a powerful man, he lacked even a rudimentary -knowledge of boxing. He held his fists -in front, but they were well down, separated -by a wide space, and when he drew near enough -to deliver a blow, his feet were side by side. While -Harvey Hamilton’s pose was an ideal one, that of -Bill was the opposite.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>In contests of this nature, the sympathies of -the reader are naturally with the “gentleman,” -and the story teller generally arranges that he shall -be the victor, though in real life it is not likely -to happen that way. Had the elder undergone -the training of the younger, he assuredly would have -beaten him to a “frazzle,” but it was that one -thing lacking which proved the undoing of Bill.</p> - -<p class='c014'>His awkward advance upon the youth gave the -latter the opening he was waiting for, and coolly, -promptly and fiercely he seized the advantage. -Bill lunged out terrifically, but the blow was a -round one and being cleverly parried, swished in -front of Harvey’s face. In the same instant his -opponent made a single bound forward, so as to -throw the weight of his body into the straight, -lightning-like thrust of the left fist, which crashed -against Bill’s receding chin with the force of a -mule’s kick. He went over on his back, completely -knocked out and with no more sense than a log -of wood. It may be said that the fight was ended -before it fairly began.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey knew some seconds must pass before -Bill would be able to climb to his feet. He shifted -front in a flash and said:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>“I’m waiting for the next.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He still held his arms in position and danced -deftly about as if impatient over the slight delay -in their attack. But their hesitation was due -more to bewilderment than fear, though the sight -of the motionless form stretched on the ground told -its own story.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It would be thought that the courage shown by -the young pugilist would have appealed to the -manhood of the others, but, sad to say, they had -no manhood to which appeal could be made. The -one known as Dick shouted:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Are we going to stand that, boys? Didn’t -you see him hit Bill? He hit him foul! Let’s -lay him out!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey braved himself for the shameless attack, -determined to make their victory cost them dear. -He knew that more than one would suffer, but a -pang shot through him when Dick called out:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Let’s smash that old thing to flinders first and -then serve him the same way.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That’s the idee!” answered Sam; “we’ll make -one job of it!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And they charged together to carry out their -cowardly threat.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span> - <h2 id='chapXIV.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XIV.<br /> <br />MILO MORGAN SAVES THE DAY.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>As straight downward as if fired from the -zenith, a tiny missile shot through the air -so swiftly that no one saw it. It struck -the ground directly in front of the four men and -burst with a deafening report. In the same -second, another followed the first, landing just -behind the group with the same terrifying explosion. -All saw the flash, the smoke and the flying particles.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Then a third and fourth followed with similar -results. Succeeding the fire and crash a voice -rang out:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Run for your lives! Take to the woods or you -are dead men!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The command, which sounded as if it came from -heaven, acted like an electric shock upon the four -young men, who with gasps of dismay dived in -among the trees with such headlong panic that -two dropped their hats, and the others stumbled, -crawling forward and scrambling to their feet -as best they could.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>The bewildered Harvey might have done the -same, for it seemed the only way of escaping a -frightful death, had he not fancied there was a -familiar note in the deep bass voice. When he -looked aloft, the strange occurrence was explained. -Balanced directly overhead and not more than a -hundred feet high, floated a monoplane. A slim -man more than six feet tall and clothed in a long -flapping duster was standing erect with a small, -oblong object in his hand to which he had just -applied a match. He let it hiss for a moment, and -then tossed it away so that it fell only a few feet -from where Harvey stood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Don’t be scared,” he called; “I’m just practicing -how to drop a bomb on the deck of a vessel; -these things make a loud noise but nothing more.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>As the delighted youth stared upward, he saw -painted in glaring letters on the under side of the -single plane the words:</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>“<span class='sc'>The Dragon of the Skies.</span>”</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c014'>“Aren’t you coming down to call?” asked -Harvey. “No one could be so welcome as you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So I judged from the way things looked; I -have been up here some time watching matters. -You keeled over that brute beautifully.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He is showing signs of revival.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Stand a little out of the way and watch me -help revive him.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>Harvey, relieved beyond expression by the happy -turn of affairs, sprang several paces aside and -watched his friend aloft. He was still standing -erect, balanced so perfectly in the calm that he did -not have to steady himself. The missiles which he -had flung to the earth were simply giant firecrackers, -some six inches long and more than an -inch in diameter. He knew when he lighted the -powder-soaked string which served as a fuse how -many seconds it would require to reach the powder -within. It has been shown how accurate he was -in his calculations.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey saw the flicker of the smoking match as -it was touched to the short dangling twist of fuse -attached to the cracker which he held in his left -hand beside his waist, while with one eye closed -he squinted along the red tube as if aiming a -gun. Then he parted his thumb and forefinger -and the cracker tumbled downward end over -end, and either through extraordinary skill or by -good luck dropped upon the chest of Bill and -burst with terrific force and deafening noise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It certainly “revived” the man, for with a howl -he leaped to his feet and plunged in among the -trees in the wildest panic conceivable. A fifty-pound -bombshell would have caused more damage -but could not have created greater terror.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>Harvey in the reaction of his spirits leaned -against his biplane to keep from falling through -excessive mirth. He had never seen anything so -funny in his life. In the midst of his merriment, -Professor Milo Morgan called down:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I must be off; good-bye; better not bother with -such folks as these.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But, Professor, won’t you make me a call?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Haven’t time; other matters are awaiting me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Can you tell me anything about Bohunkus?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He’s round on the other side of the wood, waiting -for you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>As he spoke, the elongated aviator extended -one arm, so that no doubt was left of the direction -meant. Then he resumed his seat, and the Dragon -of the Skies darted into space like an eagle -diving from his mountain perch.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey noticed again that swiftly as the man -was speeding, his monoplane seemed to emit no -noise whatever. It was certainly a remarkable -muffler that enabled him to do this, and it -explained why none of the party below had any -inkling of the crank’s proximity until he made it -known in the startling manner described. Moreover -his uplifter held him sustained without motion, -as we sometimes see a bird hovering over the ocean -and preparing to dart downward for its prey.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>“He has made enough inventions already to give -him riches beyond estimate, but the fact seems to -be the last to enter his head.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Harvey could not forget his dusky comrade. -Professor Morgan had told where he could be -found, provided he had not gone elsewhere in -the meantime. The five young men with whom -the couple had had their affray were still capable -of making trouble. It was possible that when they -found none was harmed, they would return to -look into matters. The minutes were too valuable -to be wasted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Although the aeroplane had been exposed to -danger it had suffered no injury. Instead of -procuring a brake, in the form of a prop from the -nearby wood, with which to hold the machine -until momentum was gathered, the young aviator -whirled the propeller about, stepped into his seat -and grasped the control. The motor started at -once and sent out its deafening racket. The -little rubber-tired wheels began slowly turning and -sped swiftly across the open space. Harvey waited -until he was going very fast, when he drew back -the handle and in the same instant felt he was -traveling on nothing. Upward and outward he -shot to a height of three hundred feet, when he -circled about and came back over the wood, beyond -which he glided to the other side.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>It was there he ought to find Bohunkus. Slowing -his progress as much as he could and still -remain aloft, he scanned the earth in quest of the -colored youth. There was the stretch of woodland, -meadow and sparsely cultivated ground, with -the small dwelling in the distance, the landscape -being crossed by a winding creek which skirted the -forest and lost itself far to the eastward.</p> - -<p class='c014'>But Bohunkus Johnson was nowhere to be seen.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Likely enough he has started off on a run again -with nobody chasing him and may not look behind -until he has gone several miles. It would -serve him right if I left him to get home the best -he can. He has enough money to pay his way -and—.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey’s eye rested on a large maple lying on -the edge of the wood. It had fallen recently, for -the foliage of the abundant limbs was still green. -The trunk, which must have been two feet in diameter -at the base, showed no branches for several -yards, but was held a little above the ground by -the sturdy and bent limbs upon which the greater -weight was resting.</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was no particular reason why this object -should interest Harvey, but it did, and he scrutinized -it closely, as he slowly sailed past. Something -moved, but so vaguely that he could not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>identify it. The object appeared to be under the -log in the open space between it and the ground -upon which it was supported. The distance was -so trifling that Harvey did not call his binoculars -into use.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The top of a person’s head, without a cap or -covering except a mass of black wool, and a pair -of staring eyes, showed over the top of the log. -Their owner was watching the biplane, as if uncertain -of its identity. Had the individual remained -stationary, he would have come into clear -view, as Harvey glided beyond him, but before -that could take place, he ducked under the maple, -whisked beneath, and raising his head, again -peered over the trunk from the other side. He did -not speak, but evidently was mystified and undecided -what to do.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The amused Harvey curved about and then -volplaned to the ground within fifty paces of the -fallen tree. As he did so, he saw Bohunkus -standing erect and grinning at him. He had -donned his cap and was delighted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Did I scare yo’?” he asked, going forward to -meet his friend.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Scare me? How could you do that?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I knowed it was yo’ all de time; I thought I’d -have a little fun wid yo’.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>“What were you doing behind that log, Bunk?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Nuffin; I felt sorter tired and laid down to rest -till yo’ come along; I was getting out ob patience -wid yo’; what made yo’ so late?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have been looking for you; those were queer -performances on your part.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What oblusions am yo’ obluding to, Harv?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You gave that fellow the best thumping he ever -had, and then jumped up and ran off like a big -coward.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Didn’t run away from nobody; it was dem -’leben fellers wid dere loaded guns dat was a -chasing me like all creation; wouldn’t yo’ run -yo’self?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Certainly, if I had been attacked by such a -force, but I stayed behind and entertained the other -four and there was only the one that troubled you. -What became of that fellow who tried so hard to -overtake you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He’s dead,” was the solemn answer of Bunk.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What killed him?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Me,” was the unblushing response; “I kept -running till I got him away from de oder nine, so -dey couldn’t help him; den I whirled about and -lammed him so hard dat it was de last ob him; -he’ll neber insult any ’spectable colored gemman -agin.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>“Well, Bunk, I am afraid you will have to do -your job over, for I saw him only a little while ago. -He may be near at hand this minute.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And Harvey glanced around as if alarmed by -the probability of such a thing.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Being dat am de way things stand, hadn’t we -better emigrate, Harv?”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span> - <h2 id='chapXV.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XV.<br /> <br />UNCLE TOMMY.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Like a sensible young man, Harvey Hamilton -had made a study of his itinerary before -leaving home. Allowing himself a margin -of several days, he expected to rejoin his friends at -the end of a fortnight. If all went well he would -do so earlier, while there was always the possibility -that he might be absent still longer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He knew that the little town nestling several -miles to the left was Darmore. It was at the base -of a spur of the Alleghanies toward which he had -been working his way from the first. His wish -was to pass beyond the thickly settled districts. -Nothing palls sooner upon an aviator than the -endless succession of towns, villages, cultivated -sections and monotonous scenery. While there -must be a certain sameness in the expanses of forest -there was always the chance of adventure which a -normal youngster craves as he does his meals when -hungry.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey had meditated going to Darmore to -renew his supply of fuel, but recalled that after -passing the mountain ridge, another and larger -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>town lay some miles away in the broad forest -valley. He had enough gasoline to carry him -thither and he decided to make the trip. He followed -his general rule of not rising far above the -altitude necessary to clear the tallest trees and -elevations. Thus, viewed far from the rear, the -aeroplane suggested that it was climbing the mountain -side by resting upon and sailing over the billowy -sea of foliage.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The summit proper was no more than two or -three hundred yards in height, and having cleared it -the young aviator mounted higher than before in -order to secure a comprehensive view of the surrounding -country and learn how correct his impressions -were.</p> - -<p class='c014'>He was vastly pleased. Almost in a direct line -and not far away lay Chesterton, a town of several -thousand population and in the midst of a thriving -section of the country. He traced the winding -highways, the scattered farm houses, the broad, -cultivated fields, the signs of busy life everywhere, -and the enormous wealth of forest which continued -up the farther slope, crowned the top of the ridge -and stretched down the incline beyond.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The noisy motor in the sky and the queer looking -object which seemed to be advancing sideways -and at a rapid pace, drew attention wherever it was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>seen. Farmers riding over the dusty roads -stopped their teams and stared aloft until they got -kinks in their necks; men and women climbed to -the roofs of their houses, as if the slight decrease of -distance would help them, and breathlessly studied -the strange sight, some of the spectators with the -aid of spy-glasses; groups gathered on lawns, -porches and in front of their homes; every window -of a passenger train, to say nothing of the platforms, -was wedged with curious observers, while -several white puffs which shot upward from the -steam whistle showed that the engineer was -sending out a salutation to the aerial wanderer who -could not hear it. Everybody had read of aeroplanes -and seen pictures of them, but this was the -first time the real thing had sailed into their sea -of vision and no picture can stir like the actuality -itself.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Two men, one of them carrying a gun, were -walking over the high road, a little way to the -right, and probably two hundred yards from the -aeroplane. They had stopped and were surveying -the strange object overhead. One of them -abruptly raised his weapon and the little faint -blue puff showed he had used the machine as his -target. Instead of a shotgun the fellow fired a -rifle. It was impossible of course to hear the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>report, but the sudden appearance of a small -white spot on the framework of the upper wing, -showed where the bullet had nipped off a splinter. -Strange that so many people cannot observe a -curious object without yearning to shoot it.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey looked around at Bohunkus, and by a -nod and the expression of his face asked whether -he wished to be set down that he might properly -chastise the scamp. The colored youth shook his -head. He had gone through enough in that line -to satisfy him. Harvey shied off and speedily -passed beyond range. The fellow did not try a -second shot.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus far the weather had been ideal, but a -disagreeable change threatened. The sun was -hidden by clouds, which increased in density and -number, and the air became so chilly that both -shivered. Harvey headed for Chesterton, for it -was evident that soon all pleasure in aerial sailing -would be ended for the time.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The approach of the aeroplane roused the usual -excitement in the little country town, and when -Harvey descended in an open space near the collection -of houses, half a hundred people rushed -thither to greet and give him whatever help he -needed. He aimed to make a graceful landing so -as properly to impress the spectators, but he got -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>another reminder of the astonishing sensitiveness -of the aeroplane, which must be handled far -differently from an automobile. He was not -quick enough in shifting the lever and hit the -ground with so violent a bump that Bohunkus, -who was not expecting anything of the kind, was -thrown headlong from his perch and landed in -a sitting posture with so loud a grunt that the -onlookers laughed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What’s de matter wid yo’?” he asked angrily; -“dat’s de right way to come down in an airyplane. -Hab yo’ any ’bjections?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s the way <em>you</em> land,” replied one of the men, -“because you don’t know any better.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bohunkus would have been glad to make a -scathing retort, but was unable to think of one. -So he said in the way of reproof to his companion:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“De next time yo’s gwine to try to knock a hole -fru de airth, let me know so I can jump.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It will do you as much good to jump afterward -as before. It looks to me as if a storm is coming, -Bunk, and we must get the machine under shelter.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The pleasant feature about the situation was that -the crowd which had gathered and continued to -gather was a friendly one. No one spoke an ill-natured -word and all were eager to help in every -way possible.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>When Harvey stood on the ground, facing the -group, he asked:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Are we going to have a rain?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>He’s</em> the man that’ll tell you all about the -weather for a week to come and hit it every -time.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The one who spoke pointed to an old farmer, without -coat or waistcoat, with a ragged straw hat, chin -whiskers and bent shoulders, who was chewing -tobacco after the manner of a cow masticating -her cud.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How is it, Uncle Tommy?” asked the man -who had just spoken.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The old fellow, still chewing, looked up at the -sky and then around the heavens, squinting one -eye as he carefully studied the signs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’ll rain like all creation inside of a couple of -hours; then it’ll hold up a little while and bime by -start in agin and drizzle all night.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How about to-morrow?” asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’ll be bright and clear, but a little cooler -than to-day.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Tell the young gentleman how the rest of the -week will be,” insisted his neighbor.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The next three days will be clear and rayther -warmish; I won’t say anything beyond that this -afternoon, but if ye wanter know, I’ll obleege ye -to-morrer when I’ve had a snifter and my breakfast.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>“I am much obliged; you have told me what -I wanted to know. I shall need shelter for this -aeroplane; can any of you gentlemen help me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>There was less difficulty than Harvey anticipated. -Chesterton had a single large hotel or tavern as -the townspeople called it, with the usual rows of -sheds for the convenience of countrymen when -they drove in from the neighborhood. With the -help of several bystanders the machine was shoved -over the road and through the alley—where much -care was necessary to save the wings from injury—to -the sheds at the rear. There, after some delicate -maneuvering, the machine was worked into the -shelter at the corner, where a fair hangar was -secured.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Here we stay till the weather clears,” said -Harvey to Bunk, as they strolled into the hotel to -get their dinner, for which each had a keen -appetite.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Where all showed so hospitable a disposition, -Harvey felt little fear of any harm to the aeroplane, -though Bohunkus strolled out once or twice to -make sure everything was right. After the meal -the young aviator seated himself in the utility room, -as it may be called. This was connected by a door -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>that was always open with the bar, and was -intended for the convenience of those who wished -something a little less public. It was provided -with several chairs, a round table standing in the -middle of the apartment, and had a sanded floor -and a few cheap sporting prints on the walls. A -half dozen men were seated around, most of them -with feet elevated on other chairs or the window -sills, while they gossiped of the affairs of the -neighborhood. They showed little interest in -Harvey and Bunk. The former obtained pen, -paper and ink from the landlord and spent a part -of the afternoon in writing to his parents and to -brother Dick in the Adirondacks. He named a -town in advance which he expected to reach at -the end of a week, as the proper one to which to -address their replies. This duty attended to, -Harvey looked at Bunk, whose cap had fallen on -the floor as he leaned back in his chair and slept. -There was no prejudice so far as yet shown against -his race in that section and he was not annoyed -by any one.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Recalling the words of the old weather prophet, -Harvey went out on the long covered porch in front -of the hotel. The two hours had passed and the -rain was coming down in torrents. Then, just as -the venerable farmer had said would be the case, -it slackened, with the promise of renewal before -nightfall.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>“Some of those old fellows can beat the government -every time,” reflected Harvey; “I shall -believe Uncle Tommy until I see the proof of his -mistake. Well, I declare!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>It happened at that moment that Harvey -Hamilton was the only person on the porch, where -several wooden chairs awaited occupants. Here -and there a man or woman could be seen hurrying -along the sloppy street, all eager to reach home or -shelter. The youth’s exclamation was caused by -sight of an unusually tall man, in a long, flapping -linen duster, striding forward on the same side as -the tavern, so that he passed within a dozen paces -of where the astonished youth stared wonderingly -at him, for, without his distinctive attire, the long -grizzled beard and glowing black eyes identified -him at once.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How are you, Professor?” called Harvey; -“I’m mighty glad to see you again.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The individual upon being hailed looked at the -young man as if he had never seen him before, -and then, without the slightest sign of recognition, -stalked up the street and out of sight.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span> - <h2 id='chapXVI.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XVI.<br /> <br />A MYSTERIOUS COMMUNICATION.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Harvey Hamilton stood speechless. -When he spoke to Professor Morgan, they -were no more than a rod apart, with only -the broad open space in front of the hotel between -them. Upon hearing himself addressed, the man -had looked straight into the face of the lad and -then, as already said, passed on without the -faintest sign of recognition.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A more direct snub cannot be imagined, and yet -it was not in the nature of a snub. Nothing had -occurred that could justify so marked a slight. -The humiliation which Harvey felt for a few -seconds quickly passed away.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He must have been too absorbed in reverie -to see me, and yet that can’t be possible, for he -showed that he heard me call him by his title.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>By and by the young aviator reached the only -conclusion that seemed reasonable.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He is a crank in every sense of the word; he is -as crazy as a June bug; he was friendly enough -last night and this forenoon, and now he is in a -different mood. Well, I shall always feel grateful -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>for the good turn he did me. If we meet again, he -may be in a more genial frame of mind; at least -I hope so.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The downpour was increasing and the air had -become so chilly that Harvey passed inside to the -sitting-room. The same number of men were -present as before, smoking, chewing and gossiping. -He glanced into their countenances, as he moved -his chair beside the sleeping Bohunkus Johnson, -prepared to pass the dismal hours as best he could -without finding any reading matter in the form of -books or newspapers. He had registered before -dinner and engaged a room for himself and another -for his companion. His letters were given to the -landlord, who promised to send them to the post -office in time for the afternoon’s mail.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Somehow or other, there was one man among -the group in whom Harvey felt a slight interest, -though he attributed the fact to the lack of anything -else to engage his mind. This individual -was standing at the desk, when Harvey came from -the outside, studying the dog-eared register, as if -he too was guided by some idle impulse. He -glanced at the newcomer and followed him into -the larger room, where he lighted a cigar and took -a seat against the other wall.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>He was of slight frame, in middle life, dressed in -a gray business suit, with clean shaven face, a thin -sharp nose, good teeth and keen blue eyes. He -was alert of manner, and might well have been a -drummer held in town for a brief while against his -will. When Harvey glanced at him again he -quickly averted his eyes. Apparently he did not -wish to be detected in the act and he came within -a hair of succeeding in his attempt. He gazed in -an absent way through the door leading to the -bar-room and smoked his cigar like a man who -thoroughly enjoyed the weed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Being in an idle mood, Harvey twisted the -corner of his handkerchief into a tight spiral, -making the end quite stiff and pointed, and, leaning -forward, began drawing it back and forth -against the base of the sleeping Bohunkus Johnson’s -nose. Immediately every other person in the -room began watching the proceedings.</p> - -<p class='c014'>For a little while the negro slept on undisturbed. -Then he suddenly crinkled his broad, flat nose -and flipped his hand at the fly or mosquito that -was supposed to be tickling him. The spectators -grinned, and Harvey waited till Bunk was slumbering -as heavily as before. Then he resumed his -role of Tantalus. This time he tickled so energetically -that Bunk struck impatiently at his -tormentor and banged the top of the chair a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>vigorous blow—so vigorous indeed that several -of the men snickered and the dusky youth opened -his eyes and raised his head, as wide awake as -ever in his life.