“From what I hear, you and Lafe are always knockin’ each other,” he commented.

“That’s right. I’ve got a reason, and he hasn’t. I can deliver the goods, and he can’t. That’s all.”

“What are you tryin’ to git at?”

“Put me in charge of that work out there, and by noon to-morrow, I’ll have that aeroplane ready to fly.”

“Alone?” said the man, after a moment’s thought and turning on the boy suddenly.

“By noon, if I have carpenters to do what I need, and earlier if Lafe will help.”

“Would you work with Mr. Pennington?”

“Certainly. He’s all right if he has some one with him who knows. I know—I’ve figured this all out.”

The puzzled official was plainly in a quandary. Then he shook his head.