CHAPTER VI.
HIT FROM THE REAR.
It was not yet dark when Jack reached the Laredo air-drome. He dropped downward, sure of his welcome. Skimming the fence on the western end of the sandy flying field, he leveled off a foot above the ground. A second later, he dragged back on the stick, and the plane came down for a perfect three-point landing of wheels and tail-skid.
As Jack stood idling, running out the gas, a little group which had been watching his descent broke up into its component parts. The members came running, and a sound of cheering reached his ears.
Big Bob Temple led, with the slighter Frank close at his heels. More sedately, Captain Cornell who had been with them approached in the rear, in companionship with Mr. Temple.
As Jack and his father reached the ground, the two youths in the lead literally fell on them and a great to-do of back-thumping and handclasping went on. Mr. Hampton was first to disentangle himself, and moved to greet his old neighbor and lifelong friend, Mr. Temple, who stood aside watching with amused gaze the boisterous greetings of the youths. Greetings over, Mr. Hampton turned to the army flyer who expressed warm pleasure at seeing him.
All three youths by now had their arms over each others’ shoulders and were doing a dance reminiscent of an Indian war fling. Not until they were breathless did they separate, whereupon Jack moved to greet Mr. Temple and Captain Cornell.
“Don’t bother about your plane,” said Captain Cornell. “I’ll see that it’s taken care of.”
He beckoned to several members of the airdrome crew who took the wings on either side and guided the ship into line with a number of De Havilands.
“They’ll go over it for you,” said Captain Cornell, “and see that it’s in ship-shape for going up whenever you want it.”
“Fine,” said Jack, “that’s mighty good of you.” So eager was he to get away with Bob and Frank that he had given no thought as to what he should do with his plane.