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Think yo’s smart, doan’ yo’?” he growled, -donning the cap that had fallen to the floor and -shaking himself together.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The next thing, Bunk, you’ll fall asleep in the -biplane and tumble out head first.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I doan’ see dat it’ll make any difference to yo’ -if I do,” replied the other, nettled by the general -laughter more than by the manner of his awaking.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It won’t, but it will to you. If you want to -sleep all the time go to your room.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bohunkus mumbled something, shifted his -position, sank down in his chair until he seemed -to be sitting on the upper part of his spine, and -in a few minutes was nodding again. Harvey -molested him no further, but looking up discovered -by a furtive glance that the thin young man -in gray had been studying him for an indefinite -time, though quick to shift his gaze as before.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey drew his note-book from his pocket, and, -bringing his chair to the table, began making -sketches with his pencil, wholly from imagination. -The stranger, a little while later, drew up his seat -opposite and busied himself in the same way. -Thus the situation remained for perhaps ten -minutes.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>Suddenly a pellet of paper the size of a dime -was flipped across the brief space and fell upon -the page that was covered with Harvey’s tracings. -He knew it came from the man on the other side -of the table, and he understood it was meant to be -secret. It was an extraordinary way by which to -communicate with him, when it would have been -easy to speak one or two words in so guarded tones -that they could not be overheard. But the man -must have had his reasons, which would appear -later.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With that quickness of resource that has been -shown to be a marked trait of Harvey Hamilton, -he did a bright thing. Without betraying any -haste or interest, he picked up the tiny wad and -slipped it into his waistcoat pocket. He did not -even look at the stranger, but nodded his head, -keeping his eyes on his note-book. A minute later -the man rose from his chair and sauntered into -the bar-room, turning off to one side so as to be -out of sight of the youth had he looked for him -while still in his seat, which he did not.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was with curious emotions that Harvey saw -he was called upon to play a peculiar role. He had -been given a written communication in such a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>manner as to make it certain the sender wished no -other person to know what had taken place. The -youth must read the message, but do so secretly. -To untwist the bit and examine it while in the -sitting-room would betray everything. Only one -course remained.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was not yet dark, for it will be remembered it -was summer time, but stepping to the bar, behind -which the landlord was standing serving a customer, -Harvey asked for the key to his room. It -was handed to him from a nail and he was directed -to ascend the stairs to the upper hall, along which -he was to walk until he saw the number “34” on -the door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>As Harvey started to follow directions, he -glanced about the bar-room, in which there were -six or eight persons, but the author of the mysterious -message was not among them. He was -standing on the porch outside, and looked for an -instant through the window at Harvey, but no -sign or signal was exchanged between them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Not until he had entered his room and locked -the door did Harvey unroll the paper pellet, and, -standing by the window where the light was good, -read the following words:</p> -<p class='c018'>“I shall knock at your door at nine o’clock this -evening. Keep your colored servant out of the -way. I have something important to say to you. -When we meet outside of your room neither must -show that he has ever met the other. Don’t -fail me.</p> -<div class='c019'>S. P.”</div> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>After the perplexity caused by these curious -sentences, Harvey Hamilton’s feeling was that of -amusement.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have come to Chesterton in my aeroplane, -and dived head first into one of the most tremendous -mysteries that ever was. Bunk and I set out -to find adventure and it looks as if we had struck -it rich. But what the mischief can it all -mean?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Try as hard as he might, he could not take the -matter as seriously as it seemed to him he ought to -do. The time was well on in the twentieth century, -he was in one of the most civilized sections of the -Union, and things as a rule were conducted in -accordance with law. Surely “S. P.” was not -hinting at murder, or burglary, or incendiarism, -or any other heinous crime.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is he driving at and who is he?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey Hamilton would not have been a bright, -high-spirited youth of seventeen years had he not -been stirred by the curious communication that -had been delivered so oddly to him. He speculated -and theorized, and the more he did so the more he -was puzzled.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>“Some folks like to be mysterious,” he said, -“and the less cause they have for being so the -more secret they are. Why didn’t ‘S. P.’, whoever -he is, drop me a word, which he could have -done without it being noticed by any one else?</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It must have been there was another person -in the room that he was afraid would become -suspicious, but I have no idea who he was. It is -odd that this fellow is the only one who interested -me.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What can his business be with me? I was -never in this part of the world before and haven’t -had anything to do with the people here, nor -anywhere in the neighborhood, except those -young men this forenoon. It can’t have any -relation to them, for they have not had time to -reach Chesterton since our run-in.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How about Professor Morgan?” Harvey -asked himself with a start. “I know he is in town -and didn’t show any pleasure when I recognized -him. Can it be that he and ‘S. P.’ have anything -between them in which I am concerned?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He sat for a long time turning over the perplexing -subject in his mind, with the only result of -becoming more befogged.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>“Pshaw! what’s the use?” he exclaimed impatiently, -as he came to his feet and donned his -cap; “it is nearly night and I have to wait but a -few hours, when he will make everything clear. -So here goes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>He locked his door behind him and started -down the long hall. At the head of the stairs, -whom should he meet but the alert looking man -in gray? Harvey was about to suggest that they -return to his room together and have their conference, -but the other did not seem to see him; -and recalling the warning, the youth passed down -the steps as if he had encountered an utter stranger. -The latter did not show up at the supper table and -Harvey was relieved, for it would have been some -embarrassment to him. It may have been the -man’s knowledge of this fact that caused him to -keep out of the way.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Time passed slowly. When Harvey looked at -his watch and saw that it lacked fifteen minutes -of the time appointed, he started for his room. -Bohunkus had already gone up stairs. When he -bade his friend good night, he said to him:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I need sleep, Bunk, so stay in your room till I -call you in the morning.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“All right; I hain’t no ’bjection; I sha’n’t get -up till yo’ bang on my door.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span> - <h2 id='chapXVII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XVII.<br /> <br />CALLED TO THE RESCUE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Harvey Hamilton struck a match, after -he had unlocked the door of his room and -stepped inside. He lighted the gas and -seated himself beside the stand in front of the -mirror, to wait the brief interval. He continually -glanced at his watch and twice held it to his ear -to make sure it had not stopped. At three -minutes to nine, he slipped it into his pocket, -leaned back and listened.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I shall soon hear his footstep,” was his -thought; “everything is so still that if he comes -in his stocking feet it will be perceptible on the -bare floor——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>But, though the listening youth had not caught -the slightest noise, he now heard a gentle tap, tap. -He stepped hastily across the room and drew the -door open. The gas light in the apartment -showed the man in gray wrapped in the fainter -illumination of the hall around and behind him. -He did not speak until he had stepped inside. -Then in the lowest and softest of voices he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>“If you don’t mind,” gently turning the key -in the closed door, and stepping forward so as to be -as far as possible from the threshold. As if still -uneasy, he glanced under the bed as his head -came on a level with the post. Then he rose and -peeped into the closet, where nothing hung but -the outer coat of the rightful occupant.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You will excuse me, Harvey, but I must make -sure we are alone,” said the man apologetically.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The host felt a touch of surprise at being addressed -by his given name, but smiled as he also -seated himself, with only the width of the little -stand in the middle of the room between them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You need have no misgivings, sir; we are as -much alone as if we were a mile high in my -aeroplane.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Asking permission, the guest lighted a cigar -and hitched as near as he could to the young man.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You were surprised to receive that note from -me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“My surprise was due as much to the style of -delivery as to its contents. Why didn’t you use -your tongue instead of your pencil?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Two men in the room were watching me.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Didn’t they see you flip the paper?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No; without looking directly at them I knew -when their heads were turned and they were -occupied with that dispute in the bar-room. Then -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>it was that the bit of paper which I was holding -and awaiting my chance, dropped on the page of -your note-book. Had I spoken, they would have -heard me, though they might not have understood -the words, but no sound was made by the tiny -missive.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It would have been natural for me to betray -you by my surprise, and to open the fragment and -read it at the time their attention came back to the -room in which we were all sitting.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I knew you were not that kind of a young man.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The compliment did not wholly please Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How could you know that? What means had -you of learning anything about me? I noticed -that you know my first name.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The hotel register told me that you are Harvey -Hamilton, from Mootsport, New Jersey; a little -study of you when you did not suspect what I was -doing imparted the rest. We detectives become -skilful in reading character.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“So you are a detective?” said Harvey in surprise, -such a thought never having come to him -until this announcement was made.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That is my profession, but you are the only -person in Chesterton who suspects anything of the -kind.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>“You mean you <em>believe</em> so, but, brilliant as are -detectives—that is some of them—they occasionally -make mistakes.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They would not be human if they did not.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But some blunder less than others. You -signed your note with your initials, ‘S. P.’ I have -some curiosity to know what they stand for.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The hotel register would have told you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But I had not enough interest to look; I feel -different now.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You may call me Simmons Pendar.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Knowing at the same time that it is not your -real name.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But will serve as well as any other.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am sure I have no objection; well, Mr. Simmons -Pendar, I am in my room to keep the appointment -you requested. I await your pleasure.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>It may be said that the professional detective, -as he announced himself, was somewhat surprised -by his reception. He supposed that his host—inasmuch -as he was only a boy—would be markedly -impressed when he learned the profession of his -caller, but he seemed almost indifferent. Pendar -was pleased, for it helped to confirm the opinion -he had formed of the mental acuteness of the lad.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have no intention of assuming the mysterious, -Harvey, as some people are fond of doing. Since -I have told you I am a detective, you naturally -wonder what possible business I can have with -you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>“You guessed right the first time.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I assume that you are willing to aid me in the -cause of justice.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You have no right to assume that, for our ideas -of justice, as you term it, may differ.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The visitor laughed, but without the least noise.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Well said! But I am sure we shall agree in this -business.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“That remains to be seen.” And Harvey continued -his attitude of close attention. Detective -Pendar came to the point with a rush:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Some weeks ago Grace Hastings, the five-year-old -daughter of the wealthy Mr. and Mrs. Horace -Hastings, of Philadelphia, was stolen by members -of the Italian Black Hand, who hold her for a -heavy ransom. Perhaps you read the account?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I did,” replied Harvey, compressing his lips -as his eyes flashed; “I was never so angered in my -life. This kidnapping business has become so -common during the last few years that I should like -to help in burning some of the Mafia and Black -Hand devils at the stake. There’s more excuse -for such punishment than for burning those black -imps in the South.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>The youth was so wrought up that he bounded -to his feet and paced rapidly up and down the -room. His caller coolly watched him and remained -silent. The result of his revelation was -what he wished it to be. The leaven was working. -When Harvey became calmer, he resumed his seat, -but his white face betrayed his tense emotion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Would you like to help to rescue the little girl -and bring the scoundrels to justice?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I would give anything in the world for the -chance.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“<em>You have it!</em>”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you mean?” demanded Harvey, -bounding to his feet again.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Just what I said; pull yourself together and -listen.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Don’t keep me waiting.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You are making an excursion through the air -with your aeroplane; this fact gives you an advantage -which may prove a deciding one. I need not -dwell on the grief of the parents of the little one, -which is worse than death itself could cause. -They will give any amount of money to recover -their only child from the grip of those wretches. -They have employed many detectives in searching -for her; I have been doing nothing else for six -weeks.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>“Why don’t they pay the ransom? That has -been done in other cases, with the result of recovering -the stolen one.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“The father wished to pay the demand as soon -as it came to him, but somebody or something has -convinced him that it will prove only the first of -other demands still more exorbitant, with the -recovery of the child much in doubt.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Has no clue been obtained as to the whereabouts -of the little girl?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There’s been no end of clues, but they lead -nowhere. The mother in her frantic grief insists -that her husband shall pay the price without -more delay, and I believe he will not hold out much -longer, satisfied that it is the only hope left to him.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“But how can I give any help with my aeroplane?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have reason to think the gang has its headquarters -not many miles from this place.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey looked his astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“If that is true, what prevents you from running -them down?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“An almost insurmountable difficulty faces me. -I am the only searcher who holds this theory, as -I am the only one who has reason for it. But it -is diamond cut diamond. These miscreants are -alert, shrewd and cunning to the last degree. -They have their watchers out, and upon the first -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>sign of danger they will signal the others, who will -make a lightning change of base, taking the child -with them.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Have you any idea of the spot where they are?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Only that it is several miles away, in the depth -of the forest which covers so large an extent of -this mountainous country.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Then why in heaven’s name don’t you and a -posse rush them?” asked Harvey, impatient with -what seemed the dilatoriness of the officer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No one man nor a dozen men could find their -way over the faint trails in time to surprise the -gang. They keep lookouts on duty day and night. -There isn’t a stranger who comes to Chesterton -that is not watched. Two of their men are in the -hotel this minute; they have had you and even -your stupid colored youth under scrutiny.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Have they any suspicion of <em>me</em>?” asked Harvey -with a grim smile.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“No; for you are too young and your actions are -too open.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How about yourself?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am hopeful that they are in the dark regarding -me, though I am not positive; I am playing the -role of a drummer for a hardware firm in New -York. I have taken quite a number of orders, and -all the time have been on the watch for a chance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>to go upon an exploring expedition through the -surrounding wilderness. You understand the -delicacy of my situation. A single attempt in -that line, even if immediately abandoned, will -give me away and end all possibility of my accomplishing -any good. Still, I had made up my mind -that the essay would have to be made, with all the -chances against success, or I must abandon the -business altogether. Your coming has raised the -hope that you can aid me.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span> - <h2 id='chapXVIII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> <br />PLANNING THE SEARCH.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Harvey Hamilton was about to speak -when Detective Pendar raised a warning -hand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sh!” he whispered; “some one is in the hall.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The youth listened intently, but could not detect -so much as the “shadow of a sound.” None the -less, his guest was right.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“He has gone by; listen!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The faintest possible noise, as if made by some -one opening and closing a door with the extremest -caution, came to their ears.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s one of them,” remarked the detective, -in the same almost inaudible tone; “let’s sit as -near together as we can, and not raise our voices -above a whisper. I allowed you to do so a few -minutes ago, because there were no listeners.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Are those two watchers as you call them staying -at the hotel?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“They occupy the fourth room beyond.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And my negro lad has the third.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And I the second; so we are all neighbors.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>“How will you manage to leave without detection?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am used to that kind of business,” replied -Pendar with a smile; “give it no thought. Let us -return to the matter in which you are as much -interested as I. My proposal is that in sailing -over the surrounding country, you scrutinize it, so -far as your keen vision, assisted by your binoculars, -will permit, in search of the headquarters of this -gang.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How shall I recognize the place if I see it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You will have to follow the law of probabilities. -The woods are uninhabited, except in the -eastern part—that is, in this direction. If you -observe any old house or cabin that shows evidence -of being occupied, probably it’s the place for -which we are looking. Locate it definitely, and -then we shall have something upon which to act. -As soon as you report to me, I’ll move with all the -vigor and common sense at my command.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Here was the proposal as clearly as it could be -put. Harvey nodded his head several times and -compressed his lips, as does one who is in deadly -earnest.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Heaven grant that I shall be able to do something.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>“Then I was not wrong in assuming you were -interested in the cause of justice?” remarked -Detective Pendar.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not by a large majority.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Whoever has a hand in restoring the little girl -to her parents will receive a munificent reward. -Perhaps this fact may be of interest to you.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“None whatever. Now that I shall undertake -the task, we must have an understanding; suppose -I discover such a place as you mention, while -cruising aloft, how am I to communicate with you -without drawing suspicion to myself?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There will be no trouble in that. You can -return to the hotel, as will be quite natural for you -to do, take a room under some pretense such as not -feeling well, and I shall get to you without much -delay. That done it will not be long before we -formulate a plan of action.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Will my negro prove any handicap to me?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“On the contrary, I am hoping he will be of -help.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“In what way?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is impossible for him to be secretive or -cunning; he is so open that his honesty speaks for -itself; no one can doubt that you and he are on a -little outing, with no purpose except enjoyment.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You have gauged his character correctly.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“As I did yours.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>“Don’t be too certain of that; you were correct -at least in believing you would enlist my efforts in -your work.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“When will you be ready to begin?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“To-morrow morning,—provided the weather -proves as clear as that old farmer declared it -would be.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I heard his prophecy; his neighbors believe -him infallible; I think you can count on favoring -conditions. Bear in mind that your task is simple. -You cannot halt and rest in the air, because you -have to travel rapidly to sustain yourself, but you -see the enormous advantages your position gives -you. Wherever a house, even the smallest one, -stands in the woods, the roof or some part of it -must be visible from above. The abductors of the -child will treat her well so long as there is a prospect -of obtaining the ransom, for it is to their -interest to do so. There must be cooking done -in the dwelling, and the smoke will show; washing -and other things are necessary,—all of which you -can learn without the aid of glasses from a perch -of several hundred feet. Are you acquainted with -an aviator known as Professor Morgan?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The abrupt question startled the youth.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I met him last night and again this forenoon. -He is a crank.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>“Rather; his mind is unbalanced, but for all -that it is a brilliant intellect which has been -knocked topsy-turvy by studying out inventions in -aviation.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“And he has made some wonderful ones. He -told me he had discovered a chemical which mixed -with gasoline will keep him in the air for twelve -hours, and he is confident that he will soon double -and triple its effectiveness. He has already -learned how to sustain his machine for some time -motionless.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Have you seen him do it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have,” and Harvey related the incident of the -Professor dropping the giant crackers among the -group on the edge of the wood.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It is a most extraordinary achievement. I -suppose he has managed to secure in some way -the action of supports which operate like the wings -of a bird, when he holds himself stationary in the -sky.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Furthermore, he runs his machine without -noise, which is another feat that no one else has -been able to attain. It seems to me also that his -‘Dragon of the Skies,’ as he has named it, can -travel faster than the swiftest eagle.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>It was in the mind of Harvey to ask the detective -how he came to form the acquaintance of -Professor Morgan and to inquire whether he knew -the crank was in Chesterton at that moment, or -had been there during the afternoon; but, as the -caller did not volunteer the information, the youth -forbore questioning him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We shall not forget that whenever and wherever -we meet outside of this room, it will be as strangers. -If you wish to speak to me on anything, you will -take off your cap and scratch your head. If I see -that, I shall accept it as notice that you have something -important to say. As soon as you can do -so without attracting notice you will go to your -room. When the coast becomes clear I shall -follow you, but prudence may require me to delay -doing so for an hour or for several hours.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>At that moment both were startled by a loud -knock on the door. On the instant, Detective -Pendar whispered:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Make believe you are asleep.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Waiting, therefore, until the summons had been -twice repeated, Harvey asked mumblingly:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who’s there?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“It’s me, Bunk.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you want?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Didn’t yo’ tole me dat I warn’t to bodder yo’ -and yo’ would call me in de morning?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Of course I did; what’s the matter with you?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>“I woke up a little while ago and couldn’t -disremember for suah what it was yo’ tole me, so I -slipped to yo’ door to find out. Dat’s all; good -night!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>And his heavy tread sounded along the hall -to his door through which he passed. The -colored youth had slept so much during the day -that he needed little more refreshment of that -nature.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What do you think of that for stupidity?” -asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am not surprised. I do not recall that I -have anything more to say. Will you be good -enough to glance up and down the hall in search -of anything suspicious?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The detective himself noiselessly opened the -door. Harvey stepped outside and stood listening -and gazing toward the rear through the dimly -lighted avenue, that being the direction in which -the rooms referred to were situated.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I cannot see or hear anything——”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Turning to face the man whom he addressed, -and whom he supposed to be standing directly -behind him, Harvey saw nobody. The room -was empty. The amazed youth looked the -other way, where the stairs lay. He was barely -in time to catch a glimpse of his caller in gray as -he turned the short corner and disappeared down -the steps like a gliding shadow.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>“That beats everything,” remarked the wondering -young aviator, who now locked his door and -prepared for bed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>It was a long time, however, after he turned off -the light and stretched out on the soft mattress -before he was able to woo slumber. Now that the -detective had recalled the kidnapping of the -Hastings child in Philadelphia, many minor -particulars came back to the youth. All these -helped to stir his feelings, until he longed for the -morning when he could begin his work of bringing -the unspeakable miscreants to justice. He comprehended -vividly the anguish of those stricken -hearts in their luxurious home, and shuddered to -think that his own sister Mildred might have been -the stolen child.