Those at the machine, the ones endeavoring to remove it under a fraudulent process of law, saw the long line of vehicles trailing up the street with the hotel ’bus at the head. Havens saw the crowd parting and running in different directions, and then the Ann lifted slowly into the air.
At that moment Stroup was by far the more excited man of the two. He opened the ’bus door and stood on the steps outside, waving one hand frantically, his face glowing with excitement.
“Stop her, stop her!” he shouted.
The only answer which came was a cheer from the mob gathered below the now swiftly ascending aeroplane.
When at last the ’bus reached the spot where the flying machine had lain, it was at once surrounded by a crowd of curious and impertinent spectators. Havens sprang to the ground and opened a conversation with the first man he saw.
“I understand that the man who took the machine claims to be an officer,” he said. “Will you point him out to me?”
“I am the officer!” said the fellow sticking out his chest.
“Where are your papers?” demanded Havens.
“A man don’t need no papers,” was the insulting reply, “in order to take possession of stolen property, wherever he can find it!”
Stroup now pushed his way through the crowd to Havens’ side and looked the fellow over with threatening eyes.