Larry groaned again to express the envy that
was burning in his boyish soul.

"If you'd only let us bring over our blankets, and sleep here with you,
it would lighten things up a heap, I tell you, Frank," said Elephant.

"We wouldn't occupy much room," went on Larry, eagerly, thinking he saw
signs of giving in on the other's face. "Why, you could chuck Elephant
under the workbench and never find him again. And I'd sling a hammock
in a corner. Looky here, if you say no I'll feel like jumping in the
lake right away."

Frank and Andy exchanged glances. They were genuinely fond of the
strangely mated pair; and besides, there was no longer any reason why
these old chums should be longer refused the liberty they had once
enjoyed, of entering the workshop as they pleased.

"It's a go, Larry; eh, Andy?" said the taller of the Bird boys.

With that the two favored ones indulged in sundry whoops and leaps to
express the joy that Frank's announcement had given; even Stammering
Nat grinned, and no doubt wished he had been included in the
invitation; though he knew there would be no room for a further
increase in the guardians of the shop.

"I'm going right home and get my blankets," said Elephant, eagerly.

"And me ditto," echoed Larry. "Hey, fellows, you know what dandy
doughnuts my mother makes; shall I fetch a bunch along, with a loaf of
bread?"

"Fine," laughed Andy, "and be off with you."

"Hold on, boys," Frank broke in just then. "Let's see what this
procession coming along the road means. Two hay wagons, and each
loaded with some crates of merchandise. Beside each driver I notice a
second figure, and unless I'm mistaken the first one is Percy Shelley
Carberry."

"That's right," remarked Larry. "And it's his crony, Sandy
Hollingshead, on the second wagon. Say, you're gazing right now on the
wonderful new aeroplane which your rival Percy has sent for, and in
which he means to make you fellows look like two cents. Hey! what's
this I see?"

"They've stopped short, that's all," observed Andy. "An automobile has
blocked the road, and Percy seems to be having a confab with one of the
parties in the car. Frank, do you see who whose men are? The very
gents we were talking about. And now they've struck another scent, for
they seem to be bent on learning all about who these boys carrying a
crated aeroplane in parts can be. The mystery grows! My word! but
there's going to be lots doing around here soon!"