“Well, I guess the race is off,” declared Jack, good-naturedly. “Anyway, I think it’s about time that we got back to the Hall. I want to see Captain Dale before we have the evening parade.”
“Let’s rest at the island just a few minutes,” pleaded Randy. “I want to get my wind back before—— Gee, boys, look at that, will you?”
He broke off suddenly and in his excitement stood up in the rowboat pointing skyward as he did so. All looked in the direction pointed out and saw that the aeroplane was again heading in their direction. But now instead of sailing along on an even keel the flying craft was zigzagging in a most unusual fashion.
“Say! there’s something wrong with that flying machine, that’s sure,” declared Fred in excitement.
“Maybe the aviator is trying a few stunts,” suggested Andy. “They do that once in a while, you know.”
“But not when they have passengers who are green at flying!” burst out Jack. “I believe something is wrong with that machine.”
“Look! Look! Did you ever see anything like that?” came from the other boat. “That aviator acts as if he were crazy! Or otherwise his machine has got the jimjams.”
By this time the aeroplane was almost over their heads. The roar of the motor was deafening. The great machine darted from one side to the other, and then took a dip and a whirl which made it look as if both rowboats and their occupants might be doomed.