</p> - -<p class='c014'>With his thoughts flitting with lightning rapidity -from one subject to another, Harvey regretted -that he had not questioned the officer about -Professor Morgan. It would be interesting to -learn how the two had become acquainted.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I wonder,” added our young friend, following -one of his innumerable whimsies, “whether the -Professor is on this job too. He seems to be -lingering in these parts, and he certainly has -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>advantages which can never be mine. Perhaps -when I called to him, he feared it would complicate -matters if I was allowed to mix in. What’s -the use of guessing?” he exclaimed impatiently, -as he flung himself on his side and tried for the -twentieth time to coax gentle slumber to come -to him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The coquettish goddess consented after a time, -though the hour was past midnight when the -youth closed his eyes. Such being the situation, -it is not strange that Bohunkus Johnson was the -first out of bed in the morning, and down stairs. -He was thinking of the aeroplane and fearful that -it had been molested during the night.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I orter watched it agin,” was his thought as -he dashed out of doors.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A few minutes later, Harvey Hamilton was -startled by footsteps rushing along the hall, -followed by a furious thumping on his door.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Git up, Harv, quick!” he shouted; “somebody -has busted de airyplane all to flinders!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span> - <h2 id='chapXIX.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XIX.<br /> <br />THE AEROPLANE DESTROYED.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>With one bound Harvey Hamilton leaped -out of bed and jerked open the door. -Bohunkus Johnson stood before him, -atremble with excitement.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is it you say?” demanded the young -aviator.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“De airyplane am smashed all to bits! It am -kindling wood and nuffin else!” replied the dusky -lad, who staggered into the room and dropped into -a chair, so overcome that he was barely able to -stand.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Never did Harvey dress so quickly. While -flinging on his garments, his tongue was busy.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Have you any idea who did it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Gee! I wish I had! I’d sarve him de same -way!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Is any one near it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Not a soul; dat is dere wa’n’t anyone when I -snoke out dere and took a look. Ain’t it too bad, -Harv? We’ll have to walk home.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“We can ride in the cars; that isn’t worth -thinking about.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>Talking in an aimless way, the youths a minute -later ran along the hall, skittered down stairs and -dashed out to the sheds at the rear of the hotel. -The landlord, who was alone in the bar-room, -stared wonderingly at them as they shot through -the door, but asked no questions.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Bohunkus had scarcely exaggerated in his -story. No aeroplane that gave out in the upper -regions and slanted downward to rocky earth -was ever more utterly wrecked. One or more -persons had evidently used a heavy axe to work -the destruction. Both wings had been smashed, -fully two-thirds of the ribs being splintered; the -lever handles were broken and even the two blades -of the propeller had been shattered. The machine -had been hacked in other places. The engine, -carbureter and magneto were about all that -remained intact, and even they showed dents and -bruises as if attempts had been made to destroy -them.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey walked sadly around the ruin and -viewed it from every angle. His face was pale, -for his indignation was stirred to the profoundest -depths. He said nothing until his companion -asked:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Who’d you think done it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>“I have no more idea than the man in the moon. -There may have been only one person, or there -may have been half a dozen. Ah, if I knew!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Several men straggled into the open yard and -to the shed where they gathered about the two -youths. Harvey looked around and saw there -were six, with others coming into sight. Somehow -or other the news of such outrages seems to travel -by a system of wireless telegraphy of their own. -In a short time a score of spectators were gathered, -all asking questions and making remarks.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The thought struck Harvey that among this -group were probably the criminals. He looked -into their faces and compressing his lips said:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ll give a hundred dollars to learn what -scoundrel did this.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I’ll gib fourteen million,” added Bohunkus -enthusiastically.</p> - -<p class='c014'>A tall, stoop-shouldered young man shook his -head.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Whoever he was he oughter be lynched and -I’d like to help do it.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The suspicion entered the mind of the young -aviator that it was not at all unlikely that the -speaker was the guilty one. With him might -have been joined others and Harvey studied their -faces in the hope of gaining a clue, but in vain. -Knowing his father would back his action he said:</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>“That was done by some person in Chesterton; -you know the people better than I do; if you -would like to earn two hundred dollars find who -he or they were.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Something in the nature of a reaction came over -our young friend. Ashamed of his weakness, -he turned his back on the group, walked rapidly -to the hotel and went to his room. And it must -be confessed that when he reached that, he sat -down in his chair, covered his face with his hands -and sobbed as if his heart were broken. Bohunkus, -who was at his heels, faced him in another chair, -and unable to think of anything appropriate for -the occasion, held his peace, frequently crossing -and uncrossing his beam-like legs, clenching his -fists and sighing. He yearned to do something, -but couldn’t decide what it should be.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey’s outburst lasted only a brief while. -He washed his face and deliberately completed -his toilet.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“There’s no use of crying over spilt milk, -Bunk,” he remarked calmly; “let’s go down to -breakfast.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I knowed dere was something I’d forgot,—and -dat’s it. Seems to me I’m allers hungry, -Harv.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I have thought that a good many times.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>“I’ll tell you what we’ll do, so’s to git rewenge -on ’em.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What’s that?” asked Harvey, who, as is sometimes -the case in mental stress, felt an almost -morbid interest in trifles.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Let’s eat up eberything in de house, so de rest -ob de people will starve to def; de willain dat done -dat will be among ’em and dat’s de way we’ll get -eben wid him.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You might be able, Bunk, to carry out your -plan, but I couldn’t give you much help. Come -on and I’ll try to think out what is the best thing -to do.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The second descent of the boys was a contrast -to their first. They showed little or no trace of -agitation, as they walked into the dining-room and -sat down at the long table where three other guests -had preceded them. Harvey was so disturbed -that he ate only a few mouthfuls, but hardly less -than an earthquake would have affected the -appetite of his companion.</p> - -<p class='c014'>In turning over in his mind the all-absorbing -question, Harvey Hamilton could think of only -one explanation. He believed the destruction of -his aeroplane was due to simple wantonness, for -many a man and boy do mischief just because it -<em>is</em> mischief and they know such action is wrong on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>their part. It was impossible that he should have -an enemy in this country town. It might be the -guilty one or ones were actuated by an unreasoning -jealousy or a superstitious belief that the strange -machine was likely to inflict evil upon the community.</p> - -<p class='c014'>Something like this we say was his theory, though -he was not entirely rid of a vague belief that some -other cause might exist. This was an occasion -when he needed the aid of the detective, Simmons -Pendar, who was not in the dining-room nor had -he seen him about the hotel. In the hope of discovering -his friend Harvey strolled into the sitting-room -and took the seat he had occupied the day -before. The man in gray was invisible, as were -the two foreign looking individuals who were -under suspicion by the officer.</p> - -<p class='c014'>The question which the young aviator was -asking himself was as to the right course for him -to follow. Deprived in this summary fashion of -his air machine, he was without power of giving -Pendar any help in his attempt to recover little -Grace Hastings from the kidnappers. Any essay -on his part in that direction, now that he was confined -to earth, was sure to hinder more than -to aid.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>He was still in a maze of perplexity when -Bohunkus came ponderously to his feet and -started through the door connecting with the hall -which led up stairs. Harvey naturally looked -up to learn why he did so. With the door drawn -back and the negro in the act of stepping across -the threshold, he turned his head, grinned and -winked at his friend. Then he passed out, -closing the door behind him, and the mystified -Harvey heard his muffled footsteps along the hall -and ascending the stairs.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What can he be driving at?” Harvey asked -himself; “that wink looked as if it was an invitation -for me to follow him.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Thus early in the day the two were the only ones -in the sitting-room, so that no one could have -noticed the action of the two. Nor is it easy to -understand why Bohunkus should have relied upon -a wink of the eye, when it was as easy and would -have been much clearer had he used his gift of -speech; but we know how fond his race are of -mystery.</p> - -<p class='c014'>When Harvey reached the top of the stairs, -where the view was unobstructed along the hall, -he saw Bunk standing at his door, as if waiting -for him. The space between the two was such -that this time the dusky youth instead of winking -flirted his head. Then he stepped into Harvey’s -room and stood just beyond the partially open -door and awaited his friend.</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>Harvey did not forget that they were near the -apartment of Detective Pendar as well as that of -the suspected parties, and while moving along the -passage way he did his utmost in the way of -looking and listening. He made no attempt to -soften the noise of his footsteps, for that of itself -would have betrayed him. He strode forward -and through the doors and stood beside the waiting -Bohunkus, who stealthily turned the key in the -lock. Then he beckoned to Harvey to bring his -chair and place it alongside the one in which the -African softly seated himself on the far side of the -room.</p> - -<p class='c014'>By this time the white youth was beginning to -lose patience.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is the matter with you, Bunk?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Sh! not so loud,” replied the other, placing a -forefinger against his bulbous lips.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Use a little common sense if you have such -a thing about you. If you don’t speak out and -explain things, you must get out of my room.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“All right den; Harv, <em>I know who smashed yo’ -airyplane!</em>”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“You do! Why didn’t you tell me before?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Wanted to break it to yo’ gentle like.”</p> - -<p class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>“Who was it?” demanded the astounded youth.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Perfesser Morgan!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey stared in amazement for a moment -and then asked:</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How do you know it was he who did it?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I seed him!”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Are you crazy or only a fool, Bunk? Explain -yourself. Do you mean to tell me that you saw -Professor Morgan destroy my aeroplane?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Didn’t perzactly see him doot, but I seed -’nough.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“How much did you see?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“When I fust went out ob de hotel and round -de corner in de yard by de sheds I seed a tall -man, wid his long linen duster, slip fru dat place -where two boards had been ripped off. Jes’ as -he was slipping fru, he turned and looked at me; -dere was de long part-gray whiskers and de black -debilish eyes. Oh, it war him and no mistake, -Harv,” added Bohunkus with an air of finality.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span> - <h2 id='chapXX.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XX.<br /> <br />A PUZZLING TELEGRAM.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Harvey Hamilton was astounded. In -all his imaginings he had never dreamed -of this explanation of the destruction of -his aeroplane. One admirable trait of the thick-witted -Bohunkus Johnson was his truthfulness. -His friend knew he was not trying to deceive him -and what he had told could be accepted as fact.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Why did you wait so long, Bunk, before telling -me this story?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Wal, Harv, I didn’t want to ’bleve it myself; I -didn’t at first,—dat is, I didn’t think de Perfesser -was as mean as all dat, but it was him and no -mistake.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“I am sure you are right, though I can’t understand -why he should do such a thing.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Guess he war jealous ob us.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Possibly so, but even then it is hard to understand.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Harvey still refrained from giving the obvious -explanation that presented itself. A man who -is mentally unbalanced cannot be held accountable -for his acts. It was impossible to feel the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>resentment toward Professor Morgan which he -would have felt had the man been in his right -mind. Harvey sighed.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Only one thing remains for us to do, Bunk.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“What is that?”</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Go home and give up our outing. Hist! -some one is coming.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>Footsteps were heard ascending the stairs. -Whoever the person was, he came with deliberate -tread along the hall, and halting in front of the -door, knocked smartly. Harvey sprang to his -feet and opened. The landlord stood before him.</p> - -<p class='c014'>“Here’s a telegram for you; I signed; nothing -to pay.”</p> - -<p class='c014'>The wondering youth accepted the yellow -envelope and tore it open. He read:</p> -<p class='c018'>“Go to Groveton and wait. You will learn -something to your advantage.”</p> -<div class='c020'>“<span class='sc'>Gabriel Hamilton.</span>”</div> -<p class='c021'>The message was dated at his father’s place of -business in New York, and as shown was signed -by him.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“There is no answer,” said Harvey to the -waiting landlord, who departed.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>“This is beyond me,” he remarked after -reading the telegram to Bohunkus, who of course -was as much mystified as his companion. “Why -we should go to Groveton and what is there that -can be of advantage to me, is a greater puzzle -than the wrecking of the aeroplane.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What am yo’ gwine to do, Harv?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Obey orders. Come on.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The two traveled with so light baggage that they -had only to fling their extra coats over their arms, -the few minor articles being in their pockets, and -descend the stairs. Harvey paid his bill and -explained that he had been called suddenly away -by the telegram from his father, but it was possible -he might return. The landlord expressed his -sympathy for the loss of the aeroplane and promised -to do all he could to find out who the criminals -were.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Don’t bother,” said Harvey airily, “it’s lucky -it didn’t happen when we were a mile or two up in -the sky.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I understand that you will pay a reward of two -hundred dollars for the detection of the scamps?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yes, the offer stands,” replied Harvey, confident -that the really guilty individual would never -be discovered. “You have my address on your -register; if you learn anything, write or telegraph -me. By the way, how far is Groveton from here?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Twelve miles by railroad.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>“Is it much of a town?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Not quite as big as Chesterton.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What time can we leave for the place?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The landlord glanced at the clock behind him.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“If you walk briskly you can catch the next -train.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey engaged the man to take care of the -remains of the aeroplane during his absence, and -having been directed as to the right course, the -two hurried along the single street and turned off -to the station on their right. They were just in -time to buy tickets and take their seats. Their -course was to the westward, which was the direction -of the wide valley between the mountainous -ridges. Twenty minutes later they stepped out -on the platform and inquired the name of the -nearest hotel. As in the town they had just left, -there was only one hostelry, the Rawlins Hotel, -to which they made their way.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Wondering and perplexed to the last degree, -Harvey entered the place of board and lodging. -He explained that he did not know how long he -would stay, and as it was only the middle of the -forenoon, he did not register, saying he would do -so at noon, in the event of his remaining that long.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>The day was so pleasant—the prophecy of the -weather prophet having been fulfilled to the letter—that -they sat down on the long bench which ran -along the front of the hotel, and waited for whatever -might turn up.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“If any one is to meet me, he would come here,” -reflected Harvey; “I can’t imagine who he is or -what news he will bring, but I shall learn in due -time.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>A half hour later, while the two were seated side -by side, occasionally making a guess as to what it -all meant, which guess both knew was wide of the -mark, Bohunkus said:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Seems to me dem folks out dere am looking at -something.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Excitement was fast spreading through the town. -Groups stood on the corners, halted in the middle -of the street and at every coign of advantage. All -were peering into the sky, where some object -attracted their attention. Naturally Harvey and -Bohunkus rose from their seats and passed out to -the front where their view was clear.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Gee! it am anoder airyplane!” exclaimed the -negro.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You are right; they seem to be growing plentiful -in this part of the world.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Wonder if it am de Perfesser.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>Harvey whipped his binoculars around and -leveled them at the object, whose outstretched -wings identified it as one of the most modern ships -of the air. A brief scrutiny showed that it was not -the extraordinary invention of that extraordinary -man who had crossed their path more than once. -It was a biplane, and though still a considerable -distance away the noise of its motor was audible. -It was traveling fast and heading for the little -town of Groveton.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It was evident that whoever was guiding the -aerial craft was an expert. Harvey saw that it -carried only the operator, who described a large -circle over the town at a height of nearly a thousand -feet and then began descending.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He’s gwine to land here!” exclaimed Bunk.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“And has picked out his spot,” added Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Such proved to be the fact. There was a broad, -open space in front of the Rawlins House, where a -large number of teams could find room, the area -being such as to offer an ideal spot for the landing -of an aeroplane. The aviator, who was now seen -to be a youth not much if any older than Harvey -himself, guided his machine with consummate -skill, and lightly touched the ground within fifty -feet of where our young friends and half a hundred -others were standing. The aeroplane ran a few -yards on its wheels, and then came to a halt. The -young man stepped lightly to the ground and -smilingly greeted the crowd. His next words -were:</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>“I am looking for Harvey Hamilton and his -colored companion.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Dat’s us,” whispered the startled Bohunkus.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey stepped forward.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That is my name; what do you wish with me?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I have orders to hand over this biplane to you.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“To me!” repeated Harvey, who felt as if -wonders would never cease; “why to me?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Your father, Mr. Gabriel Hamilton, ordered -it by telegraph to be sent here this morning. I -understand your machine has been wrecked.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It has, but how did you learn it?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The handsome youth smiled as he offered his -hand.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I am Paul Mitchell, from Garden City; we -received a telegram from your father this morning -asking us to send a biplane to you at once, as -yours had been knocked out of commission. We -happened to have one ready and I started right off -and have made pretty good time to this spot in -Pennsylvania.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I should say you had, for it is several hundred -miles from Long Island; but how in the name of -the seven wonders did father come to know of -my mishap?”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>Young Mitchell laughed.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He gave no explanation, but some one must -have told him.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Who could it have been?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I give it up.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Were you asked to come to Groveton?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“No; Chesterton was given as the place where -your misfortune overtook you. Since I did not -know the particulars, our folks thought it best I -should meet you at some point not far from there. -In replying to your father’s telegram, I stated this, -which explains why he repeated the name to you.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“But not where he got his knowledge.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Let that question go till you meet him, when -he will make it clear. What caused the breakage -of your machine?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Somebody chopped it up; it was done in spite.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Did you catch the scoundrel?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Catch him! no; nobody knows where he is.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Well, such things happen and it is all a part of -the game. Suppose we go to Chesterton, and have -a look at the remains; there must be some salvage -which I can ship to the factory. How about the -engine?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It is battered, but must be worth repairing.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“If you and your friend will seat yourselves, -I shall have you there in a jiffy.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>Bohunkus and Harvey climbed into the seat and -adjusted themselves. Young Mitchell examined -the different parts of the biplane, which was an -almost exact replica of the one that had been -wrecked, and then took charge of the business. -At his request one of the bystanders swung the -blades of the propeller around so as to start the -motor, and several held on until the tugging -almost drew them off their feet. Then they let go, -and away sailed the second machine for Chesterton.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span> - <h2 id='chapXXI.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXI.<br /> <br />BEGINNING THE SEARCH.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>There certainly had been lively work, for -within six hours after the discovery of the -destroyed aeroplane, a message had been -sent from New York to Garden City, Long Island, -a machine despatched from that point to the little -town among the Alleghanies in eastern Pennsylvania, -and an aerial ship had sailed across the -State of New Jersey to the destination more than -two hundred miles from its starting point. When -and by what means the merchant had learned -of the straits of his son could not as yet be guessed, -but the news must have been waiting when he -reached his office in the city, since young Mitchell -said it was received at the factory between eight -and nine o’clock that morning. The flight to -Groveton was made in about four hours, with a -brief halt on the way to replenish the supply of -gasoline. Traveling at the rate of fifty miles an -hour and sometimes faster was surely “going -some.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>As Mitchell afterward explained, he had visited -the section twice, and was familiar with it. He -lost no time, therefore, in groping, but recognized -rivers, cities, towns, and the general conformation -of the country over which he glided, and identified -Groveton long before any one there dreamed he -intended to make a call.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey glanced at the little watch on his wrist, -and noted the exact time of starting. Eleven minutes -later to the second, he volplaned into the open -space in front of the hotel. Although the distance -passed was less than by rail, he must have averaged -nearly if not quite a mile a minute.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The lesson of the “accident” to the other machine -was not lost upon the two young men. It -was hardly to be supposed that any one would try -to harm the new one, but Bohunkus was ordered -to stay with it and see that all hands were kept off.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yo’ bet I will,” he replied, fully alive to his -duty; “de fust chap dat lays an onkind hand on -dis pet will git broke in ’leben pieces and den flung -ober de fence.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Several idlers were gaping at the fractured -aeroplane huddled in the wagon sheds of the hotel. -Mitchell quickly finished his examination.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“The man or men who did that,” he said in a -low voice to Harvey, “showed the devil’s own spite. -It looks as if the scoundrel was crazy.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>Harvey glanced at his companion. Did he -suspect the truth? His looks and manner, however, -showed that he was not thinking of Professor -Morgan. The remark was a natural one, under the -circumstances. Harvey was not disposed to reveal -anything, since he saw no good to be accomplished -thereby, while an unpleasant situation might -develop.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You can save something out of the wreck?” -remarked the owner inquiringly.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Considerable; I shall ship what’s worth while -to the factory at Garden City, and in a few weeks -you will have a new machine as good as ever.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“The greater part of it will have to be <em>new</em>,” -commented Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That being so, you can return this one in -exchange, if you wish.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Is there any way, Mitchell, in which I can -serve you?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“None; I shall have what is left of the machine -gathered up, as I said, and sent to the factory; -that will take the remainder of the day, when I -shall follow in the train. Meanwhile you are -not called upon to lose any part of your vacation. -There is no perceptible difference between the -two biplanes, so you don’t need any help from me.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>The youths walked back to where a small group -remained staring at the biplane in which Bohunkus -Johnson was still seated, as alert as a watch dog. -As the couple approached, the negro crooked -his stubby forefinger to his friend, who went forward.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What is it, Bunk?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yo’s forgot something.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What is that?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It’s ’bout dinner time.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The colored youth meant to whisper, but his -husky aspiration carried as far as if he had spoken -in a loud tone.