“I couldn’t run a machine on a bet!” replied Kit sorrowfully.
Jimmie laughed and turned on full speed. Just as the Louise swung over the edge of the cup which formed the round valley below, the boy saw Ben and Carl, doubtless awakened by the starting of the motors, rush out of the shelter-tent and wave toward them. It was evident that the two boys left in camp did not think much of Jimmie’s unannounced excursion into the air, for their greeting seemed to be more of a command to return than anything else.
A mile away, Jimmie slowed down and, with a field glass, began a close examination of every gully, canyon, and valley which he passed. Finally the glistening planes of an aeroplane came to view, lying on a level stretch of rock only a short distance from the main ridge.
“Here we are, now!” thought the boy. “Here’s the other machine! Now, if I can only coax him out of his nest, and keep him amused through the day, I’d like to know how he’s going to get time to deliver the message sent by the underworld of New York to Phillips and Mendosa?”
As the boy slowed down again, he saw a figure running wildly around the aeroplane below. He circled the little shelf, dropping lower at each swing. Presently he darted away, as if satisfied with his scrutiny, and the machine below lifted instantly and gave chase.
“And here,” mused Jimmie with a grin, “you’ll see the liveliest game of tag ever pulled off in the air!”
CHAPTER XV.
A CRIPPLED AEROPLANE.
Left together in the camp, astonished and angry at the sudden departure of Jimmie, Ben and Carl saw the Louise disappearing with varying emotions.
“Now what did he do that for?” demanded Carl.