Sure enough there he was, running along the bank towards his family. Suddenly he dived off into the river. There was a great flutter for a moment or two, then father, mother, and baby dip-chicks had all disappeared under the overhanging bank.
"They saw us," said May regretfully. "Now they'll hide till we're gone."
"Better come away from the water," advised Billy; "you might fall in."
"Oh, I'm ever so careful!" the little girl assured him. "I do love the river; don't you? And it's so happy to-day! Listen how it laughs and sings! That's because it's fine weather and the sun shines. Back in the winter it was different—so dark and deep. Billy, it must be very wise, mustn't it? for it's come such a long, long way, from up in the Dartmoor hills. It's going right on to the sea. Mr. Singleton told me. He comes here sometimes, and we listen to the river together. Oh, look, look! What's that? There, up in the sky! And what a funny noise, Billy!"
Billy's eyes followed the direction of the little girl's pointing finger, and saw an aeroplane coming towards them, high in the sky. It looked like a great bird in the distance, but he recognised it as an aeroplane at a glance, for he had frequently seen them pass over London. Though he knew there was little likelihood of this one being an enemy, his heart throbbed fast at the sight of it. He explained to May what it was; then Harold rushed up to them in a great state of excitement.
"An aeroplane! An aeroplane!" he cried. "The first I've seen! Oh, I hope father and mother and every one in the village will see it, too! The men say it's most likely going to Plymouth."
He referred to several allotment holders who had been busy in their gardens a few minutes before; they were now standing with heads thrown back watching the strange sight. Nearer and nearer it came, then passed right over the gardens.
"It's a biplane," said Billy, rather proud of his knowledge. "I've seen several like it before. How fast it's going! And can't we hear its engines working plainly! That's the funny noise you spoke of, May. Buzz-z-z-z!"
May drew a deep sigh. She was watching the aeroplane with breathless interest, her colour coming and going fitfully. It was momentarily growing more and more like a bird as it sailed away. When at last it was lost to view the children left the allotment field and hurried back to the village. Every one had been out to watch. The aeroplane was the talk of the place, and indeed of the neighbourhood, for days.