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He is right,” remarked Mitchell; “let us -have dinner together.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The old fellow who served the hotel as hostler -was hired to stay by the machine and to keep every -other person at a distance, while the three went in -to their meal.</p> - -<p class='c022'>During these minutes, Harvey was on the watch -for a sight of Detective Pendar. He much wanted -to have a few words with him, but was puzzled -how to bring it about. Harvey had given up his -room, so he could not signal to the officer to follow -him thither and there was no understanding as to -how they should otherwise meet.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Pendar, however, remained invisible until Bohunkus -had perched himself in the seat in front of -the tank, and Harvey had his hands on the levers. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>Mitchell stepped to the rear to give a swing to -the propeller blades. The machine was pointed -to the left, where the highway showed quite a -sharp slope downward, of which the young aviator -meant to take advantage.</p> - -<p class='c022'>At this crisis, when twenty pairs of eyes were upon -the party, Harvey heard an odd sounding cough. -He looked around and saw a man standing on the -porch above the other spectators. It was Detective -Pendar, who was looking keenly at Harvey. -As their eyes met the former rubbed his smooth -chin thoughtfully and winked once, but made no -other sign that he recognized the youth.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Now what does he mean by that?” Harvey -asked himself; “a wink may signify one of a score -of things.” As the only reply he could make, -he winked in return. A dozen of the group might -have accepted it as meant for him, but, if so, he -must have been equally puzzled with the author -of the signal, who a minute later was scooting -through the air and steadily rising.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey had decided to carry out so far as he -could the programme agreed upon the day before -by him and Pendar. The only change was that -caused by the enforced delay. Instead of making -his search in the forenoon, it now would have to -be done in the afternoon. He shot upward, until -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>barely five hundred feet above the earth, and then -headed westward over the long stretch of forest of -which mention has been made. It was advisable -that he should keep as near the ground as practical, -since his view would thereby be improved.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Bohunkus Johnson was still in the dark on two -points: he had no conception of the serious business -upon which his companion was engaged, -knowing nothing of the kidnapped child, and, -though certain in his own mind that Professor -Morgan was the man who had wrecked the aeroplane, -he had never suspected that he was insane. -Ignorance on the former point was a good thing, -but as regards the latter it proved a serious mistake, -as has been intimated in another place.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It need not be said that a heavier-than-air -machine must progress rapidly in order to sustain -itself aloft. When such motion stops, through -breakage, accident or the will of the aviator, an -aeroplane obeys the law of gravity and comes to -the ground. It does not fall, as is the case with a -balloon.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It would never do to withdraw care from the -machine, which worked with perfect smoothness, -but having headed westward and struck as moderate -a gait as was practical, Harvey Hamilton gave -all the attention possible to the country under his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>feet. He noted the wide expanse of forest in -its exuberant foliage, a flashing stream of water and -the foam of a tumbling cascade on the slope of the -farther ridge. In the other direction wound the -railway line over which he and Bunk had ridden -earlier in the day. The sky was clear and sunshiny -with a rift of fleecy clouds in advance, but -at so great an elevation that no inconvenience was -to be feared from them. The town of Groveton -was so distinctly seen that he recognized several -of the buildings, including the hotel, which he had -observed on his brief visit. Far away in the -radiant horizon the steeples and tall buildings -of a city showed, but it was all strange to him. -He could identify nothing beyond that which has -been named.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey had sailed probably three or four miles -from Chesterton when he was thrilled by a sight -that roused instant hope. In the midst of the -wood, an open space several acres in extent was -crossed by a stream of considerable size, on its -winding way to the distant Delaware. In the -center of this clearing stood a log cabin, which -recalled that of Abisha Wharton where Harvey -and Bunk had spent a night after leaving home on -their outing. The land showed slight signs of -cultivation, but from the stone chimney running up -the outside of the decayed structure, he traced a -faint blue spiral of smoke.</p> -<div id='fig03' class='figcenter id004'> -<img src='images/p_194-5.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>In the Center Stood a Log Cabin.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>“That shows somebody lives there,” was -Harvey’s thought; “from what Pendar told me -I believe it’s the very place where the kidnappers -are holding the child a prisoner.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>He leaned far over and scrutinized the picture -as he swept over it. What he longed to see was -the little girl running about or playing in front of -the cabin, or one or more of her captors. It would -seem that the loud throbbing of his motor ought -to have attracted the attention of the occupants, -but it did not do so, and the spot speedily -glided from sight. When Harvey twisted his -neck, however, in the effort to see more, he noticed -that Bunk had also turned and was attentively -studying the picture. Conversation in such circumstances -was impossible, but Harvey hoped -his companion had discovered something—a supposition -which he was certain to remember when -the time came for a halt in their flight.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Had our young friend followed his inclination, -he would have circled around and returned over -the cabin, in order to inspect it further, but that -most likely would have roused the suspicion of -the abductors, and the moment they believed an -aeroplane had been impressed into the service -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>against them, that moment the usefulness of the -contrivance would be ended. He could remember -the location clearly, and would give the detective -all the directions he needed.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I didn’t see any wagon road or trails, but there -must be one path at least which connects the -house with the outer world. Those men have a -source of supplies and they can’t help leaving -footprints.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>As Harvey reasoned out the problem, the -solution was simplified. Simmons Pendar was -confident that the hiding place was somewhere in -the stretch of wilderness, but to search for it -would prove fatal. The effort was certain of -discovery by the watchful guards. Now, however, -since the exact location of the cabin seemed to -have been found, a speedy approach ought to be -within the detective’s power. The near future -must answer the question.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span> - <h2 id='chapXXII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXII.<br /> <br />IN DANGER OF COLLISION.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>The cabin in the clearing being no longer in -Harvey Hamilton’s field of vision, he gave -his attention to the management of his -aeroplane. In order to avoid so far as possible -arousing suspicion, he made a sweeping bend to -the northward, with a view of passing over the -ridge and then returning to Chesterton from the -east. By following this course, he would make it -impossible for the tenants of the log cabin to see -him, and thus render distrust on their part out of -the question.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It was important that he should remain over -night in Chesterton, in order to report to Detective -Pendar and receive instructions from him. The -youth was morbidly sensitive about offending the -gentleman, or doing anything that could interfere -with the success of the extraordinary enterprise -in which he was engaged.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey had changed the course of the machine -and lifted the edge of his front rudder in order to -make sure of clearing the top of the ridge, when -Bohunkus touched him smartly with the toe of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>his shoe. The aviator turned his head to learn -the cause, and the dusky youth with staring eyes -pointed to the northwest, that is somewhat to the -left of the course they were following. Looking -in that direction, Harvey to his astonishment saw -an aeroplane no more than a mile distant. With -a minute or two at his disposal, he brought his -binoculars into play.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The first glance told him an amazing fact.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“As sure as I’m alive, it’s the Dragon of the -Skies! Professor Morgan is coming this way too! -I’ll be neighborly and meet him.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The vertical rudder at the rear was shifted, and -the two machines the next moment were so headed -that a collision threatened unless one changed -its course.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Bohunkus kicked the shoulder of his friend -again. His dark face revealed his terror.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He’s gwine to smash dis locumotive! What’ll -’come ob us?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Of course not a syllable of these words could be -heard in the thunderous throbbing of the motor, -but the expression of Bunk’s face and the vigorous -contortions of his lips made his meaning clear. -It occurred to Harvey that there might be cause -for his companion’s alarm. There is no accounting -for the whimsies of a crank, and, having -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>destroyed one aeroplane, what more likely than -that he should wreak his fury upon another, -particularly when it was handled by the owner of -the former?</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey’s first inclination was to shift his course -again and run away from the Professor, but he -reflected that if he did so, he would invite pursuit, -and speedy as was the new machine it was certain -the Dragon of the Skies was speedier. An -inventor who was able to construct an “uplifter” -that would hold his monoplane as stationary as -a bird waiting for sight of the fish far below -before making its dive, or could muffle his motor -into noiselessness without lessening its power, was -sure, beside doing all this, to acquire a speed that -no rival could equal.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It was better to put a bold face on the situation, -and paying no heed, therefore, to the gestures and -mute shouts of his companion, Harvey headed -for the monoplane, which approached with the -speed and accuracy of an arrow.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Less than two hundred yards separated the two -when Professor Morgan veered to the right, curving -so far that his course shifted to a right angle of the -other machine, toward which he turned broadside.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>There sat the strange man in plain view, his -feet on the cross-piece below, his hands resting on -the upright levers, between which he sat bolt -upright, with his linen duster buttoned from chin -to ankles, his cap drawn low, while those blazing -black eyes above his grizzled beard suggested an -owl peering through a thicket and were turned -full upon the two youths in the biplane.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey waved his hand in salutation, but the -Professor did not seem to see him or Bunk. He -glided past, and when he had shot beyond a point -opposite, turned his head so as to look directly -in front. Harvey gave him no further notice, for -he was now so near the ridge that all his skill was -needed to direct his aeroplane.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Bohunkus was not yet free from his shivering -fear, and kept his eye upon the dreaded Professor.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I know what de willain am up to,” he reflected; -“he’s only makin’ b’lieve dat he’s gwine to lebe -us. He’ll snoke round behind and de fust thing -we know will be when dat rudder out in front -jams into us, slides under me, lifts me out ob dis -seat and pitches me head fust down among dem -treetops.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>But the form of the Dragon of the Skies grew -smaller and fainter until the aching eyes of the -negro could see it no longer. By that time the -watcher concluded that nothing for the present -was to be feared from the eccentric individual.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>“But we hain’t done wid him yit,” said Bunk; -“he’s got his eye on us, for if he hadn’t why am he -hangin’ round de country, bobbin’ up when we -ain’t lookin’ fur him? He’ll find out where we’re -gwine to stay to-night and den he’ll get a new axe -as big as de side ob a house and smash dis machine -wuss dan de oder. De Perfesser am mighty sly -and I doan’ like him; I wish he’d take a shine to -some oder part ob de world.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Having surmounted the ridge, Harvey sailed ten -or more miles to the northward and descended at -a town containing probably ten thousand population. -There he renewed his supply of gasoline and -oil, and halted for an hour or so, when he was prepared -to return to Chesterton. While he and -Bohunkus were seated apart from the others at the -hotel, the colored youth gave voice to his dissatisfaction.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What’s de use ob hangin’ round dis part ob de -country, Harv? How many times do yo’ expect -to go to Chesterton?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I have some business there to attend to. -When that is finished, we can travel as far as you -wish in any direction.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Why can’t we go to Afriky?” was the astounding -question.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey laughed.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>“Why, Bunk, that is thousands of miles off. -We should have to cross the Atlantic Ocean.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What’s to hender doing dat?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You know we have to renew our supply of -gasoline and oil every few hours. Can you tell -me how it is possible to do it when hundreds of -miles from land? We spoke of this before.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Don’t de ships and steamboats carry de stuff?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“If we could count upon meeting one of them -when needed, we might get on, but when father and -I crossed the ocean, we passed days at a time without -seeing a sail.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Hang a boat on to de bottom of dis keer and -paddle till we run agin a ship.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Drive that wild idea out of your head, Bunk. -I don’t doubt that you and I shall live to see the day -when aeroplanes will make regular trips between the -continents, but we must wait till that time comes.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Doan’ yo’ spose Perfesser Morgan can doot?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He has made so many wonderful inventions, -he may be the first to succeed. When he does, -we shall hear of it.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Bohunkus was silent for a minute or so. If his -friend had imagined what wild freak had entered -the lad’s brain, he would have made all haste to -root it out, but unfortunately he did not dream of -anything of the kind.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>The next query of Bunk was more startling to -Harvey than anything that had gone before.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Harv, did yo’ see dat little girl?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What do you mean?” demanded the other -sharply.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“When we was sailing ober dem woods, after -we’d left Chesterton.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I saw no little girl; did you?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Sartinously; yo’ doan’ forgot dat cabin down -among the trees where a small creek runs in front -ob it.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>This was unquestionably the place in which -Harvey had been so much interested. He had -not observed a living person near it, while his -dusky companion had seen the very person that -was in many minds.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I saw the old house and the smoke coming out -of the chimney, but did not catch sight of a man, -woman or child. Tell me how it was with you.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Nuffin ’ticular; we’d got a little way beyont -and you wasn’t looking back when I took a notion -to turn my head. Dere warn’t any man or woman -in sight, but a little gal was standin’ in front ob -de door, a wavin’ her handkerchief at me. I took -off my cap and swinged it at her, but we was too -fur off and de ingine made too much noise for us -to hold a conwersation.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>“This is very interesting, Bunk.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Remembering the instructions of Detective -Pendar, Harvey gave no hint of why he felt so -much concern over what had just been told him. -The slow wits of Bohunkus were likely to cause -trouble and probably defeat the delicate plans -which the officer of the law had in mind. What -the colored youth had told removed the last vestige -of doubt from the young aviator as to the identity -of the cabin of which he had caught a passing -glimpse. He felt certain that the little girl whom -Bohunkus saw and with whom he exchanged salutations -was Grace Hastings, kidnapped weeks -before, and for whose recovery her father was -spending a fortune. Harvey knew the exact spot -where she was a prisoner and could direct the -detective unerringly to it. He was eager to do so, -for his heart was enlisted in the sacred task.</p> - -<p class='c022'>In his desire to do something effective, Harvey -was on the point of setting out again with his -aeroplane and taking a course that would lead him -over the cabin in the clearing. He wished to gain -another view of it, and particularly of the child -whose absence had plunged her parents in anguish -more poignant than if they had looked upon her -pale innocent face in death.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>But the youth was impressed with the necessity -of using the utmost care with every step he took. -If he sailed over the cabin again, the fact was -likely to be noticed by the men in the structure. -If they had not already observed the aeroplane, -they had learned of its flight from the chatter of -the young captive, and should it return within a -few hours would mean something out of the -ordinary. It would cause a change of quarters at -once and place the recovery of the child beyond -attainment.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“There is only one safe thing for me to do,” -was his decision; “I must take so roundabout -course to Chesterton that no one in the cabin will -know of it. I shall wait in the town till I can have -a talk with Pendar. I have done all he asked of me -and from this point forward, under heaven everything -depends upon him.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span> - <h2 id='chapXXIII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> <br />THE CABIN IN THE WOODS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>Twilight had come when Harvey Hamilton, -with Bohunkus Johnson seated behind -him, descended in the same spot in Chesterton -that he had used upon his disastrous visit -of the night before. A similar crowd greeted him, -and he hired several of their number to drag the -aeroplane to the primitive hangar in which the -wrecked one had been sheltered.</p> - -<p class='c022'>He learned that Paul Mitchell had shipped the -engine and other valuable parts to Garden City, -while the shattered framework had been piled to -one side to serve as kindling wood for the hotel. -Thus vanished one aeroplane to be succeeded -speedily by another. Harvey announced that -he intended to stay until the morrow. He -first engaged two reliable men, upon the recommendation -of the landlord, to stay by the -machine all night, with instructions to challenge -any one who approached and to shoot if -necessary.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>“We’ll likely shoot first and challenge afterward,” -remarked one with a grin; “I only hope the -same fellow will try his hand on this that splintered -t’other one.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Nine guests were at supper, that being the name -of the meal which was served at the close of the -day. One of them was Simmons Pendar, who -hardly glanced in the direction of Harvey Hamilton -seated opposite. The youth made no attempt -to catch his eye, though aware that the detective -glanced at him several times. When certain the -action would be observed, the young aviator -committed a breach of decorum by deliberately -scratching his head with one hand. While this -was not the precise telegram that had been agreed -upon the night before, it was sufficiently to the -point, and Harvey was confident it had accomplished -its purpose.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The two lads lingered at the table after Pendar -and most of the others had left the dining hall. -Then they strolled outside on the porch, where by -that time the full moon was shining in an unclouded -sky. The air was so balmy and soft that -few lingered indoors. The gas had been lighted -in the sitting-room to which Harvey sauntered, and -mosquitoes and other insects hovered in the glare. -Three men were seated in lounging positions, one -smoking a cigarette, while the others nodded as if -yielding to drowsiness. Harvey identified two -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>as having been present when the bit of paper was -flipped upon the pad he was using for his crude -sketches. The three looked like drummers, but -a couple were distinctively foreign in appearance. -One had a black curled mustache, with eyes and -hair of midnight hue, a second was almost as dark, -while the third was an unmistakable blond. -They appeared to be unacquainted with one another, -but Harvey was almost certain that two if not -the three were the men who were watching Pendar -while he in turn was keeping them under scrutiny. -The officer, however, was nowhere to be seen and -the youth did not think it prudent to make any -search for him.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I think I’ll go to my room,” he remarked, -rising to his feet with a yawn; “we have had a -pretty strenuous day and shall want to leave early -to-morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“All right,” grunted Bohunkus; “I feels sorter -sleepy myself, and if dese blamed ’skeeters don’t -lebe me alone I’ll tumble into bed likewise.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>As Harvey passed out of the door, he carelessly -lifted his cap and scratched his head, thus making -the full signal previously arranged. He still -failed to see the detective and doubted whether -he was near.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>The youth did not light the gas in his room, -though he lacked the pretext of wishing to keep -out the insects, since each window was furnished -with a screen. He sat down and listened.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Fifteen minutes later, without the slightest -preliminary warning, a soft, almost inaudible -tap sounded on the door. He drew it noiselessly -inward, and recognized the form of Detective -Pendar against the soft yellow background. -Neither spoke at first. The caller shoved the -door shut and with extreme care turned the key. -Then he whispered:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Let’s take the other side of the room.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Carrying their chairs thither they placed them -side by side. Enough illumination came through -the transom for them dimly to discern each other.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You caught on at the table?” remarked -Harvey inquiringly.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Of course; I noticed your signal, too, when -you walked out of the sitting-room.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Where were you?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“On the porch, with my eyes on you. I knew -you wished to speak with me, but I preferred first -to receive your notice.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I caught your wink to-day when about to -start off with my new machine, but I couldn’t -guess what you meant.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>“I meant nothing except to wish you good -luck; of course I was aware what you had set out -to do and I shall be glad to know what success -you met.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Far better than I expected; I found the place.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You mean where the little girl is held a prisoner?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey was surprised that the detective did not -show excitement over the news. He remained -cool and deliberate and spoke in low-toned words -as before.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Then you saw the child?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“No, but I sailed over the house.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“How do you know the child is there?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Bohunkus, my colored companion, saw -her just after we had passed and waved his -cap in reply to her salutation with her handkerchief.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Did he see any of the men?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“No; they kept out of sight, at least so long -as we could have seen them.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“How did your boy describe the girl?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He didn’t describe her,” replied Harvey, a -bit chagrined over the pointed questions, “except -to say she was a little girl.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Didn’t tell how she was dressed or how old -she appeared to be? The last might have been -hard to answer, but he should have noticed her -apparel.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>“Probably he did, but I did not think of asking -him.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It was hardly necessary,” remarked the -detective, as if regretting his incisive queries. -“Now, if you will be good enough to locate the -spot I shall be infinitely obliged.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey was able to do this with so much -accuracy that his friend complimented him.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You have done remarkably well; if we succeed -in restoring the child to her parents, much of -the credit will be due you. I know the exact spot -and can go to it without trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Will you do so?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I shall make the effort, but I am in a delicate -situation. You noticed those three men in the -sitting-room when you were there a little while ago. -Two are members of the Black Hand and are -acting as scouts.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I set down all three as being such.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“The blond has nothing to do with the others. -He is a genuine commercial traveler for a Philadelphia -clothing house and will leave to-morrow. -It is the others who belong to the worst gang -in the country.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Do you think they have any suspicion of me?”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>Detective Pendar chuckled softly.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Why should they? You have not given the -first cause.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“But they suspect you?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I can say I have reason to hope not; I have -behaved so well and sold so much hardware stuff -in this town that they ought to believe I am what -I pretend to be.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What further help can I give you, Mr. Pendar?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“None, so far as I see at this moment. But -you mustn’t minimize your share; the location of -the prison is a great and invaluable exploit of -itself.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What will you next do?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It is impossible to say, so much depends upon -circumstances as they develop.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>This answer was so vague that it reminded -Harvey he was asking questions which he had not -the right to ask. The man before him was a -professional detective, whose calling required him -to be secretive. While such persons often reveal -their secrets in stories, they are the last ones in the -world to do so in real life.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I need not remind you,” he continued, “not -to drop a hint of these matters to your colored -companion.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>“I shall not forget your warning on that point. -He means well, but in some respects he is as stupid -as a child of five years. What do you think?” -asked Harvey with a light laugh, “he asked me -to start with him and the aeroplane for Africa to -call on his father, Chief Bohunkus Foozleum.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He may make the journey yet,” was the -remarkable response of the detective.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Do you think it possible?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Not yet, but it isn’t safe to declare anything -impossible in our twentieth century. This navigation -of the air will make miraculous advancements -in the next ten years. Well,” abruptly -added the caller, “if the coast is clear, I must bid -you good night.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“When shall I see you again?” asked Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Will you return to Chesterton to-morrow?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Is it advisable?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I see no objection to your doing so. If you -do, and I am here, we may signal each other as -before. I’ll raise my hat and scratch my head as -notice that I wish to have a talk with you in your -room, and you will do the same with me if necessary. -Please keep your seat.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey saw the dim figure move across the room -like a shadow. Pendar waited two or three minutes -with his hand on the knob, as if he had heard -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>something, though the listening youth did not -detect the slightest sound. Then the door opened -as noiselessly as before and he vanished into the -hall, leaving the same dead quiet behind him.