“Oh, yes, I have flown often. Every time I go to Louisville a friend takes me up. Not afraid a bit—love it. Of course I know how to run the motor—simplest thing in the world. All you have to remember is not to sneeze while you are up in the air. Sneezing is sometimes fatal. It destroys your equilibrium as nothing else does and you are liable to make a disastrous nose dive. Running an airplane is much easier than an automobile. Nerve? Not a bit of it. I tell you, Cousin Ann, when I get my flying machine I’ll come get you and ride you to my place and then you will be spared the bumps of that devilish lane. Just as soon as I get it I’ll drop you a line. Of course, old Billy can bring the carriage and horses up at his convenience. You are at Buck Hill now, I understand. I tell you, I’ll ’phone over just as soon as my airplane comes and you can get yourself ready for a flight. Be sure to wrap up warm and put something over your head.” 155
Miss Ann assured him she would.
“By crickity! Who is that girl speaking to the old men now? That red-headed girl in the fairy queen dress? Bless Bob, if it ain’t old Dick Buck’s granddaughter. I used to give her a lift into school when she was a kid. I tell you she’s got some style about her. Looks more born and bred than any gal here. I don’t see where she got it from.”
“From the Bucknors!” announced Miss Ann, firmly.
“Bucknors! Oh, come now, Cousin Ann, you aren’t going to come that old gag on me. Old Dick Buck used to boast he was our kin when he got drunk, but it is absurd. Drunk or sober, he was no relation of ours.”
“He was your cousin, both drunk and sober. I’ve heard my grandfather tell—” and Miss Ann launched into the tale.
“Well, by gad, if she’s of the blood we ought to recognize her!” declared Big Josh, smiting his thigh with a resounding smack. “I’ll speak to the family about it. Little Josh will be here to-night and Cousin Betty Throckmorton’s Philip and no doubt many of the clan. I tell you I wouldn’t mind claiming kin with a gal like that, especially now that old Dick Buck is dead.”