“What’s the programme?” inquired Bob, as Ben led the way from the Davis camp over to a neighboring one.
“I am going to ask that friendly young fellow of Barton’s to loan me his motor-cycle.”
“Grand idea!” applauded Bob. “He’s an accommodating boy, and will be glad to help you through.”
Ten minutes later Ben was chug—chugging his way from Blairville down a fine country road in the direction of Woodville.
“I won’t tell Mr. Davis of my discovery until after to-morrow’s event is over,” soliloquized Ben. “I’ll have to give him a warning, though. Of course, that ill-natured Rollins is behind this plot to disable the Flyer. Dick Farrell did the work for him, though.”
Ben had good reasons for this decision. Immediately after the discovery of the disabled monoplane, Ben had noticed a piece of paper lying under the machine. It was all greasy and crinkled. Ben, inspecting this, found it covered with writing. It was a letter from Dave Shallock at Woodville to Dick Farrell at the aero field. The latter had used it to wipe the grease from his hands after his manipulation of the monoplane machinery.
Ben rode into the yard at home just as his father and mother were sitting down to supper. He was covered with dust and pretty well tired out from his rapid run. He received a royally glad welcome, washed up, and thoroughly enjoyed a home meal once more.
“I have come to have you help me out on something, father,” said Ben after supper.
“What is that, my son?” inquired Mr. Hardy.
Ben produced the broken parts of the monoplane mechanism and explained the urgency of the unexpected home visit. His father listened attentively and closely examined the pieces of metal.