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey waited some time before preparing for -bed. Then he gave expression to his impatience -with himself:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He got everything I knew about this business -from me, and I didn’t worm a single fact from -him. I meant to ask his opinion of the wrecking -of my machine, how father learned so early of it, -what course Pendar means to follow, and lots of -other things, but I know no more than before he -came into the room. There’s one thing certain, -he understands his business through and through, -and I don’t know the a-b-c of it.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span> - <h2 id='chapXXIV.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> <br />ON THE TRAIL OF THE BLACK HANDERS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>Simmons Pendar had the reputation of -being one of the best officers in the detective -service. Several of his exploits proved that -he possessed a brilliant mind, was quick in reading -the vaguest clues and marvelously successful in -following them up. It is not my purpose to -explain by what subtle means he convinced himself -that the kidnappers of little Grace Hastings had -their headquarters in the extensive wilderness to -the westward of the country town of Chesterton. -Had he confessed the truth he would have admitted -that a trifling occurrence, one of those insignificant -incidents which figure oftener than is believed in -important matters, gave him the key. Being -human like the rest of us, he made his mistakes -now and then, but felt absolutely sure he had not -blundered in the present instance.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Pendar shared his secret with no one. The -surety of a magnificent money reward, the glory of -succeeding where others of his profession had -failed, and his deep sympathy with the victims of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>the unspeakable cruelty, inspired him to do everything -in his power to right one of the most diabolical -wrongs to which society has been forced to -submit in these later days.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It may be said that the greatest difficulty of all -confronted the detective when he had thus located -the miscreants. The letters which they sent at -intervals to the afflicted family were accompanied -by terrifying threats and the demand for an -increase of the ransom rose until it reached the -stupendous total of fifty thousand dollars. To -prevent the criminals from carrying out their -threats of vengeance, cunning attempts were made -to convince them that the father was doing all he -could to comply with their terms. The difficulty -of transferring so large a sum made the delay seem -reasonable if not unavoidable. In one instance, -a large package of genuine bills was placed where -directed, but unfortunately for the success of the -scheme two carefully disguised detectives were -hidden in the vicinity. They were certain they -had managed the affair so skilfully that they were -not suspected, but the claimants did not go forward -and a day later a letter reached Mr. Hastings -telling him the trick had been detected and one -more repetition of anything of that nature would -close all dealings between them, with the certainty -that they would never see their child again. A -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>last chance was offered him. He was to place -the money in large unmarked bills inside of a -traveling bag and throw it off from the rear of the -midnight train on a date named, two miles west of -Chesterton, at a point indicated so clearly by a pile -of towering rocks that no mistake could be made. -A failure to comply with this proposal would end all -dealings between the kidnappers and the parent.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The night fixed upon was the one succeeding the -talk which Detective Pendar held with Harvey -Hamilton as related in the preceding chapter. -Thus the crisis was at hand,—so near indeed that -Pendar had with him the bag and its enormously -valuable contents, prepared to carry out, if it -could not be avoided, the plan of the miscreants. -He had promised that if success was not reached -by him before the hour set, he would throw off the -money at the point named. Mr. Hastings assured -him that if he did not make such a pledge, he -himself would do so. He could not suffer the -torture any longer, and his wife was already at -death’s door under the pressure of the grief that -was crushing her to the dust.</p> - -<p class='c022'>These frightful letters were mailed from different -points, the first reaching the family from a substation -in Philadelphia. The last was postmarked -at Chesterton, as if the senders wished it to be -known they were near the spot where the deal was -to be consummated.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>A test of Detective Pendar’s acumen came in -the same hour that he reached the town on the -train. At the hotel he quickly fixed upon the two -Italians who were registered under the names of -Amasi Catozzi and Giuseppe Caprioni, and who -spent most of their time in smoking cigarettes and -lounging in the sitting-room or on the front porch. -Pendar, as has been stated, assumed the character -of a commercial traveler for a hardware house, -and with no unnecessary delay entered energetically -upon his duties. Like a true artist he did not -over-do his part, and it is no small proof of his -ability to say that he succeeded where almost any -other one would have failed. The alert Italians -agreed that he was what he represented himself -to be, though they by no means relaxed their -vigilance.</p> - -<p class='c022'>A point had been reached in the delicate business -where a mistake was certain to be fatal. The -detective must succeed or fail disastrously. Convinced -that the child was held at some point in the -adjoining forest, she must be rescued, if rescued at -all, by a rush,—a charge, as might be said, that -would scatter the wretches in such headlong flight -as to compel them to abandon their little prisoner, -whom they would not be likely to harm, since their -own peril would be increased thereby.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>It will be seen, however, that to carry out this -coup, the officer must know the exact spot to -assail. He could not spend hours in groping -through the wood in search of the place, with the -certain result that the abductors would take -alarm and carry their captive to a secure refuge.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Such was the situation when the arrival of -Harvey Hamilton in his aeroplane gave an unexpected -turn to affairs. The plan of an aerial hunt -for the kidnappers had never occurred to the -detective until it forced itself upon him. Here was -the means thrust into his hands, and it has been -shown how he turned it to account, or, more properly, -how he tried to turn it to account, for its -success was alarmingly problematical.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The bag with its treasure was deposited in the -big safe at the hotel, no one suspecting its contents. -Before this time Pendar had reached the pleasing -certainty that the two Italians felt no suspicion of -him. When he strolled down the long, broad -street, smoking a cigar, and now and then halting -to look into the store windows, neither of the men -shadowed him, as they had done earlier in his -visit to Chesterton. The couple were warranted -in believing that since Mr. Pendar was all he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>claimed to be and there were no other suspicious -characters in town, they had nothing to fear, the -game was still their own.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Thus matters stood when the detective reached -the end of the street, and still leisurely walking, -passed into the open country. It will be remembered -that the moon was near its full and the sky -was still unclouded. It was all-important at this -point that the kidnappers should not have their -attention drawn to him. A scrutiny of the road -to the rear removed all doubt on that point.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It was a pretty hard job,” he reflected, “but -I have thrown them off the scent and that’s a big -thing at this stage of the game.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>He had passed over the road several times in a -carriage on business trips to nearby towns, and -was familiar with the forest as viewed from the -highway. He knew the precise spot where a path -turned in among the trees, which presumably led -to the cabin where Bohunkus Johnson had seen -the little girl.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Under the shadow of the foliage at the roadside, -Pendar stood for fifteen minutes scrutinizing every -point in his field of vision. His heart gave a -quicker throb when, while looking in the opposite -direction from the town, he discerned the dim -outlines of a man coming toward him. Pendar -whisked back among the shadows, where he could -not be seen by the individual approaching.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>Whether he was Catozzi or Caprioni remained -to be learned. If either of them, the meaning was -sinister. From his concealment the watcher -observed that the stranger was smoking a pipe. -Moreover, he was bulky of frame, stooped with age -and had a slouching gait. All this might have -been assumed by a young man, but he would fling -aside such disguises when believing he was under -the eye of no one.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The man passed within ten feet of where Pendar -stood behind the trunk of a maple, and in the vivid -moonlight the watcher plainly saw the other’s -profile. The snub nose and retreating chin could -not belong to either of the Italians, and this being -the fact, the detective had no cause to give the -stranger further thought.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The point at which Pendar had stopped was -where the path turned into the wood. As nearly -as he could judge from the account of Harvey -Hamilton, he had about a mile to walk in order -to reach the headquarters of the kidnappers, -though if the path were winding in its course the -distance might be greater. He set out without -delay.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>It being the summer time, the foliage excluded -most of the moonlight and his journey was mainly -in darkness, relieved at intervals by spaces where -the moonbeams partly penetrated. Even with -such occasional help, his progress would have been -difficult had he not possessed the skill of an American -Indian in threading his way through a trackless -forest. No one was ever gifted with keener -eyesight or hearing, and he used the two senses to -the utmost. He was liable to meet a stranger or -to be shadowed by someone. Thus the front and -rear had to be guarded. Above all things, he -must avoid being discovered while traversing the -path, where for most of the way he had to depend -upon his sense of feeling. No stronger proof of his -subtle woodcraft could be asked than the fact that -he never once strayed from his course. He could -not have advanced more smoothly had the sun -been shining.</p> - -<p class='c022'>While doing this it was his practice to stop at -intervals and listen. He reasoned that if some one -was approaching from the front, he would not use -the extreme caution of an enemy who was following -him, for the latter would know of his presence, -while an individual coming toward him would not.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The detective had traversed one-half the distance, -when in the moonlight he saw a small stream, -not more than a rivulet in fact, which wound -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>across the path from the trees on the left and disappeared -among those on the right. It was at -the bottom of a slight declivity, where a small -area was shown in the moonlight. He reflected -that if anyone was near, he would see him as he -crossed the illuminated space. This could be -averted by turning into the wood on either hand, -but listening revealed nothing except the faint -rustling of the night breeze among the branches. -With little hesitation, therefore, he leaped lightly -across, hurried up the gentle slope and plunged -into the gloom on the other side.</p> - -<p class='c022'>He had gone less than a dozen rods when he -abruptly paused, turned his head and listened -intently. A minute or two were enough.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Someone is following me,” was his conclusion.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span> - <h2 id='chapXXV.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXV.<br /> <br />A FALSE CLUE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>Detective Pendar instantly whisked -out of the path, among the undergrowth -and under the trees, where he was invisible -to one a foot away. He had heard a faint footfall -and the sound was repeated more distinctly when -some one leaped across the rivulet and came up -the gentle declivity. The officer had gone beyond -sight of this open space and the point where the -stranger must pass him was shrouded in darkness.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The watcher would have willed it otherwise, for -it was important that he should gain a glimpse of -the other, but time did not permit, since Pendar -could not know how far he would have to hurry -over the trail in order to reach such a favorable -spot. The trunk of the tree beside which he stood -was no more motionless than he. The straining -vision saw nothing, but the keen sense of hearing -located the stranger as clearly as if at high noon. -He passed by like one who had no thought of -hiding his progress and the soft footsteps speedily -died out.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>Before they did so, the officer was back in the -path and stealing after him. Fear of detection -caused the detective to linger farther in the rear -than he wished, but if he erred at all, it was -wise that it should be on the side of prudence. -Because of the fact named, Pendar lost several -chances of getting a sight of the man. The -pursuer had decided to wait until the cabin was -reached.</p> - -<p class='c022'>That was sooner than he expected, for when he -thought he was a considerable way from it he -came upon the clearing which had been described -to him by Harvey Hamilton. One annoying part -of the discovery was that he had lingered too long, -for the individual passed through the door in the -same moment that Pendar recognized his location. -That which he saw told nothing of the form that -crossed the threshold and was hidden by the closing -of the door.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Well, here I am,” was the thought of our -friend, “and I must decide what to do next.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>It might have occurred to any one in his situation, -that, inasmuch as he had definitely located -the kidnappers, he should hasten back to Chesterton, -summon several plucky men whom he had -mentally selected two days before, and rush the -place, showing scant mercy to the two Italians in -town if they ventured to interfere.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>But had he discovered the headquarters of the -gang?</p> - -<p class='c022'>This question Simmons Pendar asked himself -while standing on the edge of the clearing, and -staring at the faintly outlined cabin on the other -side. Although scarcely a shadow of doubt -remained, he felt that that shadow must be removed. -He would make further investigation -before returning to the hotel.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It was comparatively early in the evening. -There were not enough moon-rays to show the -face of his watch, but it could not be ten o’clock. -A light was burning within the structure, whose -interior was hidden by a curtain drawn across each -of the two windows,—one on either side of the -door. All was silent, and the peering eyes detected -no sign of life on the outside.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It was not to be supposed that the abductors -of little Grace Hastings would maintain a guard at -the cabin itself. Their pickets were at a distance, -and unless they gave timely notice of the approach -of danger, it would be fatal to the plans of the -criminals.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I wonder whether they keep a dog,” was the -thought which held the watcher motionless for a -little while; “if they do, he’ll play the mischief -with me.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>Could he have been assured that a canine was -on watch, the detective would not have dared to go -a step nearer the dwelling, but would have made -all haste to Chesterton and arranged for his raid, -since discovery at this stage of the game would be -the end of hope.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It strikes me that if they have a dog on guard, -he ought to have discovered me by this time—Thunderation! -there he comes now!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>A canine as large as a wolf came trotting across -the clearing, heading directly for Simmons Pendar. -It was useless to run, for the terrible brute would -have been at his heels in an instant. He laid his -hand on his revolver.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“If he attacks, I’ll shoot him and then the fat -will be in the fire.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>While the dog was several paces away and after -Pendar had drawn his weapon from his hip pocket, -he spoke in soothing tones to him. The animal -did not bark or growl, but seemed to be pleased -by his friendly greeting. He came on, and the -man never used his persuasive powers more skilfully. -He called him all the pet names he could -think of, and when the brute was within reach, -reached out and patted his head.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>To his pleased astonishment, he completely won -the good will of the dog, which wagged his bushy -tail so energetically that it swayed his haunches. -He whined, snuffed about the man’s knees, and -then abruptly raised one of his big paws, which -the eavesdropper was instant to seize and shake.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Bully for you!” exclaimed Pendar in a guarded -voice; “I don’t know that your owner would be -pleased with your performance, but I’m mighty -sure I am.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>He petted him a few minutes longer, when the -canine turned about and trotted back to the house. -There he scratched upon the door and whined -until it was opened from within and he passed out -of sight.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Considered from my point of view,” said the -detective grimly, “that dog is a model guardian of -a house, but those who expect vigilance from him -probably hold a different opinion.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Nothing could be gained by remaining where he -was, for all he could see was the shadowy outline -of a tumble-down log cabin and a few scattered -outbuildings. It was necessary to gain a look at -the interior. The cheap faded curtains at the -front windows shut out any view, but he was hopeful -of success from the rear. He made a careful -circuit of the building, keeping at a goodly distance -until he reached a point opposite to that -which he had first held. Then he began stealing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>forward. Before doing so, he noticed that neither -of the rear windows possessed anything in the -nature of a curtain. He had only to come close -to them to see everything in the room where the -light was burning.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Now that the dog was out of the way, even with -his friendly disposition, the detective felt no -apprehension, unless there might be some one on -guard—a thing improbable—or a member of the -company should draw near from the direction -followed by himself.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The yellow rays of a tallow candle, aided by the -moonlight, which had partial sway on this side -of the cabin, made the task easy for Pendar. He -crept steadily forward until under one of the -windows, when he rose to his feet, just far enough -to peer over the sill. Even before doing so, he -was troubled by a misgiving. Something in all -this experience was out of keeping with the -character of a band of kidnappers.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The detective’s position could not have been -more favorable, for the face of no one was turned -toward the window, where he might have been -discovered. What he saw was this:</p> - -<p class='c022'>Evidently the evening meal had been kept -waiting to so late an hour in order to accommodate -the last arrival, who was an old man, seated at the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>head of a plain deal table without cover, and with -only several of the plainest dishes of food. Opposite -at the farther end, sat the wife, a bulky, gray-haired, -slatternly woman, presiding over the teapot -and a few of the minor articles of food. The -huge dog was sleeping on the floor near the hearth. -On the side of the table, with her back toward the -wall, sat a little girl, probably five or six years -old, eating from a bowl of bread and milk. She -was continually chattering, so that her profile was -often shown to Pendar, whose heart sank within -him upon the first good look at her features.</p> - -<p class='c022'>She was not Grace Hastings. The detective -carried a cabinet picture of the stolen child with -whose face he was as familiar as with that of his -own child. It showed a chubby, comely little -girl, with abundant curly hair, almost black. -The one before him had straight, scant yellow -hair and her face was thin, as if from recent illness. -It would be hard to picture two children of tender -years so different in appearance.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Something in the looks of the head of the family -was familiar, and it took the officer but a few -moments to identify him. You will recall Uncle -Tommy, the famous local prophet, who told -Harvey Hamilton what kind of weather to expect, -when he descended at Chesterton. The man was -Uncle Tommy and the others were his wife and -child, or possibly a grandchild.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>Detective Pendar gave utterance to a forceful -exclamation, for he was filled with rage and -chagrin. He would have made affidavit a few -minutes before, and at any time after his talk with -the young aviator, that he had located the headquarters -of the gang of kidnappers, with the -recovery of the stolen child only a question of a -few hours.</p> - -<p class='c022'>He had failed utterly. He had reconnoitered -the home of a plain, simple-minded inhabitant, -who lived in poverty in this cabin, and was as -innocent of stealing a child as Harvey Hamilton -himself.</p> - -<p class='c022'>A faint hope held Pendar where he was for a -brief while longer. It might be that the abductors -had made their home in this cabin, whose owner -and wife were under their domination and employ. -But brief reflection showed the officer that no -supposition could be more preposterous. He -backed from the window, careless now whether -discovered or not, threaded his course to the trail -over which he had come with so much care, and -started on his return to Chesterton.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>“Josh Billings once said it is so easy for a man -to be a fool that he can do so without knowing it. -The difference in my case is that I know it; I’m -mighty glad that none of the boys will ever hear -of it.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Bitter as were his reflections they brightened as -he strode over the trail, to the highway leading to -the hotel. Something like hope returned to him.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I have reason to believe that the gang is somewhere -in that big stretch of woods. Young -Hamilton mistook the building, which can’t be -far off. I have learned enough to be sure on that -point.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>But there was no escaping the terrifying truth -that the time which remained for him to work out -any scheme he might formulate was reduced to -hours instead of days. If by midnight of the next -day he was still confronted by failure, he was -pledged to board the westward bound train with -his bag containing fifty thousand dollars, and to -throw it off at a point that had been so clearly -described that there could be no mistaking it.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It looks as if that is all that’s left,” he muttered -in the bitterness of spirit, “it’s an infernal shame, -but I see little hope of any other issue.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span> - <h2 id='chapXXVI.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXVI.<br /> <br />THE SEARCH RENEWED.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>Harvey Hamilton was in the middle of -an odd dream, in which a big Irishman was -swinging a tremendous hammer and bringing -it down on the top of his head with every stroke. -The sentiment of wonder is always absent in the -visions which come to us in sleep, no matter how -incongruous they may be, but the youth came -very near feeling surprised at the thickness of a -skull that could withstand so terrific attacks.</p> - -<p class='c022'>By and by the slumber lifted and Harvey’s -senses came back. He was wide awake and -conscious that some one was tapping gently -outside. He sprang out of bed and turned the -key. As if automatically, the door swung inward -and revealed Detective Pendar in the dim gaslight. -He stepped within and secured the lock -behind him.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Sh!” he whispered; “I don’t think either of -those men is in his room, but we cannot be too -careful.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>The night was so sultry that Harvey did not -dress, but sat down on the edge of the bed, his -caller doing the same, near enough to be touched -with the outstretched hand. The time had come -for the officer to tell more than was his rule in -circumstances of a critical nature.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“How did you succeed?” asked the younger.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It’s a fizzle so far,” was the reply; “I have -inspected that cabin in the woods, where you and -I thought the little girl was held a prisoner, but -she is not there now and never has been there.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>And then he told his story to the astonished and -disappointed listener.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Understand, no blame attaches to you,” the -detective hastened to add; “your mistake was -natural and I could have made it as readily as -you.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>This was not strictly true. The picture which -Bunk Johnson viewed from the biplane would -have been analyzed to the point of disclosing the -truth, had Pendar been the one who saw it.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Then I suppose, you will give up the hunt?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“By no means, but it must end one way or -another before we are twenty-four hours older.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>This assertion opened the way for the startling -revelation that if Grace Hastings was not recovered -before the ensuing midnight, the ransom -would be paid by the officer, who had it waiting -in the safe of the hotel below stairs.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>“Although you mistook the place where the -gang are holding her,” added the man, “you came -near it. Did either you or your colored friend -notice any other house in the woods when you -were sailing over them?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I gave my attention to the management of the -aeroplane after observing the cabin, and could -easily have passed several dwellings without seeing -them. Bunk spoke of no other, though it is -possible he saw one.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I have information which cannot be questioned -that the spot we are looking for is not -far from the home of Uncle Tommy Waters the -weather prophet. Had my investigation been -made by daylight, I should have pushed it farther, -but I was helpless at night. You will have to -make another search as soon as it is daylight.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I am eager to do what I can, but you must tell -me how.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Is your negro capable of running your aeroplane?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He can when the conditions are favorable, -as they promise to be to-morrow; I shouldn’t be -willing to trust him otherwise.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Good! let him handle the levers then, while -you occupy the aluminum chair and give your -efforts to spying out the land.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>“Shall we follow the same course as before?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Substantially so; he will keep the speed just -high enough to sustain you at an altitude of say -five hundred feet. You understand that the closer -you are to the ground, the narrower is your field -of vision, so you will keep far enough aloft to gain -an extended survey, and yet not so high that you -will lose distinctness of view. I notice that you -carry a field glass.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yes; it is of German make and the best in the -world; our government sells them only to its army -and navy officers; mine belongs to one who is a -relative, and who has loaned the instrument to me -for life, I making a suitable money acknowledgment -therefor.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>This pleasant little fictional arrangement explains -how it is that some of these fine instruments -are in the hands of civilians.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You are not likely to need the glasses on this -trip.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Hardly; the heights from which I am to make -the search are so moderate that my eyes will require -no help.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Then will you loan them to me?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“With pleasure.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The detective explained the use to which he -expected to put the binoculars.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>“I shall take a position that will give me an -extended survey over the woods without drawing -notice to myself, and after you are fairly started -on your aerial voyage, I do not intend to lose sight -of you.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“If I discover the place you have in mind, how -shall I let you know it?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“By signal.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“<em>They</em> will be likely to see it.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Not likely but certain; therefore the message -must be of a nature that will not rouse suspicion -on their part.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey could not forbear asking an explanation -at this point.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You said that if your visit to the cabin had been -made by daylight, you would have gone farther. -Why not do so in the morning?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I should if time permitted. You understand -that without your aid I should have to make a -hunt through the woods. This would not only -consume time but would surely be discovered by -some of the gang on the lookout. That is why I -have refrained and waited for an opportunity to -present itself. When you locate the exact spot—and -I am sure you will do so—I can go straight -to it.