"Thank you," replied Ned, with Francois interpreting.
"Perhaps it is quite swift?" continued the other.
Ned shrugged his shoulders. He did not wish to boast.
"I believe my monoplane is able to travel faster," stated the other. "I am a firm believer in the merits of a monoplane!"
"Possibly," replied Ned, a little nettled at the fellow's insistence. "We are satisfied. Our machine carries a heavy load."
"What do you say to a little race?" questioned the pilot.
"What shall we do, boys?" queried Ned, turning to his companions. "Shall we keep still and let him have his own way or not?"
"I should say not!" vociferated Jimmie, bridling at once. "If you let him get away with anything like that, he'll take the whole house next! I say we'd better show him a trick or two. We can do it!"
"Maybe not," cautioned Jack. "These fellows are pretty smooth!"
"They haven't got anything on the little old Grey Eagle when it comes to getting out of the road. Some day I'll show you!"