The girl started violently then gave a cry of joy.
“Why Dan Brent, where did you come from?”
“Come here, Sally. I want to show you something!” said Dan as he led the girl along the trail to the clearing. At one side of this space grew trees with overhanging branches and under them stood an airplane. It was placed so that it could not be seen by an aviator flying overhead.
Sally let out a little cry of surprise. “Why Dan Brent, where did you get that airplane?”
“I’m being paid to guard it,” answered Dan. “Gee, isn’t it a beauty? It’s called The Comet, and I bet it goes as fast as a comet. The fellow said I wasn’t to let anyone near, not even to look at it, but you’re all right. You won’t tell.”
“Tell what?” asked Sally, looking up at the tall boy beside her. His freckled face was frank and he beamed down at Sally in a protecting way.
He stammered, “Why, you won’t tell you saw the plane.”
“But Dan, what are you doing with it and what is all the mystery about? You aren’t doing anything wrong, are you, Dan?” asked Sally, searching her friend’s face earnestly.
Dan laughed aloud and slapped his pants pocket, making the silver coins jingle. “Nothing like that, Sally. I’m earning an honest living. A fellow by the name of Bud Hyslop gave me a dollar. What’s more he’s going to give me a lot of money. Just think, Sally, I’m getting paid good money for doing nothing. Pretty soft, eh?”
“But what are you doing, Dan? I don’t understand,” asked Sally with a puzzled frown.