Frank, upon looking the aeroplane over a little later, discovered that he had been wise in deciding to make a halt. There was need of some attention. Certain parts had become weakened by the strain, either in the long voyage and handling on board the steamer, or else in this new flight.
He was determined to be thorough in all he did, and this consumed more or less time, so that when he finally pronounced the monoplane in perfect condition the afternoon was half gone.
Still, they must go up and put in an hour or two searching. Andy was too wild with impatience to hear of anything else, and Frank saw no reason for not complying.
"But we must be sure to get down again before night comes," he remarked, after they had made a successful rise and were speeding above the top of the thick forest. "If we should be caught out at night I rather guess it would be a serious piece of business." And Andy agreed with him.
For quite a time they soared aloft, Andy using the binoculars almost constantly, watching the country below and occasionally sweeping the distance.
Frank was thrilled to hear his chum suddenly give utterance to a cry, but it was more of amazement than delight that gave birth to this ejaculation.
"What is it now, Andy; more insurrectos?" he demanded, ready to manipulate the planes and strike for higher regions.
"No, no, not this time," came the quick reply; "but Frank, as sure as you live, there's that plagued old biplane just rising up yonder a mile away. And somehow I seem to feel that it spells trouble for us."