CHAPTER XXII
“The Cave”
William circled the airport. Paul looked out of the window and cried. “Say, look at that crowd of people below!”
The boys looked down and uttered exclamations of surprise. “I wonder what it’s all about?” exclaimed Wallace.
“Perhaps it’s a committee to welcome us,” asserted the government agent, opening his eyes as he spoke.
“To welcome us!” Bobolink cried. “What for?”
Ken shouted to the pilot, “Just keep on flying, William. Never mind landing. We don’t want any welcoming committee.”
William guided the plane down to a perfect landing. Just as soon as the machine came to a stop, the crowd came running toward it. The boys were swallowed up by the mass of people. There were reporters, newspaper photographers and other cranks who asked them a thousand questions and tore at their clothes and hair. But the boys did not mind all that. They were afraid for the safety of the plane. Although it was not theirs yet, it was a valuable machine and it would be a shame if it were harmed in any way.