he broad highway that led to
Andy's house.

"There she is!" cried Ned.

"There's something, at any rate," conceded Tom, as he hastened his
steps. "It's a queer-looking aeroplane, though. My! he's got enough
wings to it!"

"Yes, it's Andy's sure enough," went on Ned "There he is in front,
giving orders like a major-general, and Sam and Pete are helping
him. Let's get closer."

They followed the crowd, which was thronging about the airship that
Andy Foger had made, Tom had a glimpse of the machine. It was a form
of triplane, with three tiers of main wings, and several other sets
of planes, some stationary and some capable of being moved. There
was no gas-bag feature, but amidships was a small, enclosed cabin,
which evidently held the machinery, and was designed to afford
living quarters. In some respects the airship was not unlike Tom's,
and the young inventor could see that Andy had copied some of his
ideas. But Tom cared little about this.

"Do you think it will go up?" asked Ned.

"It looks to me to be too heavy, and his propellers seem too small,"
answered Tom. "He's got to have a very powerful motor to make all
that bulk fly."

The people were crowding in closer around the airship, for the news
that Andy was to attempt a flight had spread about town.

"Now keep back--all of you!" ordered the bully, with a show of
anger. "If any one damages my airship I'll have him arrested! Keep
back, now, or I won't fly!"

"Reminds me of a little kid saying he won't play if he can't have
his own way," whispered Ned to Tom.

"Hello, Andy, give us a ride!"

"Going above the clouds?"

"When are you coming back?"

"Bring down a snowstorm!"

"Be careful that you don't fall!"

These were some of the things shouted at Andy, for he had few
friends among the town lads, on account of his mean ways.

"Keep quiet--all of you!" he ordered. "Get back. You might get hurt
when I start the motor. I'm going to make a flight soon," he added
proudly. "Sam, you come over here and hold this end. Pete, you go
back to the rear. Simpson, you get inside and help me with the
motor. Henderson, you get ready to shove when I tell you."

These last orders were to the two machinists whom Andy had engaged
to help him, and the bully gave himself no end of airs and
importance as he bustled about.

Tom could not help but admit that Andy's machine was a big affair.
There was a great stretch of wings and planes, several rudders other
appliance