"Then it is lucky that we will not need any assistance in our adventure," remarked Frank. "With an aeroplane one may be independent of help. And now, Andy, what shall we do? It will take us the better part of the day to assemble our little flier and get things ready for an ascent."
"That means another horrible night of waiting before we can make a start," said Andy, looking quite forlorn.
But he soon understood that it could not be helped. Both boys were presently hard at work, with the deeply interested planter watching every move. All the while they conversed and the subject of pretty much all their talk had more or less to do with the country, the peculiarities of climate, what sort of weather they might expect to have and dozens of similar matters.
Doubtless Señor Mendoza would like to hear of things connected with the great outside world, which he seldom saw anything of, but he realized that these would keep until after the brave young señors had completed their task of humanity.
Before evening came they had everything arranged to suit the critical Frank. Both boys were pleased to find that the monoplane had come through its long journey without any damage having been done.
That night they were uneasy about the precious airship, and at their request the planter had their beds made up in the shed where the "Bug" lay. But there was no attempt made to injure it in the least.
Then came the morning. Andy could hardly eat a bite of breakfast, for the eagerness that possessed his soul. Every servant on the plantation had gathered to look with awe upon the wonderful bird-like machine, on which, it was whispered, these two venturesome young Americanos meant to soar among the clouds.
Finally the last word was spoken, the planter shook hands with each of his visitors, Frank turned on the power, the aeroplane with the motor exhaust sounding like a volley of musketry started to run along the level ground, and presently, to the consternation of the entire gathering, began to climb upward, just like a creature of magic!
Cries of awe arose from scores of throats and to a man the peons threw themselves flat on their faces, hardly daring to look at the terrifying spectacle.