"And I'm going with you," announced Dick.
[CHAPTER XI–VINDICATION]
At first Harry refused absolutely to consent to Dick's accompanying him, but after a long argument he was forced to yield.
"Why should you take all the risks when it isn't your own country, especially?" asked Dick, almost sobbing. "I've got a right to go! And, besides, you may need me."
That was true enough, as Harry realized. Moreover, he had been investigating the Bleriot, and he discovered that it was one of a new safety type, with a gyroscope device to insure stability. The day was almost without wind, and therefore it seemed that if such an excursion could ever be safe, this was the time. He consented in the end, and later he was to be thankful that he had.
Once the decision was taken, they waited impatiently for the return of Jack Young. Harry foresaw protests from Jack when he found out what they meant to do, but for him there was an easy answer–there was room in the aeroplane for only two people, and there was no way of carrying an extra passenger.
It was nearly dusk when Jack returned, and he had the forethought to bring a basket of food with him–cold chicken, bread and butter, and milk, as well as some fruit.
"I didn't find out very much," he said, "except this. Someone from London has been asking about you both. And this much more–at least a dozen people have come down to Bray Park to-day from London."
"Did you see any sign of soldiers from London?"
"No," said Jack.