just as appetizing as they could possibly be, and
all other things on the menu equal to any they had ever tasted. But
then, hungry boys are not apt to be discriminating, save sometimes at
home. Anything eaten under such romantic conditions as this was sure
to be classed as prime.

Larry had been as good as his word, and brought back a generous
donation on the part of his mother, whose doughnuts were reckoned the
very finest in all that section; so that they topped off a hearty
supper with several of these apiece.

After the aluminum cooking outfit had been thoroughly cleaned, and
every piece put away in its exact place, as was the custom of the Bird
boys, who could never tell just when they might want to go off in a
hurry, and take the camp kit along, they gathered around a table and
indulged in some friendly games, Andy having been thoughtful enough to
fetch these out from the house.

About ten Elephant was discovered to be fast asleep, while the others
were holding a talk fest by themselves.

"Time we all turned in, fellows," Frank declared, after Larry had
aroused his mate by tickling his ear with a straw.

So for a short time there was much fussing and blanket turning.
Finally one by one they announced themselves settled comfortably, Frank
staying up until the last in order to put out the lamp.

All of them had arranged it that in case there came a sudden alarm they
would not be more than a dozen seconds getting into some clothes and
their shoes, so as to rush outside.

There were several patent fire-extinguishers handy, for the Bird boys
had had one experience with a conflagration that threatened to destroy
their workshop, and with it their precious aeroplane, and they did not
mean to be caught unprepared for such an emergency again.

Many times during that night Frank awoke, and on each occasion he would
sit up to listen. It was a quiet night, and the windows of the shop,
over which heavy wire netting had been secured, were of course open, so
that the air could pass on through.

Thus, what sounds there might happen to arise without could be plainly
heard. But the hours passed on and there was no cause for alarm.
Frank had arranged certain devices whereby he expected to be warned
should any one attempt to enter the workshop. The fine wire had been
secretly carried to Andy's room in the house, where a bell would sound
an alarm, and arouse the sleeper.

Of course this was not wholly in use while the