“If that’s a joke,” exclaimed Mac, pointing to the roaring fire, “do it again. I’m satisfied. We was in town twelve minutes, and it was forty-two minutes from the time we left till we got back. An’ I’ll bet you she kin—”
Bob held up his hands in protest, while he broke in with an explanation of how and where he had found his matches, at the end of which he told Mac they would talk “aeroplane” later. Tom exhibited three boxes of matches rather contemptuously, and then, Mac being a more experienced cook, Bob and Tom turned over the culinary affairs to him, while they visited the aeroplane to prepare it for the night.
The rubber-silk plane coverings were so attached that they could be rolled up and buttoned like a buggy curtain, thus decreasing the wind surface and liability of damage from the elements. Both top and bottom silk coverings (except in the engine section below) were kept taut and in place on their rear by wire edgings drawn over each slightly projecting rib end.
When these wires were removed, the silk surfaces were easily rolled up and reefed along the forward edge of the car to which they were permanently attached. This done, the delicate starting wheel frame was quickly unbolted and removed, the bare framework set flat on the ground and anchored with four shoulder pins. Then, covering the engine with a waterproof jacket, the aeroplane was safe enough from ordinary storm or wind.
When Tom and Bob rejoined the perspiring Mac, they encountered a smell from the fish skillet that set Bob to rubbing his stomach.
“Wait till I get a mess of pompano,” remarked Mac squatted over the fire. “Red fish are good—mighty good—but pompano—!” Words failed him. About half past four, the meal was ready. At five o’clock, it was at an end, and three rotund youngsters were lying on the warm sand, content with themselves and the world.
“I could lie here forever,” mumbled happy Bob.
“Which means about five minutes,” drawled Tom.
“That reminds me,” exclaimed Bob, springing up, “I’m goin’ to explore the island.”
“I reckoned as much,” continued Tom. “I nevah knew you all to keep still moah than ten minutes if theah was anything you could do. Come on.”