“She don’t scare me a bit,” remarked Pennington, who was yet white and trembling.
“You’d be a fool if she did,” added Bud consolingly. “Any way, it’s all over now. Let’s fall to and get busy.”
Pennington had already worked nine hours, and it was not strange that he was tired and nervous. He was restless and irritable, and every now and then took occasion to say how little he cared for old Zecatacas’ words. Bud did what he could to belittle the gypsy’s disturbing speech. At three o’clock, Lafe lay down and slept until six, when he, Bud and the three men closed the shed and, on another advance from Lafe, managed to secure an early breakfast at a boarding tent erected for the stock attendants. Newly fortified with food and a wash up, they were back to work at seven o’clock.
Pennington had grown a little more affable, and as the end of their labors now came in sight, he was even at times in a good humor. But Bud saw that either old Zecatacas’ speech or something else disturbed Lafe. At eight o’clock, when President Elder arrived, it was seen that, whether expert Dare arrived or not, the aeroplane would be ready by about eleven o’clock.
“How did you young fellows settle it?” were Mr. Elder’s first words, after a gratified look into the airship shed.
“Mr. Pennington has it,” answered Bud promptly.
“No hard feelings?” added the official with a smile.
“Smooth as pie,” explained Bud. “Only, if the chance ever comes, I’d like a try at it—when I ain’t in any one’s way.”
“Still think you can sail her?” said Mr. Elder, turning to Pennington.
“Yes,” replied the latter, “it looks easy enough. Of course, there is a certain risk, but I’ll chance that. Only,” and he spoke as if the thought had just come to him, “I wish I’d had more rest last night. I’m pretty tired, and you know a fellow ought to be at his best.”