with the first airplane made up from new plans. And when the job has to be d

had at home; but there were unexpected difficulties met here and there in the constructive work, as is always the case in large mechanical undertakings of an original nature, besides which the

its graceful curves and splendid, roomy, enclosed cabin, accommodating five persons; but all concerned were a little disappointed that more progress had not been made. Mr. Giddings had been quite a frequent visitor at the

anxiety. "Here we are with a half-completed airplane, a race staring us in the face for next summer, and two of our workmen

ventured Bob, trying to wedge a little

work after supper every night for

ill I allow you to help John on the machine-even if it isn't finished for five years. I have been thinking this situation over for some time, for I have seen it coming," went on the great publisher after a moment's pause; "and I have come to t

can have a chance to test her out and tune her up. Now, it happens that Paul and I have a cousin-Tom Meeks-who is about my age and who flew in the same squadron with me over on the French front during the war. I will vouch for Tom's abilit

up here, then, and help you this winter for the salary

he woul

mediately, and tell h

introduced him to Bob Giddings. Bob had been so eager to see the new helper on the airplane that he could not wait for a later meeting with him. He took instant liking to

ooking at the numerous miniature airplanes of Paul's. His praise of the little Sky-Bird, and particularly of the drawings of Sky-Bird II was very strong, and when he wen

e of workers. Of course Paul and Bob were sorry to have to interrupt their labors on Sky-Bird II, but there was no help for it, and there was some consolation in the thought that undoubtedly their instructors would let them work on some of the airplane's smaller parts as a portion of thei

our or so to lend some assistance to John and Tom, and when there were no

fter that the place was warm and cheery throughout the working day, no matter how blustery and nippy the weather.

afternoon late in the month, when Tom Meeks was working alone in the hangar and John had gone to tow

like mustache, pulled out of range. The mechanic had been informed of Bob's experience with the man who had evidently followed him to the grounds during the summer, also

shed straight up to the window, and peered out. Of course he could see nothing, for the peeper had been cute eno

view. To his disgust he found it double-spiked, and realized that he had put tha

red Tom, using his favori

is. To make matters worse Tom dashed forward in such haste and flurry that he did not watch his step very closely; when he was about half-wa

o examine it, and covered the remaining distance to the door in very ludicrous limping jumps. Da

side of the building. As he came near the rear end he saw a slender figure ju

overtaking the fleet-footed and cunning stranger, so h

uard on the premises for a while at least, since this unknown enemy might make an effort some night to burn or irreparably damage the Sky-Bird. The others s