“The first thing I discovered,” said Andy, when his flight was over, “was that it isn’t half as scary as it looks. When I’ve watched aviators and seen the planes dip, it always seemed I’d feel as if it was sure goin’ to turn over. But you don’t.”

“It’s because you are moving with the machine,” explained Roy. “A grade don’t seem as steep when you are on it.”

“I couldn’t get up even a thrill,” declared Andy. “I supposed I’d hang on—I didn’t. Why, Roy even let me look after the engine.”

“When I began flying,” said Roy, “I went up alone. It was a foolish thing to do. After that, when I was really learning, I had to follow Mr. Atkinson’s first rule for new men—if they flew lower than six feet or higher than twenty-five, he made them descend. Follow that rule, and you’ll learn all you can find out by going up higher.”

It was agreed that nothing more should be done that day. The aeroplane was wheeled[146] over near the boathouse and the engine was covered with a tarpaulin. There would be no risk in leaving it thus exposed, but Captain Anderson said Ba would likely show up, as it was Saturday night. The colored man was to act as watchman.

“And how long are you going to keep that up?” asked the thoughtful Mrs. Anderson. “What use is the thing going to be?”

This was a poser. The captain did not attempt an answer.

“I’d like a few more lessons, if I can get them,” suggested Andy.

“You can operate it now,” put in Roy, “if you do as I said.”

“Why do you want more lessons?” asked Mrs. Leighton in turn. “Are you thinking of becoming an aviator yourself?”

Roy smiled, and Andy’s jaws set. But the boy made no reply.

When Roy, the aeroplane cared for and the exciting flights having been discussed in all details, suggested that he might as well board the night train and proceed to Lake Worth, there was a protest on the part of all. The young aviator had already endeared himself to his Valkaria hosts. Finally, he was persuaded[147] to stay over Sunday, with the promise of a sail on the Valkaria the next day.

Nearly all of Sunday was spent on the Valkaria. Saturday night and Sunday night, Roy and Andy slept in the boatshed, the captain returning to the house.

By the time the two boys went to sleep Sunday night they had become fast friends. It was arranged that the model of the bird-tail propeller was to be sent to Andy’s father in St. Paul that he might consult a patent lawyer concerning it. The boys were not so clear about the engine.

Roy had really no power to buy it outright for Mr. Atkinson before consulting that gentlemen. But he told Andy that he felt sure his employer would be eager to get the motor. Mr. Atkinson, he felt sure, would send his motor superintendent down to look at the engine, and Andy, in turn, assumed the power to give Roy and his friends an option on the engine, subject to examination. Andy was careful to secure Captain Anderson’s approval of these negotiations.

“Have it your own way,” Captain Anderson said. “I reckon your father and I can settle it between us when I see him.”

[148]

Four times on Monday did the Pelican make successful ascents. On the last one, at two o’clock, Andy made his first flight alone. So far as his anxious observers could see, his operation of the car was in no way different from that of young Osborne. At least, the moment Andy alighted, Roy slapped him on the back and said:

“I guess I’m not needed longer. You can teach someone else now.”

And, despite the regrets of his new friends, the young aviator boarded the night train for Lake Worth, each boy agreeing to write to the other, and Roy promising to send his latest pupil an aneroid barometer and an anemometer as soon as he reached Newark.

That night, as on the two previous nights, the strange Ba watched the new aeroplane. The next morning Captain Anderson suggested that the rudder, landing skis, and engine be detached and the frame and parts housed in the shop until the possible arrival of the motor expert from the north.

Andy entered a protest at once.

“I should say not,” he said; “that is, unless you insist. I want to make a real flight.”

“That’s why I want to take it apart,” confessed[149] the captain frankly. “I knew you’d want to keep it up.”

“You’re not afraid of my breaking it, are you?” queried the boy.

“I’m only afraid of your breaking your neck.”

“Were you afraid Osborne would break his neck?”

“That’s different—he’s an expert.”

“‘Expert’,” repeated Andy. “I’ll be an expert when I’ve had the practice. And how will I get it? Not by readin’ about airships.”

“Settle it with your mother,” exclaimed the captain. “I certainly won’t object, if she don’t.”

Although Andy’s head was now brimming full of his great, but sleeping, project, he was not yet ready to consult his mother about it. As another step in his great plan, however, he obtained permission to go to his uncle’s house, one of the conditions being that he was to bring back some fruit. Although Ba had been watchman for three nights, none knew when he slept. And as soon as Andy got out the Red Bird’s oars, the negro made ready to accompany him.

Andy’s mind was on other things, but he[150] never neglected an opportunity to talk to the Bahaman. Usually he approached the subject diplomatically. That morning on the way to Goat Creek, he was out of sorts. Therefore, and much to his own surprise, he blurted out:

“Why don’t you tell me about that Timbado place, Ba? What are you afraid of?”

For a moment the colored man gave no sign in face or gesture that he heard. Then, as in the past, his lips began to twitch and his narrow brow grew narrower.

“You ain’t go on dat Timbado?” he repeated, his usual slow-witted question.

“Sure I am,” answered Andy perversely. “Why not? I’m thinkin’ of goin’ right over there.”

There was no outward change in the black man’s bearing, but the boy could see that some emotion was affecting him within. They had reached Goat Creek, and, as the little boat passed into the currentless channel, Ba ceased rowing.

“Marse Andy,” he began in a husky voice, “Ah done bin on dat Timbado—white men don’ go dar.”

“I’m thinkin’ of goin’,&rdqu............