After
we've had this a week we can begin to talk. Just now it's up to us to
study her every little whim, and try to improve on things."

The other boys were taking turns in going home and "making the
acquaintance of their folks," as Larry quaintly put it. But there
would be a couple of them at the shop all the time. Of course there
was now no danger from Jules, since he had fallen upon evil ways; but
as Larry said mysteriously, "you never could tell," and everybody knew
whom he had in mind, although no name was mentioned.

The Bird boys had that running start down to a fine point. Frank had
made an especial study of it, so as to rise in the air with as little
ground work as possible. And this was what served him well on many
occasions--for instance when on the plateau of Old Thunder Top, where
the level space was limited.

So they rose quickly and successfully. Andy gave a yell of
satisfaction, to indicate that his confidence in the new aeroplane was
being strengthened every minute that he saw her strong points being
developed.

They rose to a considerable height before starting away in the
direction of Hazenhurst. It looked just like a homing pigeon seeking
an altitude, from which it could find its bearings, before starting in
a bee line for its loft far away.

Andy was using the glasses, while Frank drove the machine, and studied
every little part, touching a straining wire guy here, and tightening a
valve there, as he noted minute chances to improve conditions.

It was this complete mastery of the subject that gave him such control
over his aeroplane; so that when he chose he could develop unexpected
resources of speed, or ability to successfully carry out difficult
feats.

"I can see the town easy enough from here," announced Andy, presently.

"Am I headed right?" asked the pilot.

"Just send her a trifle more to the northwest. There, now we aim
straight for Hazenhurst," Andy called out; for the motor was crackling,
and besides, there was more or less noise arising from the stiffened
planes, so that it became necessary to raise the voice in order to be
easily heard.

So, for some little time they went humming merrily along, just "eating
up the miles," as Andy remarked delightedly.

It was a great sensation for these two lads; but having been at this
now for so long a time they fairly overcome the thrill that is apt to
seize upon a novice.

Frank had dropped down to a lower level. Since they