Part 24 (1/2)

”I guess it was----” began Tom, when d.i.c.k caught hold of his arm and silenced him.

”We'll take a look at the machine,” said the big brother, and they went into the shed. Here they were soon joined by Sam and the others; and soon a close inspection of the biplane was in progress.

”I don't see any damage,” said d.i.c.k, presently.

”Most likely they didn't have time to do any,” replied Tom.

”I'm glad of it,” added Sam, with a sigh of relief.

”Who would be so mean?” questioned Stanley.

”I've got my suspicions, but I won't say anything yet,” answered d.i.c.k.

A proctor and several instructors had come down to the shed, and the situation had to be explained to them. All thought it mean that anybody should try to damage the flying machine.

”Perhaps it was merely a boyish trick,” said Professor Blackie. ”Let us hope so.”

”Maybe,” answered d.i.c.k. ”Just the same, I am glad that I placed Filbury on guard.” And then he told the young man to keep a closer watch than before, and this Abner promised to do. Then the boys went back to the dormitory, finished the feast, and went to bed.

A few days later came word that Dora and the Laning girls had arrived at Hope Seminary, and the Rovers, of course, made immediate preparations to visit them.

”We'll give 'em a surprise,” said Tom, with a grin. ”We'll visit 'em in the _Dartaway_.” And this the other brothers readily agreed to do.

A message was sent to the three girls, requesting them to meet the boys at a certain hour on the campus of the seminary. Then the Rovers got the _Dartaway_ in readiness for the trip, polis.h.i.+ng up the engine and working parts until they shone like silver.

”If only it doesn't rain, or blow too hard,” said Sam, when all was in readiness.

”Oh, we'll go anyway,” cried Tom.

The boys had purchased regular aviation suits, which looked very neat and professional-like. The new engine was in place, and they had given it a good try-out and had found that it worked as well as the other and gave much more power.

”I think we could carry half a dozen folks now,” said Sam, after a trial with some bags of sand. ”She takes up the extra weight without an effort.”

”Perhaps, but there is no use of straining the biplane, or the engine either,” returned d.i.c.k.

The morning of the all-important day came and the boys found the wind blowing steadily from the west.

”Rather breezy for a flight,” was d.i.c.k's comment.

”Do you think it will rain?” queried Sam, anxiously.

”Not with the wind from that quarter, Sam. But we may get more breeze than we want.”

”Oh, we won't mind the wind a bit,” declared Tom, who never wanted anything to interfere with his pleasure.

The boys had their regular cla.s.ses to attend during the morning, and also one recitation after lunch. But by half-past two all were free, and after donning their aviation suits, they hurried to the shed and rolled out the _Dartaway_.

”Pretty breezy and no mistake,” remarked d.i.c.k, as he gazed anxiously at the sky. ”I don't know about this.”

”Oh, don't say we can't go, d.i.c.k!” pleaded Sam.