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Will you not be watched?”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>“Quite likely, but I can push on in spite of that. -Let us get back to the important point of how you -are to let me know of your success. The simplest -thing is—I’m blessed if I know,” said the detective, -after slight hesitation, with a laugh; “help me -out.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>That which at first seemed an insignificant -matter threatened to become insurmountable. -Pendar’s first suggestion was that when Harvey -made his discovery he should swing his cap over -his head, but such a signal would be instantly -noticed by the kidnappers, who would accept it -as a menace.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Suppose I tell Bunk to swoop downward as if -about to make a landing.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That would be fully as bad, for the scoundrels -would think it was meant to gain a clearer view -of them.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“If we sail upward?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That’s it! They can give no meaning to such -a manœuver. When you are sure of what you see, -direct your servant to go upward at the sharpest -angle possible. I shall be the only one who will -know what the movement means.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It seems to me,” added the youth thoughtfully, -“that those two Italians who are stopping at the -hotel must begin to suspect you.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>“Not as yet; I count myself fortunate that I -have thrown them off the scent completely. There -is no doubt of that, though it looks as if there will -be a waking up before to-morrow night.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You have played your part with skill, Mr. -Pendar.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I’ll not deny that I feel some pride over -my work thus far; but, all the same, I have -as yet accomplished nothing, and it is by -no means certain that I shall do anything -more than pay a set of criminals fifty thousand -dollars to give back the child they have -stolen.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>At this point Harvey recalled the other matters -that had slipped his mind during his previous talk -with the detective.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You know, Mr. Pendar, that since Bunk and -I started on our little sail through the upper regions, -we have several times run across a curious character -called Professor Milo Morgan.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I know him well; he is a crank of the first -order.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He was friendly at first and did me a great -favor when I was in danger of being mobbed, but -it is hard to forgive one of his acts.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What was that?”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>“Wrecking my aeroplane, by chopping and -battering it to pieces when it was housed under -the sheds of this hotel.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The detective rose from the side of the bed and -stood upright in the gloom in front of his young -friend.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What in the name of the seven wonders put -<em>that</em> fancy into your head?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Why,” replied Harvey hesitatingly, not expecting -such an implied contradiction; “it couldn’t -have been any one else.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Well, it <em>was</em> some one else; Professor Morgan -had no more to do with destroying your biplane -than King George V.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The amazed Harvey stared in astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Bunk saw him sneaking out of the back of the -shed early in the morning, when he went to look -at the machine.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Did the Professor have an axe or hatchet in his -hand?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I believe not.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Having told you what he did <em>not</em> do, can you -now form an idea of what he <em>did</em> do?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I suppose he went off in that marvelous monoplane -of his.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“But previous to that?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I haven’t the remotest idea.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>“He went to the telegraph office as soon as it was -open, and sent your father a long message, giving -the particulars of your misfortune. Your father, -like the good fellow he is, immediately ordered a -new machine, which reached you this morning.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I am amazed and gratified,” replied Harvey; -“the first chance I have I shall apologize to Professor -Morgan.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Don’t do that.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He will know that you have been idiot enough -to suspect him.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“But, Mr. Pendar, do you know who did destroy -my machine?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Don’t you?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I have no suspicion.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Well, I shall leave you to solve one of the -simplest problems that was ever submitted to a -ten-year old child. I was so certain you knew the -truth at once, that I didn’t think it worth while -to make any reference to it when we next spoke -together.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span> - <h2 id='chapXXVII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXVII.<br /> <br />BOHUNKUS AT THE LEVERS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>Fortunately for Detective Pendar, the -room which he occupied at the hotel in -Chesterton gave him a view of the immense -forest to the westward, over which Harvey Hamilton’s -aeroplane was to sail in its search for the -headquarters of the men who had kidnapped little -Grace Hastings.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The keen-witted officer was right in his belief -that he had diverted suspicion from himself, but -how long this favorable situation would continue -was problematical to the last degree. It seemed -impossible to make any effective move without -betraying his real character, as well as the business -that had brought him to this little country town -in eastern Pennsylvania.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Pendar easily learned one fact: neither Catozzi -nor Caprioni had occupied their room the previous -night, nor did they show up in the morning at the -hotel. His theory was that the couple had gone to -the retreat in the woods, where they were likely to -stay until the ransom was paid for the child. The -nearness of the crisis made this reasoning plausible. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>It followed, therefore, that at the time the detective -was threading his way through the gloomy labyrinths, -they were doing the same, though over a -different course. They and he must have been -near each other some time during the night, but -it was well he saw nothing of them. While it may -be difficult for one person to shadow another in -certain circumstances, an Apache warrior could -not have trailed two vigilant kidnappers, when -they were alert against such a betrayal. The -chances would have been in favor of the detective -himself being discovered and all his schemes -brought to naught.</p> - -<p class='c022'>In his exceeding caution, he continued to meet -the two youths as if they were strangers. When -the time came for the starting of the aeroplane, -Pendar did not join the gaping crowd, but stayed -in his room on the upper floor, awaiting the call -to use his field glass. He heard the deafening -roar of the motor, and a minute later saw the odd -looking structure climb from the open space into -the upper regions, and sail away to the westward. -He saw Bohunkus Johnson, the proudest youth in -the whole country, seated in front, with his hands -upon the levers, behind him was Harvey Hamilton -with a sharp eye upon his movements.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>Detective Pendar saw the aeroplane slant upward -and travel at a rapid pace. It was not -necessary to employ his glasses, and he watched -the flight of the machine until it was nearly a half -mile away. Then he brought the instrument to -his eyes, carefully adjusted the focal distance and -did not allow anything to escape his searching -vision. His first sensation was pleased surprise -over the excellence of the instrument. Every -outline of the aeroplane came out clear and sharp, -and it seemed as if the two youths were near -enough for them to hear him if he spoke in a conversational -tone. He noticed that the negro -continued to sit straight, as if under the eyes of the -crowd that had seen him leave Chesterton, but -Harvey Hamilton was leaning slightly forward, -like one studying every feature of the landscape -sweeping under him.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The several days which the detective had spent -in the neighborhood had given him a good knowledge -of its topography. He was quick, therefore, -to observe that the aeroplane was following a -course well to the north of its former one. This -was prudent on the part of the young aviator, for -it gave him new view instead of the old one which -could serve him no further. He was approaching -the ridge over which he had sailed the previous -day.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>As the distance between the watcher and the -aeroplane rapidly increased, the detective almost -held his breath. He was leaning against the window -sill in order to make his posture firm and -prevent the slightest wavering of the instrument. -With one hand he occasionally turned the little -cogged wheel in front so as to keep the focus right, -and not allow the slightest detail to escape him.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He is as far to the west as Uncle Tommy’s -house, but a half mile north of that. This will -show him all he needs to see in that direction.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The watcher’s heart began to misgive him, for -the machine was fast receding, and though Harvey -must be intently watching he failed to make any -sign. Even with the power of the field glass, the -great bird with its spreading wings began to flicker, -and Pendar was no longer able to clearly make -out the forms of the youths seated therein.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Suddenly the aeroplane flickered, became indistinct -and the nearer margin of the woods shut -it from sight.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Another failure!” muttered the watcher bitterly. -“I may as well get ready to hand over that -fortune to as vile a gang as was ever disgorged from -the mountains of Sicily.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>The upper sash was lowered that he might obtain -an unobstructed view of the soft tinted sky beyond. -He took care to stand far enough back in the room -to be out of sight of any persons in the street below. -If either of the Italians had returned, he did not -mean they should learn how he was spending the -minutes.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I did not provide last night what young Hamilton -should do if he failed to make the discovery on -his first, or rather second voyage over the woods. -It will be risky for him to come back, but it may -look as if he were on a little trial trip with his -negro and wished to return so as to take charge -himself. If he does that he will take a course -to the south of his first trip, and, by Jove! there -he comes!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>It gave the detective an expectant thrill to see the -ship of the sky swim into his field of vision and -head directly toward him. Harvey Hamilton was -following the plan which had presented itself to the -man. The first flight disclosed the home of Uncle -Tommy Waters the weather prophet; the second -revealed nothing, and the third, well to the south, -must tell the tale. The crisis was at hand.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The officer did not call his field glass into play. -The aeroplane was not only plainly visible, but was -becoming more vivid every minute. Its elevation -was five or six hundred feet, and the watcher -breathlessly waited for the sudden shift that was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>to proclaim the discovery. The machine skimmed -through the air without deviation, like a stone when -it first leaves the sling, and then the abrupt shift -came.</p> - -<p class='c022'>But to Pendar’s consternation the aeroplane instead -of shooting upward dived toward the ground!</p> - -<p class='c022'>He snatched the glasses to his eyes. By their -aid he saw Harvey Hamilton leaning forward and -gesticulating excitedly to Bohunkus Johnson. -The deafening racket of the engine rendered his -voice useless, but he managed to make his wishes -known. In desperate need he might reach the -levers, and if anything had gone wrong with the -machine this would have been done. But it was -quickly evident that there had been a misunderstanding -between the two. Bohunkus must have -thought Harvey meant him to approach the earth, -though it was impossible to land unless some open -space presented itself. The dipping of the forward -rudder brought the biplane half way down -before the controller comprehended what was -expected of him. Then he pointed the horizontal -plane upward at so great an angle that the ascent -became startlingly rapid.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Even in the extremity of anxiety, Detective -Pendar could not repress a smile at the sight which -the glass revealed. The head of Bunk kept flitting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>back and forth, in his efforts to handle the machine -and to learn what Harvey was trying to tell him. -Pendar saw the young aviator shake his fist -angrily, and once he seemed on the point of cuffing -the heavy-witted youth for his stupidity. For a -minute or two the aeroplane wavered and swayed -to that degree that it seemed on the point of capsizing, -but Bohunkus gradually regained control, -and began his manœuvers to land in the open space -from which he had ascended. He made a mess -of it, the wheels striking the ground so hard that -both the boys came within a hair of pitching out. -Then the biplane banged over the road, coming -to a halt barely in time to escape a disastrous -collision with a telegraph pole.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“The next time you want to try your hand,” -said the angry Harvey, “I’ll put you in charge of -a clam wagon.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Bohunkus Johnson and Harvey Hamilton having -been playmates from young childhood, had -indulged in the usual number of “spats” natural -to such a relation. They were fond of each -other and the colored youth as a rule accepted -the criticisms of his friend with good nature; but -in the present instance the reproof given him was -made in the presence of fully a score of men and -boys and was heard by all of them. Several -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>grinned, and had not nature made it impossible, -Bunk would have flushed with resentment. -As it was, he could not accept the slur with -meekness.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I done as well as yo’ could yo’self. Yo’ told -me of I seed a cabin I was to shoot down and -knock de chimbly off, and den when I started to -do so, yo’ let out a howl dat nearly knocked my cap -off. De next time yo’ can ’tend to things yo’self.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You may be mighty sure I shall; the wonder -is that you didn’t smash this machine worse than -the other one.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I wouldn’t keer if I did,” replied Bunk, stepping -from his seat and striding off. He paused -long enough to call back:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I’m done trabeling wid yo’; I like to hab folks -’preciate what’s done for ’em, which is what yo’ -never did.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“The best thing you can do, Bunk, is to sail for -Africa and make a visit to Chief Foozleum.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey laughed when he made this remark, -for he never could feel angry for more than a few -minutes with the faithful fellow, and he knew his -resentment would soon cool. It did not occur to -him that the colored youth’s grievance was due to -the tantalizing enjoyment of the auditors. Had -they been elsewhere, he would have brushed the -criticism aside like so much thistle down, but he -could not stand the ridicule of strangers.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>“Dat’s what I’ll do,” replied Bunk in response -to the absurd counsel of the other.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“All right; bring me back an elephant.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Bunk had learned that in a verbal duel with -Harvey he was always sure to get the worst of it, -and he did not venture any reply to the last -remark. With an angry sniff he stalked to the -porch, dropped into one of the chairs there, -crossed his legs and scowlingly watched the -actions of his old friend.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Little did Harvey Hamilton dream what the -result would be of this brief and somewhat hot -exchange of words.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Convinced that the angry fellow would speedily -regain his natural good humor, Harvey gave him -no further thought. He made a careful examination -of his aeroplane, and was relieved to find, so -far as he could discover, that it had suffered no -harm and was as good as ever.</p> - -<p class='c022'>He was anxious now to meet Detective Pendar, -for he had important news for him, but the man -was nowhere in sight nor could the youth tell -where to look for him.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span> - <h2 id='chapXXVIII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br /> <br />FIRED ON BY THE KIDNAPPERS.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>When glancing around in quest of Detective -Pendar, Harvey Hamilton failed to look -behind him. Some one touched his -shoulder, as he stood beside his aeroplane. Glancing -back, there was his man.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The time for them to be strangers to each other -had passed. Pendar asked crisply:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“How did you make out?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I found the spot.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Certain there is no mistake about it?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I saw the little girl herself; we have located -her.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Can you take me thither?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yes, but I can’t land; there isn’t enough -space.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Let me down in front of Uncle Tommy’s -home; it isn’t far off.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“All right; take your seat; I’ll have you there -in a jiffy. I didn’t see either of those men.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“There’s one of them now on the edge of the -crowd, toward the porch of the hotel.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>While the detective was seating himself, the -young aviator looked in the direction indicated. -The Italian, Amasi Catozzi, was standing a little -apart from the others, watching the couple as a -cat watches a mouse which she expects to come -within reach of her claws the next moment. -Dressed in a gray, natty suit and slouch hat, he -kept his hands in the pockets of his coat, which was -buttoned to his gaudy necktie.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The hurried words between the man and boy -must have told the truth to the Black Hander. -The individual whom he had accepted as a commercial -traveler was a professional detective, -whose search for the kidnapped child had brought -him to this country town and very near the spot -where she was held a prisoner. He must have -believed, too, that the aeroplane had come thither, -not accidentally, but to play an assigned part in -the drama. The prospect of the whole daring -scheme being brought to naught filled the miscreant -with unrestrainable rage. He stood for a -moment like a statue, his swarthy face aflame with -passion. Then he took several hasty steps forward -as if to interfere. The propeller of the -biplane was revolving faster and faster, and it -began gliding down the moderate slope, preparatory -to leaping upward from the earth. Harvey, -with hands and feet busy, gave his whole attention -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>to the task, but the shrewd Pendar rightly suspected -they were not yet through with the wretch -who strode toward them.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The machine was in the act of leaving the ground -when Catozzi’s right hand was jerked out of his -coat pocket. Leveling a revolver, he blazed -away twice in rapid succession at the detective. -The latter had turned in his seat so as to face him, -and was barely a second behind him in returning -the shot.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The couple were not fifty feet apart when this -interchange took place. The Italian was an -expert with firearms and had he not been incited -by so consuming a passion, he assuredly would -have got his man. He missed by a hair’s breadth, -but the cool Simmons Pendar did better. He saw -his enemy’s body twitch, the Italian staggered -backward a couple of paces, and the pistol dropped -from his grasp.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The detective knew, however, that he had only -winged him. In truth he had not tried to kill -but only to wound, and he succeeded. In that -moment Pendar, who generally held himself well -in hand, felt such a thrill of anger that he determined -to end the wretch’s power for evil forever. -He sighted his weapon with the utmost care, and -had the conditions been favorable, he assuredly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>would have scored a “bull’s eye,” but it must be -remembered that the aeroplane was in action, and -already in the air, heading westward and going at -a speed of thirty or forty miles an hour.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Moreover, Bohunkus Johnson at this point got -into the game. He had seated himself, as we -remember, on the porch and was sulking over the -reproof of Harvey Hamilton. Now when he saw -him going off without him, he sprang to his feet; -leaped down the few steps, dashed forward and -shouted:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Hold on, Harv! Yo’ve forgot something!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>But his friend could not wait for him. In the -racket made by the motor, he heard nothing, and, -if he had caught the words he would have paid -no heed. Far more weighty matters claimed his -undivided efforts. The action of the colored youth, -however, brought him in direct line with the -Italian, and the fast receding detective dared -not fire because of the danger of hitting the -negro or some member of the group of staring -spectators.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The incidents described took so brief a time that -no one who witnessed them understood what had -taken place until all was ended. Certainly they -could not have dreamed of its meaning. Why -the drummer seated behind the young aviator -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>should turn about and exchange shots with -another man who seemed also to be a drummer, -was more than any person could figure out, unless -he laid it to bitter business rivalry.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Conversation between Harvey Hamilton and -Detective Pendar was impossible, nor was it necessary. -The few sentences spoken were sufficient, -though had there been the opportunity, the man -would have asked for more particulars. Although -on this warm summer day he wore no top coat, he -carried two pairs of patent handcuffs, and his -weapon still held four charges, which no man in -the world better knew how to utilize. He would -have been very glad to stand up in front of the -raging Catozzi with both their revolvers cracking -and only a few paces between them, but the time -had not yet come for a duel of that kind. He -gave his intensest attention to what was before -him while Harvey Hamilton was equally resolute -with his duty.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Catozzi was not hit so hard as he thought when -the twinge first thrilled his shoulder. The bullet -of the detective inflicted only a flesh wound, and -the man rallied instantly from the shock. He -recovered his weapon and for a minute watched -the aeroplane speeding away like an enormous -bird. Then he noted that its line of flight was -directly over <em>the</em> spot. Not a vestige of doubt -remained as to what this meant.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>The landlord had come out on the porch during -the stirring incidents and now approached the -Italian.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What the mischief did that man mean by -shooting at you? Did he hurt you bad?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“No, no, no,” replied Catozzi, who despite the -fact that a crimson stain was beginning to show -on his upper arm angrily added:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I am not hurt; don’t bother me.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>He set off down the street, taking the direction -followed by the detective the night before. He -walked fast until he reached the beginning of the -path which led to the home of the ancient weather -prophet. There he turned off and his pace -became almost a run. He needed no one to tell -him the desperate need of haste.</p> - -<p class='c022'>He had gone only half way when he left the main -path and followed a faintly marked trail,—so -dimly indicated indeed that any person not keen -sighted or looking for something of the kind would -have missed it altogether.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Meanwhile Harvey Hamilton was attending -strictly to business. Directly south of the tumble-down -home of Uncle Tommy Waters, and less -than an eighth of a mile away, stood a smaller and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>more dilapidated cabin, with no signs of cultivation -about it. It seemed wedged among a mass -of rocks and stones, which formed a part of -the structure. One side was wholly composed -of rocks. Surveying the miserable shanty, one -would have concluded that it had never been used -as a permanent dwelling, but might have been -flung into shape by a party of hunters who, visiting -that section, had aimed to provide against sudden -storm and preferred to sleep there rather than at -any house or in the town.</p> - -<p class='c022'>When the aeroplane was skimming over this -unattractive spot, Harvey turned his head and, -meeting the glance of the detective, nodded. The -gesture said: “That’s the place,” and the answering -nod indicated that the man understood.</p> - -<p class='c022'>What it was that had told the young aviator the -startling truth was more than his companion could -guess, for, search as he might, he could not detect -the first sign of life below them. There was the -gray pile of boards and rails, which looked as if -they had been tossed among the boulders by a -cyclone, but nothing else met the eye. All the -same, the youth had not been mistaken.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Had not the interest of the two been centered -upon what was beneath them, they would have -made an interesting discovery. Less than a mile -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>distant, a monoplane, as close to the earth as their -own, was bearing down upon them. One glance -would have made known to our friends that it -was the well remembered Dragon of the Skies. -There could be no doubt that its owner, Professor -Milo Morgan, was on his way to take part in the -game. But that interesting fact was not learned -until a brief while later.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Having shown his companion the cabin he had -sought so long, Harvey Hamilton shot beyond it, -and circled about until over the clearing in front -of Uncle Tommy Waters’ home, when he began -descending by means of the spiral, that picturesque -and graceful manœuver, always attended -with peril, as was shown on the last day of the -year 1910, when the daring aviator Arch Hoxsey -was killed at Los Angeles and John B. Moisant -met his death at New Orleans.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It will be remembered that the biplane was at -an elevation of not more than five hundred feet -when he began to volplane. The forenoon was -clear, and radiant with sunshine. There was no -breeze except that which was caused by the motion -of the aeroplane. Harvey had excellent control, -and was confident of coming down at the spot -selected, when, without the slightest warning, he -was caught in the fierce grip of an eddy, whirlpool -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>or pocket, or whatever it might be called, and -tossed about as if he were a feather. The ailerons -fluttered and the machine lurched like a mortally -wounded bird, frantically trying to hold its place -in the air. Recalling the instructions of Professor -Sperbeck, Harvey did not run away from the -startling flurry, but plunged straight into it. It -was another illustration of the peril to which all -aviators are exposed, of being caught at any -unexpected moment by the currents that must -always be invisible.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey braced himself, hoping that a few -seconds would carry him across the zone of -danger, and came within a hair of pitching from -his seat. The wabbling machine suddenly tilted -upward, and stood almost vertical. The escape -of Detective Pendar was equally narrow. Although -he gripped the supports with both hands, -it seemed to him that for one terrible moment he -hung by them alone, with his legs dangling in midair. -He was certain the aeroplane was capsizing, -and he could only wait for the end of all things. -Gladly would he have given the whole reward, -which dazzled his vision, for the privilege of feeling -the solid earth under his feet.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span> - <h2 id='chapXXIX.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXIX.<br /> <br />RETRIBUTION.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>Their frightful peril lasted only a few seconds. -Although the machine still swayed -like a ship laboring among surges, it struck -more tranquil air, and with its graceful spiral -motion lightly touched the ground, ran to the edge -of the clearing and stopped with its front rigger -within a few feet of a huge oak on the edge of the -open space.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It was still spinning forward when Detective -Pendar leaped from his seat, and without a word -to Harvey Hamilton, who, of course, had shut off -the motor, dashed away on a run through the -wood, making for the spot among the rocks where -the pile of lumber and rails disclosed the headquarters -of the kidnapping gang. He had not -yet seen one of them, but knew they whom he -sought were there.