sh!" exclaimed Elephant.

"That sounds all to the good to me!" remarked Larry; while Nat tried to
express himself intelligently along similar lines; but being suddenly
seized with one of his spasms, was obliged to take it out in numerous
mouthings, and a working of his facial muscles, all the while making
unintelligible sounds.

Frank seemed to consider this startling proposition of his cousin, for
there were lines about his forehead, and his eyes took on a reflective
look.

"Now, I can see already that you don't agree with me wholly," Andy
said, quickly for he was accustomed to studying that countenance of his
cousin, and could read between the lines.

"Well, I'd hate to think that any maker of aeroplanes could descend
that low as to want to steal ideas from any one," Frank answered.
"They are few in number, and so far as we know, honorable men. If they
wanted to get something that you and I, or any other fellow, had
happened to hit on, and which would be of value to aviators, the
chances are they'd send somebody to open up negotiations, and offer to
buy the improvement outright, or take it on a royalty basis."

"Perhaps you're right, Frank," admitted the other; "but all the same
there was something I didn't like about that Mr. Marsh. I warrant you
he's a sharp one in a dicker. He looked it. But see here, what've you
got to offer in place of my poor little kicked-out suggestion? There's
some sort of answer to the puzzle; and five to one you've guessed it."

Frank laughed as he replied:

"Hold on, now, I may be just as far off as you are. As usual we look
at things on opposite sides, you know, Andy. But we never disagree,
and that's one good thing about our partnership. Either you convince
me, or I show you."

"Sure we do, Frank; and nine times out of ten it's your game. When I
make a hit it's a great day for Andy Bird. But please hurry up, and
tell us what you think!"

"Yes," said Larry, who had been moving restlessly about, being consumed
with the fever of curiosity, "who do you say Mr. Marsh and his friend
are, Frank?"

"To begin with, just as you did, the fact that they admit knowing many
people connected with the game, strengthens my suspicion. I too
believe they may be connected with some maker of aeroplanes like the
Wrights; but instead of being sent up here to steal our ideas, they
have come as detectives, to find out if the Bird boys have been lifting
any patented inventions belonging to