ttention to the scene in front. As they drew closer to the practice
field the shouts of the trio of lads near the shop came plainly to
their ears.

Then Frank began circling, and cutting figure eights, wishing to
discover just what the biplane could do in that line. Perhaps he also
was not averse to giving the admiring audience below something more to
gape at. But all the same, Frank took no great chances; he was too
cautious and level-headed a boy to do that, unless the emergency called
for it; and then his nerve was equal to any demand.

When the biplane finally dropped down to the ground close by the hangar
where it was to be housed, the three comrades were only too glad of a
chance to clutch hold, and assist to the best of their ability.

"She's just a jim-dandy for going and turning, Frank!" exclaimed Larry.

"Yes," exclaimed Elephant; "I used to think that little Bug was the
limit; but now I see I was away off. This biplane has got her number,
all right. Why, there ain't anything you couldn't trust her to do,
fellows."

"W-w-with F-f-frank at the h-h-helm, you m-m-mean!" spluttered Nat.

"Oh! that goes without saying, Nat," declared Elephant.

"We was wondering whether you had another scrap with the two pirates up
there?" remarked Larry, pointing toward Old Thunder Top.

"No, the eagles have become used to seeing an aeroplane by now. They
came close to watch us, because they've got eaglets in the nest; but
never once swooped down to strike at us with talons, wings or beaks,"
Frank replied.

"We're going to tame 'em so's to shake hands with us," grinned Andy.

"I was watching you through the old telescope Andy has here," observed
Larry; "and which he says one of his ancestors used when he was captain
of a sailing vessel more'n eighty years ago. She worked fine too,
though a bit clumsy. And Frank, what under the sun did you make that
sudden upward slant for, when you was away off over the Powell woods?
Whew! I thought you'd sure go clean over backwards!"

The Bird boys exchanged glances, which of course aroused the curiosity
of the observing Larry more than ever.

"Here, none of that, now, fellows," he remarked. "There's something in
the wind, and you've just got to tell us all about it. Did the lever
break or get away from your grip, Frank? There was a reason for that
jump, and I know it."

"Sure there was," said Andy. "If you heard a gun go bang a few hundred
feet below, and then got th