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Before he reached the spot he caught sight -through the treetops of the monoplane of Professor -Morgan heading for the same point. Recognizing -him he uttered an impatient exclamation.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He’s going to mix in and spoil everything.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>As easily and noiselessly as a soaring eagle, the -circling machine came to a rest directly over the -ramshackle structure. The wonderful “uplifter” -was spinning under the monoplane and held it -motionless over the exact spot, at a height of barely -a hundred feet.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Detective Pendar in a frenzy of excitement leaped -into the scant open space, where he was in sight -of the aviator, who, as he had done in a former -instance, stood erect, with a large oblong object in -his hand to which he was about to apply a lighted -match. Reading his purpose, Pendar shouted:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Don’t do that! You’ll kill the little girl!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Professor Morgan did not seem to hear him, or, -if he did, paid no attention.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Don’t, Professor! You will kill the child!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The man now called down from his elevation:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Don’t be alarmed! She is not there!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I know she is,” insisted Pendar, drawing his -revolver. “If you drop that bomb I’ll shoot -you!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The tall, ungainly figure remained upright. -He had lighted the fuse which was spitting flame. -He still held it in his hand and was carefully -sighting with the purpose of making it fall where -he wished.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>“I tell you the girl is <em>not</em> there, but the men are! -Put up that pistol or I’ll throw the bomb at you -and send you to kingdom come with them!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The naturally cool-headed detective was beside -himself. The calm assurance of the crank overhead -stayed his hand. He did not know what to -do and therefore did nothing.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Stand back!” warned the aviator; “or you’ll -catch it too!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The words were yet in his mouth, when an object -eight or ten inches in length, two or three inches -in diameter and of a dull gray color, left his hand -and dived downward. The fuse was smoking -and the bomb turned end over end several times -before it alighted on the warped boards which -served for a roof to the structure. It lay there for -a brief interval, during which it jerked to the right -and left, as a spurting hose will do when no one -is holding it, then it toppled over and dropped -through a gap in the boards.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The next instant there was muffled, thunderous -report, and rocks, rails and splintered wood flew -in every direction, as if from the mouth of Vesuvius. -The bomb had exploded with terrific force, and a -noise that stunned the spectator, who caught a -glimpse of something resembling a huge bird -which darted toward him. A rail, as if fired from -a modern siege gun, whizzed within a few -inches of his head and skittered among the branches -behind him.</p> -<div id='fig04' class='figcenter id005'> -<img src='images/p_262-3.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><span class='sc'>The Bomb Had Exploded With Terrific Force.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>In those terrifying moments the detective saw -another sight,—one that held him dumfounded for -a brief interval. Among the flying debris was the -form of a man, which shot upward for fifty feet, -turning over, passed above the head of Pendar and -fell among the trees, where it lay still and motionless.</p> - -<p class='c022'>A second man came rolling like a log rushing -down hill and settled to rest a few paces in front -of the shocked spectator. His clothing was on -fire in a dozen places. Rousing himself, the officer -snatched off his coat, and hurriedly wrapped it -about the wretch, who lay still, moaning with -pain.</p> - -<p class='c022'>But in the midst of the fearful scene, Simmons -Pendar glanced around in quest of that which he -dreaded to see above everything else in the world. -Harvey Hamilton had identified the stolen child -and how could she escape that awful explosion? -But she was not to be seen, and with relief unspeakable -he decided that Professor Morgan was -truthful in his declaration. Paying no heed for the -moment to the man at his feet, the detective -looked upward and shouted:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Where is she?”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>There was no reply, for Professor Morgan was -not there, or at least was beyond hearing or replying -to the question. Having accomplished that -which he had in mind to do, he had set his silent -machine again in motion, and was fast vanishing -in the direction of the town of Chesterton.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Relieved of his great fear, Pendar stooped over -the form at his feet. To his amazement the man -seemed to have suffered only trifling injuries. -The enwrapping of the coat had put out the incipient -flames and the fellow came as easily to his -feet as if rising from sleep. He said something -to the detective in his own language, which was -not understood. Pendar reached out and taking -his scorched garment quietly put it on himself, -but in the act of doing so he gave proof of his professional -deftness by slipping a pair of handcuffs -on his prisoner before he suspected the trick. He -struggled desperately to free himself, and unable to -do so, tried to strike his captor with the irons which -clasped his wrists. But all that remained possible -was to try to run away, and the detective was -prepared to defeat an attempt of that nature.</p> - -<p class='c022'>That the fellow understood English became -clear the next minute, when Pendar drew his -revolver from his hip pocket and addressed him:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“If you try to run off I’ll shoot you!”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>“Me no run off,” replied the man, cowering -with fear. Probably his meekness was pretense -with a view of gaining an advantage over his captor.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Where is that little girl you stole from her -home in Philadelphia?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The prisoner shrugged his shoulders and shook -his head:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Me no understand.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yes, you do; answer before I fire!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>And the weapon was leveled with the muzzle -within a few inches of the man’s face, which was -contorted by terror.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Don’t know,” he hastened to say.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Detective Pendar was enraged enough to shoot -him. With a dreadful sinking of hope the officer -asked himself whether there was to be a miscarriage -of justice after all. Grace Hastings was -neither within the shanty nor anywhere near it -when Professor Morgan blew it up with his bomb. -Could it be that the abductors had discovered -their danger before that time and removed the -little one to a safe retreat, or could it be——</p> - -<p class='c022'>He dared not finish the question. One thing -was clear: the negotiations that had been carried -on for so many days were now ended, and could -never be renewed. The friends of the child had -proved their determination not to pay the ransom -demanded, and no more communication could be -held between them and the kidnappers.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>Humanity seemed to demand that attention -should be given to him who was hurled among the -trees in the rear by the explosion; but in the intensity -of his chagrin and wrath, Detective Pendar -decided that, as he was already past help, time -would be wasted upon him. Although the garments -of the prisoner showed faint wisps of smoke -here and there, the fire was gradually dying out and -he was in no danger from that cause. His captor -compressed his lips with the resolution to force -the truth from the wretch. Surely he could throw -light upon the disappearance of the child, and the -detective was resolute in his purpose of forcing -him to do so.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What is your name?” was the first question -of the master of the situation, who, noticing the -other’s shrug and hesitation, added: “You needn’t -pretend you don’t understand me. What is your -name, I repeat?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Alessandro Pierotti,” was the answer.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Who was the man that was blown into the wood -behind me?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Giuseppe Caprioni.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>To test the truthfulness of the fellow Detective -Pendar now demanded the name of the other -member of the group that had loitered during the -last few days about the hotel in Chesterton. Pierotti -gave it correctly, and his questioner was convinced -that all were right.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That makes three. Who were the others -connected with you?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“No more,—that all.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The detective did not believe this, aware as he -was of the fearful penalties that are visited by -members of the Black Hand upon those who betray -their associates. He wondered in fact why Pierotti -had not tried to deceive him as to the names. It -may have been because he believed the truth was -at the command of this captor. That others were -connected with his crime was a certainty, but this -was not the time nor place in which to probe the -matter.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“How long did you have the little girl in this -part of the country?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The frightened prisoner wrinkled his brow in -thought.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“A week,—almost—not quite.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Where is she now?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Went off—she play—she soon come back.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>This statement was perplexing and Pendar did -not understand it.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“When did she go?”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>“One—two—tree hour; she soon come back,” -he repeated.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Who went with her?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“No one—she go with herself; she not go far.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Which way?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Pierotti pointed in the direction of the cabin of -Uncle Tommy Waters. The path which has been -mentioned as dimly marked, took another course -before joining the main trail which branched off -from the highway a little way out from Chesterton.</p> - -<p class='c022'>While it seemed improbable that a captive like -Grace Hastings would have been permitted anything -in the nature of freedom at so critical a time, -the detective decided to act upon the statement.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Lead the way, Pierotti; I shall walk behind -you; if you try to slip off, or I find you have deceived -me, <em>look out</em>!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span> - <h2 id='chapXXX.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXX.<br /> <br />THE RESCUE.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>Harvey Hamilton was anything but -pleased over the actions of Detective -Pendar in dashing off as he did without a -word of explanation. He expected to accompany -him, and would have followed but through fear of -offending his friend. The youth could not forget -that he possessed nothing in the nature of a -weapon and was more likely to prove a hindrance -rather than a help to the officer.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He is a brave man,—a reckless one,” he -reflected, “thus to rush upon a desperate gang -who are armed and will stop at no crime. Hello! -what does that mean?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>He had stepped down from his seat and glanced -over his machine, when chancing to look up in -the sky he recognized the monoplane of Professor -Morgan, already near the spot where the young -aviator had seen the ruined shanty not long before, -with the little girl playing in front of it.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The discovery that the odd character had not -wrecked his first machine, but had been the means -of his securing a second with remarkable promptness, -changed the resentment of the youth to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>kindliest feelings toward the man. He watched -the actions with fascinated interest, for the distance -was so slight that everything was visible. It has -been said that one of the achievements of Professor -Morgan was the knack of running his monoplane -with scarcely any perceptible noise. A misty, -whirring object under his perch showed that the -“uplifter” was doing its effective work and holding -the machine motionless over the place desired.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It was far enough for the intervening forest to -muffle the voices of the airman and the detective, -who tried desperately to prevent his dropping the -bomb which wrought such frightful havoc. In the -flurry of the occasion, Harvey had not recovered -his field glass from his friend, an oversight which -he regretted, for it would have helped greatly in -learning precisely what the Professor was doing. -But his unaided eyes told him enough to suggest -a shrewd guess.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He is going to launch a bomb, and if he does, -it won’t be a giant cracker, which gave those -young men such a big scare the other day.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>A minute later came the tremendous report, and -Harvey felt the ground tremble. A mass of smoke -and flying fragments rose over the spot where the -shanty had stood.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>“He has blown up the building and every one -in it!” gasped the startled youth. “I wonder -whether the child has been hurt; Pendar can take -care of himself.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey hesitated whether to run to the spot, -and had made up his mind to do so, when he was -checked by an incident that in its way was as -startling as the explosion.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It will be remembered that he had brought -his aeroplane to rest in the large clearing in front of -the humble home of Uncle Tommy Waters, the -weather prophet. Had the circumstances been -different, he would have given attention to the -house and its occupants, but the thrilling incidents -in course of happening elsewhere kept his eyes -turned in the opposite direction, and the cabin -might as well have been a hundred miles distant -for all he knew of it for the time.</p> - -<p class='c022'>That which caught his attention with the suddenness -of a snap of a whip in his ear and caused -him to whirl the other way was a childish voice:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Oh, isn’t that a funny thing?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey Hamilton was struck speechless for a -moment by the sight that greeted his eyes. Two -little girls, one freckled, homely, and poorly dressed, -the other pretty, with clustering curls and in fine -clothes, stood side by side, no more than a dozen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>paces distant, staring wonderingly at him and the -aeroplane. The third member of the group was -an immense shaggy dog as black as midnight, -which stood wagging his tail as if pleased with -what he saw. In the door of the cabin behind -them was the pudgy wife of Uncle Tommy, also -staring and seemingly at a loss to comprehend -the strange doings and sights. Uncle Tommy -was not visible, having gone to Chesterton -earlier in the day, with the time of his return -uncertain.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey beckoned the children to draw near. -With some timidity they did so, the dog following -as if to see that no harm befell either. The two -halted a few steps away and smiled, the homely -one with her forefinger between her lips and her -head to one side. Her companion showed no -embarrassment.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Your name is Grace Hastings, isn’t it?” asked -the young aviator, in a kindly voice and with a -rapidly beating heart.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yes,—what’s your name?” she asked with -winsome confidence.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Harvey Hamilton; wouldn’t you like to go -home to mamma?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Oh, yes indeed; won’t you——”</p> - -<p class='c022'>She suddenly broke down and sobbed.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>“There, my dear; you mustn’t cry, for we are -going to take you home just as soon as we can; -your papa and mamma want to see you badly and -they shall not be kept waiting; won’t you come -closer?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“May Peggy come too?” she asked with a -smile, though the tears still wetted her plump -cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Certainly, for I know Peggy is a good girl.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yes, she is, and we love each other, don’t we, -Peggy?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Grace looked at her companion for reply, and -she nodded her head six or seven times but did -not speak. The two advanced and Harvey took -each by the hand.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“How long have you and Peggy known each -other?” asked Harvey of Grace.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“This is the first time the bad folks would let -me go to see her,” was the reply.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The youth read the full meaning of these words. -The kidnappers had kept the little one a close -prisoner from the first. For the sake of her -health, they probably allowed her to play at times -near the shanty, as she was doing when he first -saw her, but as the time of her captivity, as they -viewed it, was shortened to a few hours, they -yielded to her wish to walk the little way through -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>the woods to her neighbor. She would be within -quick reach, and besides, had promised to come -back after a brief absence. What she might -reveal while playing with Peggy Waters could not -bring any risk of her loss to her captors. These -facts, which became known afterward, showed -that the flight of Harvey Hamilton’s aeroplane on -its first sweep over the ramshackle structure had -not roused any distrust on the part of the two -abductors there, who kept out of sight while the -biplane was near.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The young man was stirred by the sight of the -child standing before him, and chattering in her -innocent way. Despite what had just occurred -and the certainty that Professor Morgan had -played havoc with the miscreants, the youth was -uneasy. Some of the gang might have escaped -and started upon other mischief. Grace was too -much exposed to their evil intentions.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Let us go into the house,” said Harvey, taking -each child by the hand and walking toward the -dumpy woman who still filled the door of the cabin, -staring as if she failed to understand what had -taken place.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Good morning,” saluted Harvey; “if you -don’t mind we will go inside and sit down for a -little while.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>“I’m sure you’re welcome,” replied the housewife, -stepping back to give room. “It seems to -me there’s been queer goings on around here. -What made that awful noise I heerd a little while -ago?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“A friend of mine blew up the shanty where -several villains were holding this little girl a -prisoner.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“La sakes! You don’t say so; did you ever -hear of sich carryings on?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>She stood with her arms akimbo and stared at -her caller, who had seated himself near the open -door, where he could see his aeroplane and whatever -might appear in the clearing. Grace and -Peggy sat farther back, whispering and chuckling -together, as new acquaintances do who have no -idea of the fearful meaning of what is going on -around them.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Where is Uncle Tommy?” asked Harvey of -the wife.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He went to town two hours ago. You know,” -she added with natural pride, “that all the folks -depends on him to know what kind of weather -we’re going to have, and he’s gone to Chesterton -to tell ’em.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I have heard of his reputation as a weather -prophet.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>At this juncture, Grace rose abruptly from her -chair and asked Harvey:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“How long have I been here?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Not knowing when you came I can’t tell -exactly, Grace, but I am sure it is only a short -time.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I promised Alessandro I wouldn’t stay long -and I must be going.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Wait a little while; he won’t care—.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“There he comes for me now! He will be -angry and beat me,” she exclaimed, standing beside -her young friend and looking out of the door -in a tremor of alarm.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Sure enough, the miscreant had come into plain -sight. He was walking with bowed head and his -hands behind him, as if the wrists were fastened -together, and only one or two paces to the rear -strode Detective Simmons Pendar, with a revolver -ready for instant use. The picture told its own -story.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Stay where you are,” said Harvey, laying a -gentle hand on the shoulder of Grace Hastings; -“Alessandro sha’n’t hurt you.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>With this assurance, the youth went down the -few steps and advanced to meet his friend.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I don’t admire his looks,” he remarked with a -smile as he glanced at the swarthy, scowling face.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>“He’s as ugly as he looks,” replied the detective.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Is he the only one?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Professor Morgan’s bomb sent one flying -among the trees, where he will stay until carried -away. And that is Grace Hastings?” said the -officer, with a radiant face, as he looked at the -winsome countenance in the doorway.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“She told me that that is her name, and I think -she ought to know; but what do you mean to do -with this fellow?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I have been thinking. You know there were -three of them; I exchanged shots with Catozzi -when we were starting with your aeroplane. I -am anxious to capture him, but he was left at -Chesterton, where he will probably wait till he -receives more news.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You can march this one ahead of you to the -town and have him locked up.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The face of the detective became grave. He -shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I am afraid that if I do that, and the truth -becomes known, as it surely will be, the people will -lynch him.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Who cares if they do?” asked Harvey; “it -will serve him right.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He and the others deserve it, but the law -should deal with them. I have a better plan.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span> - <h2 id='chapXXXI.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXXI.<br /> <br />LYNCH LAW.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>During this brief conversation between -Harvey Hamilton and Detective Pendar, -the prisoner stood slightly to one side with -his bare head bent and his face looking like that -of some baffled imp of darkness. Not only had -he lost his pistol and stiletto, but his hands were -useless to him. The weapons seemed not to have -been on his person at the moment of the explosion, -for his captor had seen nothing of them. -Pendar looked at the woman.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Have you a clothesline?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Of course I have, and I need it too,” was the -reply.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Let me have it and I’ll pay you enough to buy -three new ones.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That sounds sensible; what do you want to do -with it?” asked Mrs. Waters, pleased with the -chance of driving a good bargain.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I wish to bind this scamp so fast that he will -never be able to free himself.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>“‘Cording to what you tell me you oughter put -it round his neck; I’ll give you all the help I can; -yes, you can have the rope,” and she walked into -the kitchen to bring the article, which, although -knotted in several places, must have been fifty feet -long.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“In there!” commanded the detective, motioning -to Pierotti, who slouched through the door, the -frightened little girl backing away and staring at -him. Sullen, revengeful, but helpless, the Latin -submitted to every indignity unresistingly. Pendar -was an adept at such work and wound the rope -in and out and around, again and again until -every foot of it had been utilized, and the prisoner -was bound so effectually that had he been one of -the famous Davenport brothers he would have -been unable to loosen his bonds.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Now, Mrs. Waters,” said the officer when he -had completed his work, “you needn’t have any -fear of him.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Fear of <em>him</em>!” repeated the woman with a sniff; -“do you think the like of him could scare me? Do -you see that poker?” she asked, pointing to the iron -rod with the curved end leaning against the wall -of the fireplace; “if he dares so much as open his -mouth to speak to me, I’ll break it over his head.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“A sensible idea!” exclaimed Harvey Hamilton; -“don’t forget it, and I hope he will give you an -excuse for doing what you have in mind.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>Man and youth stepped outside, where the latter -waited for his friend to make clear his intentions.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“The thing I am most anxious to do,” said the -detective, “is to reach the nearest telegraph office -as quickly as I can, that I may send a message to -Horace Hastings and his wife with the news that -will raise them from the depths of despair to perfect -happiness.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It will take us only a few minutes to reach -Chesterton with the aeroplane.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“True, and we can carry the little girl with us. -Besides, I sha’n’t be satisfied until I have the -nippers on the one still at large. Let us be off, -for you have no idea how eager I am to send the -tidings to the parents of Grace.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>When the little one learned that she was about -to be taken home to see her papa and mamma, she -clapped her hands and danced with joy. She -kissed Peggy good-bye, made the child promise to -come and see her in her home in the distant city -and then told Mr. Pendar she was ready.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Naturally she was timid when informed that she -was to take a ride with the big bird, and she clung -to her protector, who carefully adjusted himself -with her in his lap. She promised not to stir or -even speak while on the way. Harvey had headed -his machine toward the longest stretch of open -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>ground, and set the propeller revolving. Then -he dashed forward, sprang into place and grasped -the levers. The biplane was already moving at a -rapidly accelerated pace over the withered grass, -and at the proper point rose clear and sailed away -to the eastward. The tiny passenger stared and -tried to hold her breath when she realized that she -was far above the treetops, but she gave not the -slightest trouble to her friends.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The distance to Chesterton was so brief that it -seemed our friends had hardly left the earth when -they began coming down again. An easy landing -was made in the open space in front of the hotel and -Pendar lifted Grace out.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Now you will go with me,” he said, grasping -her hand and hurrying down the main street to -the telegraph office, which was several blocks from -the hotel. “Harvey, you will look after your -machine and I shall soon rejoin you.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>It would be hard to describe the blissful joy -with which the detective seized one of the yellow -telegraph blanks and wrote these words, addressed -to Horace Hastings:</p> -<p class='c024'><span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>“I have Grace with me, perfectly well and unharmed. -She asks me to give her love to papa -and mamma and to say that she is coming home -just as quickly as she can. As I shall be needed -here for some time yet, perhaps you would -better come for her. One of the kidnappers is -dead, one a prisoner, and I hope soon to have the -third.”</p> -<div class='c025'>“<span class='sc'>Pendar.</span>”</div> -<p class='c021'>Brief as was the absence of the detective from -the hotel, the interval had been sufficient for a -terrifying situation to develop. A larger crowd -than usual gathered at sight of the little girl -sitting on the lap of the man supposed to be -a commercial traveler, and when the two hurried -down the street, there were eager inquiries as -to what it meant. An instinctive feeling of -caution led Harvey to make evasive answers, -for he feared to tell the truth to the excited -crowd; but he could not falsify and was -pressed so hard that he was literally forced -to give the facts. The little girl, who had -walked down the street with the supposed commercial -traveler, was Grace Hastings, kidnapped -some time before in Philadelphia, and the man -who had her in charge was one of the most famous -detectives in the country.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The story sounded so incredible that for a -minute or two it was not believed. Every -member of the group had read of the unspeakable -crime, and their feelings were stirred to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>the depths. Parents especially were insistent -that no punishment was too severe for the authors -of the cruel wrong.