“More than once.”
“It’s all a bluff!” sneered Frank from where he stood. “He daren’t go up in that machine.”
“You—you——” began Ned angrily, and then his better sense made him keep silent.
“I’ll take you up in a minute if you’ve had any experience at all, and aren’t afraid,” said the aviator.
“Afraid!” laughed Ned. Then he mentioned some of the meets he and his chums had attended and taken part in, winning some races. Bob and Jerry confirmed this.
“Oh, if you were at those meets you sure are an old hand at the game!” said Mr. Perdy, the aviator. “I was at one myself, but I don’t recall you. Yes indeed, Slade, I’ll take you up and glad to do it. Without a partner I can’t pull off this race, as one of the conditions is that each machine shall carry two persons. In fact, they won’t balance well without a double load, though I have gone up with a bag of sand.”
“Are you going high?” asked Ned. “Will I need a heavier coat?” for as all know, it is very cold in the upper air currents.
“We’re not going high, not more than a mile or two,” was the reply. “But I can get you my partner’s big ulster. I can’t imagine why he isn’t on hand. His train must be late. However, you’ll do very nicely. Do you know how to steer, and manage the engine—well, if anything happens?” he asked in a low voice.
Ned nodded, and a helper ran off to get the overcoat and a cap for the young aviator.
“I wish I’d volunteered,” said Bob.