ine can with you. Sam, you
mind the machine," went on Dick, loudly.

"All right," answered the brothers, and Tom got the can in question, and
he and Dick started for the store.

"Humph! got to have gasoline to run 'em, eh?" said one of the men, to
Sam.

"Yes, indeed," answered the youngest Rover.

"Well, Bill Simmons can give ye all ye want, pervidin' ye pay for it,"
chuckled the man. "He keeps gasoline fer auto fellers an' fer farmers as
has gasoline engines."

Dick and Tom hurried to the hardware store and asked the proprietor
about gasoline. While he was filling the can they looked at an
assortment of pistols that were exhibited in a showcase.

"They look pretty good," said Dick, when the hardware man came towards
them.

"Are good, too. Wouldn't you like to buy a good shooter?" he added,
anxious to do business.

"Show me a really good five-shooter," said Dick, and several were
quickly handed over. He selected one and Tom selected another.

"Have to get one for Sam, too," whispered Tom.

"Sure," replied his brother, and this was done, and they also purchased
the necessary cartridges.

"Now you are well armed--if anybody tries to steal your airship," said
Bill Simmons.

"We don't want the machine stolen, or tampered with," answered Dick. "We
can't afford to take chances. If a fellow tampered with our machine it
might go wrong when it was in the air and we'd get our necks broken."
And then Dick and Tom hurried back to the _Dartaway_ carrying the can of
gasoline between them. The can was fastened where it belonged,--for the
regular tank had still plenty of gasoline in it,--and then the boys
sailed away once more, over the winding road leading to Snagtown.

"That's a dandy revolver!" exclaimed Sam, on receiving one of the
weapons, with some cartridges. "And loaded, too! Now I guess we are
ready for those rascals!" he added, with satisfaction.

"Remember, we are not to use any firearms unless it becomes absolutely
necessary," said Dick, firmly.

"Yes, but I am not going to give them a chance to down me and get away
with Nellie!" cried Tom, stoutly.

"Oh, no, Tom! We'll not allow that!" returned his big brother, with
equal firmness.

"It seems to be getting a bit cloudy," said Sam, a minute later. "Wonder
if it will rain?"

"I don't think that is rain, Sam," answered Dick. "It's worse than that,
for us."

"You mean wind?"

"Yes."

Dick was right, and presently the first puff of the coming breez