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“And one of them was that fellow who fired his -pistol at the detective when he was starting off -with you in your flying machine?” demanded a -red-faced listener.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey nodded.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He was; where is he now?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yes; where is he?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>A dozen glanced in different directions. Could -they have laid hands on the miscreant his -life would not have been worth a moment’s -purchase.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I saw him hurrying down the street, right after -the flying machine left,” explained a large boy -on the edge of the crowd.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Where was he going?” demanded the first -speaker.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I didn’t ask him and I don’t ’spose he’d told -if I had.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“But you’ve got one of ’em?” said another man -to Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yes; one was killed by the explosion, but the -other wasn’t hurt to any extent.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Where is he?”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>“Safely bound in the house of Uncle Tommy -Waters.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Uncle Tommy was in the group, somewhat -back, chewing hard and listening to the absorbing -relation. He had not yet spoken, but did not -allow a word to escape him. The instant the last -remark was made, he stopped chewing, pushed -nearer the young aviator and asked:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Did you say he’s in <em>my</em> house?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yes, bound fast in a chair and under the watchful -eye of your wife.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Do you mean to tell me that consarned critter -is a-settin’ in my parlor this minute and talking -love to Betsey?” roared the wrathful Uncle -Tommy, in a still higher voice.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I don’t think he is trying to make love to your -wife; if he does, she has the poker at hand and she -told me she would use it if he gave her the least -excuse.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The weather prophet boiled over. Ignoring the -youth who had given the infuriating news, he -addressed the crowd:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Do you hear that, folks? That limb of Satan -is a-settin’ in my front parlor and Betsey hasn’t -any one with her! It’s the most outrageous outrage -that was ever outraged. Do you ’spose I’m -goin’ to stand it?”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>“What will you do about it?” asked a neighbor -tauntingly.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What will I do ’bout it? I’ll show him. He’s -one of the varmints that stole that sweet innercent -child. <em>Let’s lynch him!</em>”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The proposal struck fire on the instant. Nothing -is so excitable as an American crowd, and an -impetuous leader can do anything with it. A -dozen voices shouted:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That’s it! lynch him! lynch him! come on, -boys! we’re together in this.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The last words were uttered by a tall, middle-aged -farmer without coat or vest. He had a clear, -ringing voice, as if born to command. In a twinkling -he was at the head of the swarm which was -increasing in numbers every minute, with every -one ardent to carry out the startling proposal first -made by Uncle Tommy Waters.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Harvey Hamilton was alarmed. It has been -shown that he had not a shadow of sympathy for -the criminal, who was bound in the cabin of the -weather prophet, but he knew the detective’s -sentiments. He had left the prisoner behind in -order to save him from the very fate that now -threatened, and which had been precipitated by -the truth the youth saw no way of holding back -from them.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>Standing beside his silent machine, Harvey -shouted:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You mustn’t do that! It is contrary to law; -the courts will punish him; leave him to -them!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Yes,” sneered the leader, halting long enough -to exchange a few words; “he won’t be in jail -more than three months when he’ll be pardoned -or they’ll let him out on parole; it’ll cost money -to convict him and we’ll save the State the -expense.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You are mistaken; there is too much resentment -over this Black Hand business to show any -mercy to the criminals.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That’s what’s the matter with this crowd; come -on, boys!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The mob was moving off, when Detective -Pendar, still holding the hand of Grace Hastings, -came hurrying from the street to the front of the -hotel. He read the meaning of what he heard and -saw, and raised his hand for attention.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I appreciate your feelings, my friends, but you -mustn’t stain the fair name of Pennsylvania by -such an illegal deed as you have in mind. The -law will punish these men. Here is the little -child, and you can see she has not been harmed -in the least.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>It was an unfortunate appeal. The sight of the -frightened girl and the knowledge that she was -the victim of a most cruel wrong, roused the fury -of the men to a white heat. The protesting detective -was swept aside like chaff, and the whole party -broke into a run for the home of Uncle Tommy -Waters, with the weather prophet himself in the -lead.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span> - <h2 id='chapXXXII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXXII.<br /> <br />MYSTERIES ARE EXPLAINED.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>If the wrathful Uncle Tommy Waters could -have looked in upon his home at the time -Harvey Hamilton was telling his story, he -would have seen there was no ground for misgiving -so far as the partner of his joys was concerned.</p> - -<p class='c022'>A muscular woman, with a big iron poker in -hand, a massive dog nosing about the house and -ready at instant call, surely had little to fear from -a man whose wrists were encircled by steel bracelets -and who was swathed like a mummy in a -network of rope, no matter how sinister his mood -might be. She, too, had heard from her husband -the story of the kidnapping of little Grace Hastings, -and having a child of her own of about the same -age, she gave it as her honest opinion that every -one of the criminals should be burned at the stake, -thrown head first into a well, tumbled over the -highest precipice in the world, and then left to -perish with cold in the region discovered by Commander -Peary and not discovered by Dr. Cook.</p> - -<p class='c022'>When she found herself alone with the horrible -villain, she told Peggy to go outside and play -with the dog, while she had a little talk with the -prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>She seated herself a couple of paces in front of -him, and looking piercingly into his glittering -black eyes, demanded in a low, ominous voice:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Now, what do you think of yourself? Don’t -speak a word or I’ll bang you with this poker,” -and she raised the stiff rod threateningly.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Understanding what was said to him, the prisoner -prudently held his peace.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I asked you what you thought of yourself. -What oughter be done with a scamp that steals a -little child from its father and mother? Hanging -is too good for him. Ain’t you ashamed? Look -out! Don’t you dare open your mouth!”</p> - -<p class='c022'>And again the primitive weapon was brandished -close to the captive’s crown, whose shaggy wealth -of hair could not have shielded it had the poker -descended.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You ask me what I think,” finally blurted -Pierotti in desperation; “you say you strike if I -open mouth; I think you are mighty big fool,—that’s -what I think—now you know.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>As the Italian sat he faced the open door, toward -which the back of the woman was turned. -While striving to grasp the meaning of the broken -sentences, she saw from the expression of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>impish countenance that he was looking at some -one behind her. She whirled about, and almost -fell from her chair, for standing in the doorway -was a second member of the Black Hand, in the -person of Amasi Catozzi, who had been slightly -wounded by the revolver of Detective Pendar.</p> - -<p class='c022'>This criminal, quick to read the meaning of the -departure of the officer with the young aviator, -in an outburst of uncontrollable passion fired at -him, and then made all haste to the headquarters -in the woods, whither his companion had preceded -him. He was still running when the explosion -told its horrifying story. He knew what -had taken place as well as if he had been an eyewitness, -with the exception of the personal results -to his two associates. With a raging chagrin -which no one can comprehend, he saw that the -princely ransom which he had felt in the itching -palm of his hand had slipped away forever. All -that remained to him was to save his own neck, -as well as that of the survivors, if so be there were -any, provided he could bring about such a consummation -without adding to his own peril.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Skilfully keeping out of sight in the wood, he -saw Alessandro Pierotti handcuffed and driven to -the cabin as a prisoner. Catozzi would have felt -a gleeful delight in shooting the man with whom -<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>he had already exchanged shots, but to do that -would have intensified his own danger, since it -would have added ardor to the efforts to run him -to earth. The certain result of such disaster -would be a verdict of murder, when kidnapping -at most involved only a sentence to a long term -of imprisonment, with the cheering prospect of a -speedy pardon in the background, or a release -upon parole, and the opportunity to resume his -atrocious misdeeds. Consequently, Catozzi did -not interfere during the first part of the proceedings.</p> - -<p class='c022'>As stealthily as a red Indian he peered out from -the depth of the forest. Waiting until the detective -and child accompanied the young aviator in his -flight to Chesterton and were gone long enough -for him to feel no fear of their return, he went -forward and presented himself in the door while -the pointed and somewhat one-sided conversation -was going on between Mrs. Waters and the bound -prisoner in the chair.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It would have pleased the new arrival to give -the woman her final quietus, but he was restrained -by the same knowledge that stayed his hand when -he might have shot Simmons Pendar. She was so -terrified that she could only stare in a daze at -Catozzi, with a limp grasp upon the simple -<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>weapon in her hand. She would have begged for -mercy had she not quickly seen that it was not -necessary. The Italian merely glanced at her, and -striding forward to the chair, speedily cut the -thongs and the prisoner rose to his feet. The -loosening of the handcuffs would require more -time and could wait. The two talked briefly in -their own language. Pierotti indulged in the -luxury of a hideous grimace at the woman as he -was following his companion out of the door and -across the clearing to the forest, into which they -plunged and were immediately lost to sight.</p> - -<p class='c022'>This explanation will make clear the disappointment -of the mob which swarmed out of the wood -soon afterward, with the panting Uncle Tommy -still at the head, and the worried detective beside -him. He had turned over the care of Grace -Hastings to Harvey Hamilton, who remained -behind at Chesterton. In his flurry and eagerness -Uncle Tommy caught the toe of his boot at the -threshold and sprawled on his hands and knees -into the “parlor” of his residence.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Is my lamb safe?” he asked, scrambling to -his feet and gazing at the pudgy figure still seated -and maintaining a somewhat stronger grip upon -the poker.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>“You old simpleton! Why don’t you clean -your boots?” was the loving response of his life -partner, who quickly regained her natural disposition -when she saw that all danger had gone by.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Her story was quickly told. The disappointment -to all, except the detective, was keen, and his -feelings were solely due to his respect for law and -order. Uncle Tommy was asked whether his dog -could not take the scent of the two fugitives and run -them down, but the weather prophet replied that -the canine wasn’t worth a shoestring for such work.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You never will be able to find the couple in -the woods,” said Pendar; “there are too many -hiding places; they can dodge you for weeks; the -only course is for us to return to Chesterton at -once, and for me to telegraph to all the surrounding -towns, asking the authorities to be on the -lookout for them. They will have to leave the -woods sooner or later and there is a fair chance of -catching both.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>He added in a lower voice:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What is left of one of them lies a little way -from here; the body must not be neglected.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The announcement caused a striking change in -the moods of all. Three of the men walked forth -with the detective and viewed all that remained of -the Black Hander. One of them carried a blanket -which was tenderly laid over the body.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>“It is best not to remove it until the coroner -has given permission,” explained the officer; -“since there has been a death he must make an -investigation.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The party straggled back to town, Uncle Tommy -being the only one who stayed behind. Detective -Pendar having decided upon his course acted -promptly. When he entered the telegraph office -he found a long message from Mr. Hastings -awaiting him. It was so fervent in its expressions -of gratitude that the eyes of the detective filled -and he could not command his voice for some -minutes. The telegram contained a loving message -to the child, and the assurance that the -father would start for Chesterton at once to -bring her home.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Pendar sent notices to all the nearby towns and -to the large cities, doing his work so thoroughly -that he said to himself as he lighted a cigar and -leaned back in his chair:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“If those two fellows can break through the net -that I have spread round them, they will almost -deserve to get away. They may keep in hiding for -several days, but sooner or later they will be -gathered in.”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>Harvey Hamilton proposed to carry Grace in -his aeroplane to Philadelphia, confident that by -starting early the next morning he could reach -her home by noon, but his friend showed him the -folly of anything of that nature. She was unaccustomed -to riding in the air, and an accident was -more than likely. Moreover, her father was due -in Chesterton on the afternoon of the morrow.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“The child has already passed through too -much to incur any more danger from which it is -possible to save her. And that reminds me, -Harvey,” added the detective with a smile, “you -have decided by this time who it was that chopped -up your aeroplane.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It must have been Catozzi and Caprioni.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Beyond a doubt.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Why did they do it?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“They may have seen a possible danger in the -presence of a machine like that in the neighborhood -of Chesterton and decided to put it out of commission.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Why didn’t they do the same with my second?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“It would have involved a great deal more -risk, and could have accomplished little or nothing -for them. Besides, we mustn’t forget the element -of unadulterated cussedness that actuates so many -members of mankind. Professor Morgan took -a fancy to inspect your machine at close range -without the chance of meeting you, and so he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>made a visit early in the morning, only to find it -smashed to everlasting smithereens. He left, -your colored boy being just in time to gain a -glimpse of him, and straightway telegraphed your -father, and you know what followed.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>This part of my story may be summed up in a -few sentences. On the morrow the coroner -entered into an official investigation, as in duty -bound, of the death of the Italian supposed to be -Giuseppe Caprioni, blown up by the explosion of -a bomb. The testimony of Professor Milo Morgan -was much needed, but he had departed no -one knew whither, and that of Simmons Pendar -supplied its place. The verdict was in accordance -with the facts, so far as they could be ascertained, -and the body was buried in Potter’s Field.</p> - -<p class='c022'>The next day the gratifying intelligence came -that both Catozzi and Pierotti had been captured -in Groveton, only twelve miles from Chesterton. -Driven out by hunger they had applied at a house -for food, and were quickly arrested. They were -tried, found guilty and sentenced to the longest -terms possible in State Prison, where it is to be -hoped they will spend the remainder of their days.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Horace Hastings reached Chesterton by special -train earlier than was expected and took his child -home with him.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span> - <h2 id='chapXXXIII.' class='c012'>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br /> <br />WHERE IS BOHUNKUS?</h2> -</div> -<p class='c023'>Harvey Hamilton stayed in Chesterton -till the close of the incidents just narrated. -His interest was so stirred that he had no -wish to leave before their conclusion. During the -hours of waiting, he made several short flights in -his aeroplane, and when he and Detective Pendar -were called upon to give their evidence the flying -machine was convenient. In addition, he gave -several of the townsmen the most thrilling experiences -of their lives. He invited Uncle Tommy -Waters to accompany him on an aerial excursion, -but a million dollars would not have tempted the -old gentleman to take his feet off the firm earth.</p> - -<p class='c022'>A seemingly small matter gave the young -aviator anxiety. Upon his return from the explosion -of the shanty, he expected to find Bohunkus -Johnson either sitting on the porch of the hotel -or strolling about the town. Although the colored -youth was offended by the brusque reproof of -Harvey, it was not his nature to hold a grudge, and -his friend was prepared to meet him half way -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>and apologize for his hasty words, but no Bohunkus -showed up. The night passed without his -appearance. Harvey went to his room in the -early morning only to find that his bed had not -been occupied.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He has gone home,” was the conclusion of the -youth. “If he wishes to pout I shall not interfere, -but he ought to have left some word for me.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>While waiting in Chesterton, Harvey wrote a -letter to his father, giving a full account of the -recovery of little Grace Hastings, her restoration -to her parents and the capture of the two surviving -members of the Black Hand, which, as has -been stated, was duly followed by their sentence -to long terms in the penitentiary. This letter was -crossed by one from his father, which confirmed -the explanation made by Mr. Pendar of the -wrecking of the first aeroplane. He had received -quick notice of the misfortune from Professor -Morgan, and sympathizing with his son had -provided him with a second flying machine in -record time. When a young man who took an -aerial ride with Harvey told him he had seen the -two supposed commercial travelers in the vicinity -of the hotel sheds at daylight of the eventful -morning, the last shadow of doubt was removed -as to the identity of the offenders.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>Mr. Hastings paid over the entire reward to -Simmons Pendar, who would have insisted that -one-half of the large sum should go to Harvey -Hamilton, had the latter not notified him that any -such proposition would be accepted as an insult.</p> - -<p class='c022'>Despite a feeling of vexation, Harvey became -so concerned over Bohunkus that he finally -telegraphed to Mr. Cecil Hartley, the farmer to -whom the colored boy had been bound years -before, and asked whether he was at home. The -reply was that he had not been seen since he left in -the aeroplane with Harvey. This was disquieting -news and the youth did not know what to make of -it. Had not Detective Pendar been absent just -then he would have applied to him for counsel. -Enlightenment, however, came from an unexpected -quarter.</p> - -<p class='c022'>It was on the evening of the second day, after -the guests at the hotel had eaten supper and left -the dining-room, that the landlord came out and -sat down near Harvey, who occupied a chair at -the farther end of the porch. The boniface was -chuckling as if in good humor over something. -Harvey wondered what it could be.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You ain’t worrying about that darkey of -yours?” was the first question.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>“I am not worried so much as I am curious,” -replied the youth; “he took offense the other day -because I reproved him for an act of stupidity, -but it is not his nature to sulk so long. I thought -he had gone home, but learned a short while ago -that he hasn’t been there.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Oh, no; he’s a long way from home by this -time.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Do you know where he is?” asked the startled -Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Not precisely, but I reckon I can make a good -guess.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Please do so.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“You remember that after that queer crank -that they call Professor Morgan had blowed up -the headquarters of them kidnappers, he did not -stay in them parts.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“No; I noticed he headed for Chesterton.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That’s where he came; he landed in the -shed yard near the spot where your machine was -smashed and had hardly touched the airth when -that darkey of yours was there and the two begun -talking together mighty earnest.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Do you know what it was about?” asked -Harvey, in whose mind a sudden suspicion had -formed.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I don’t know what was said at first, ’cause -they was too fur off for me to hear, but they hadn’t -been talking more’n five minutes—maybe not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>that long—when they walked up on the porch and -sot down. I was standing a few feet from them -looking out at the things which was beginning to -hum, so I heard about all that was said. What -do you ’spose it was about?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I can make a guess, but I prefer you should -tell me.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That darkey said something about his father -that was a famous chief in Africa that he’d like -to visit, and he asked the Professor if he couldn’t -take him there. The Professor said nothing in -the world was easier, though he wasn’t sure his -machine was quite ready, but it would be very -soon. He had made a lot of wonderful inventions -and had figured out things so he could keep afloat -in the air for nigh twenty-four hours. They would -have to do better than that to cross the Atlantic -Ocean, but he hadn’t any doubt he would soon -have matters settled so there would be no trouble. -As near as I could make out, the Professor invited -him to go along and stay with him while he finished -some experiments and got things fixed so he could -remain aloft for two or three weeks, without taking -aboard any new ile.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“And Bohunkus agreed to that!” exclaimed -Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>“If that is the darkey’s name, he jumped at the -chance. The Professor’s idea was to wait at the -hotel here for two or three days, till matters sort -of quieted down, but the African insisted they -should start at once.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That perhaps was natural, but did he give any -reasons for his haste?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>The landlord chuckled again.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“He said it was on your account; you was -always interfering with his affairs, and you’d be -sure to make objections; you meant well, but you -didn’t know much and they would have trouble -with you if they didn’t leave before you got back. -I hope you ain’t offended with the words I’m -telling you.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Offended!” repeated Harvey, “that good-hearted -fellow couldn’t offend me; I only feel concern -because he has placed himself in the hands -of a lunatic.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“That’s the Professor and no mistake. Well, -the darkey had it all his own way. Not long after, -they walked out to the shed yards and shot away -in that outlandish machine that doesn’t make any -noise and travels like a greased streak of lightning. -Before they started, the Professor told the darkey -he must not write any letter of explanation to you.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Did he do so?”</p> - -<p class='c022'><span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>“He didn’t think of it at first, but the Professor -had reminded him, so he went to his own room -and wrote without his knowledge.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“What did he do with the letter?”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Gave it to me.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>“And why didn’t you hand it to me?” asked -Harvey.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“‘Cause I had to promise I wouldn’t till this -evening after supper. The darkey explained -that if you got it too soon, you’d butt in and upset -things and he didn’t mean to have anything like -that. Here’s the letter.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>And the landlord drew a missive from his inner -coat pocket and handed it to Harvey, remarking -as he did so:</p> - -<p class='c022'>“I had a mind to give it to you as soon as you -and the detective got back, for I didn’t feel right -about that outlandish scheme of the Professor, but -I had made my promise and stuck to it.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>Excusing himself, Harvey Hamilton walked -into the writing-room, and under the glare of the -gaslight unfolded a sheet of paper which was not -inclosed in an envelope. He recognized the scrawling -hand that had written his name on the outside -and read the following amazing communication. -The only liberty I have taken with it is in the way -of punctuation, in order to help make clear the -meaning:</p> -<p class='c024'><span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>“<span class='sc'>Deer Harv</span>:</p> - -<p class='c026'>“doan’ think ime mad at U, coz I aint,—its all -right; I think a bully lot of U. Me and the purfesser -start 2 day for Afriky to make a vizzit to -my dad, the grate cheef Foozleum, when i cum -back, ile bring U a nelefunt that we’ll hang in a -nett under the masheen. I meen to fetch a graff -2 [several other spellings of this difficult word were -crossed out], as we can cut a hole in the top of the -dragging of the Skize and let his head stick thru; -doan’ try to foller us, ’cause U can’t carry nuff -ighl to keep the steem agoing no more,—with -luv.</p> -<div class='c025'><span class='sc'>Bunk.</span>”</div> -<p class='c021'>Harvey smiled at this phonetic system run mad. -Then an expression of worriment clouded his -countenance.</p> - -<p class='c022'>“Poor Bunk! You don’t know what you are -doing. You have gone into a danger from which -heaven alone can save you; but I shall do all I can -without wasting an hour, though I fear it is too late.”</p> - -<p class='c022'>And what Harvey Hamilton did and all that -befell Bohunkus Johnson in his aerial flight with -Professor Morgan will be told in</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c027'> - <div><span class='large'>“THE FLYING BOYS TO THE RESCUE.”</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c028'> - <div><span class='large'>Transcriber's Notes:</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c029'>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.</p> -<p class='c030'>Alternate spellings of "anyone" and "any one" have been left as is in the text.</p> -<p class='c030'>Alternate spellings of "manœuver" and "maneuver" have been left as is in the text.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Flying Boys in the Sky, by Edward Ellis - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE FLYING BOYS IN THE SKY *** - -***** This file should be named 50823-h.htm or 50823-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/8/2/50823/ - -Produced by Rick Morris and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was -produced from scanned images of public domain material -from the Google Books project.) - -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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere 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. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - - </body> - <!-- created with ppgen.py 3.53c8 on 2015-12-28 15:12:12 GMT --> -</html> diff --git a/old/50823-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/50823-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0b00092..0000000 --- a/old/50823-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50823-h/images/frontispiece.jpg b/old/50823-h/images/frontispiece.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 56983e1..0000000 --- a/old/50823-h/images/frontispiece.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50823-h/images/p_064-5.jpg b/old/50823-h/images/p_064-5.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 00cb8f7..0000000 --- a/old/50823-h/images/p_064-5.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50823-h/images/p_194-5.jpg b/old/50823-h/images/p_194-5.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 30aee10..0000000 --- a/old/50823-h/images/p_194-5.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50823-h/images/p_262-3.jpg b/old/50823-h/images/p_262-3.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3a59d95..0000000 --- a/old/50823-h/images/p_262-3.jpg +++ /dev/null |
