“But you stopped to get your breakfast,” observed Ned, as he saw traces of egg on Bob’s fat good-natured face.
“Sure I did! What do you think I am? Going off on a flight without something to eat! I had a good breakfast, and I brought along a package of grub—I was afraid you fellows would forget it.”
“Oh, Chunky!” cried Jerry with a hopeless laugh. “Will you ever get over your appetite?”
“I certainly hope not,” declared Bob earnestly.
He stowed away in a locker the food he had brought, and then helped his chums in getting the Comet ready for a flight. This was soon done. The sharp nose of the craft was pointed down the long smooth starting slope, and the motor started. The big propellers whirred around like the blades of an electric fan, and the motorship quivered from end to end. The engine increased its speed under the skilful handling of Jerry Hopkins, and then, with a rush, the trim air machine glided forward.
Faster and faster it forged ahead, the motor thundering with its rapid explosions. Just as Jerry was about to tilt the lifting planes, there came a faint hail from back near the shed.
“Hold on—wait—give me a ride—I’ve got some news!”
“It’s Andy Rush!” exclaimed Ned.
“We can’t stop now!” shouted Jerry. “Here we go!”
He yanked the plane lever toward him. Up went the nose of the Comet, and the next instant she was sailing gracefully through the air, mounting higher and higher.