[CHAPTER XII]
THE COMMITTEE BUYS AN AEROPLANE
So intense was the interest in the new plan to purchase an aeroplane that, when Friday came around, the opening of the camp on Perdido Bay was again postponed. The United States marshal, having taken charge of the libeled steamer, after Thursday the nightly meetings of the boys were held in Mrs. Allen’s dining room. Boating, fishing, and hunting were forgotten. At each meeting, Bob had new flying machine literature and new suggestions.
Mr. Hawkins would have done well to have accepted Mr. Rowe’s offer. March fourth, the libel case was heard, and the court promptly entered judgment for ten thousand dollars against the lumber dealer. Two days later, Mr. Hawkins, eager to get possession of the steamer to begin repairs, satisfied the claim. Mr. Rowe finally consented to accept a fee of two hundred and fifty dollars, and the remainder of the amount was paid over directly to the parties concerned, the boys, Jerry and Captain Joe Romano; each receiving a check for one thousand six hundred and twenty-five dollars.
The following morning, the Pensacola Journal contained this story:
THE BOY AVIATORS’ CLUB
Six Pensacola Lads To Buy an Aeroplane