Frank determined to put the little plan he had in mind into practice. Better speak to Percy while the opportunity was still open. So he slowed down just a trifle.
"Frank, they're gaining!" shrilled Andy, in new alarm.
"I want them to," answered the other. "I cut off some of our speed on purpose to let him come up where I can shout out to him."
The second biplane was now close alongside. Andy could see the faces of those aboard, and noted the fact that they were flushed with the new hope that Frank had shot his bolt, and that his engine was now going back on him.
Waiting until the other was on about even terms Frank called out as loudly as he could.
"Hello! Percy!"
"Well, what d'ye want?" came back the surly answer.
"Don't you think it's next door to foolish for us to head up to the peak with that storm coming swooping after us? Suppose we make straight for the campus, and call that a race? Another day we can fix it to make the try over again."
Frank was very doubtful even while shouting this proposition; and just as he feared, Percy chose to look upon it as a sign of weakening.
"You can do what you please," he called back, with a shrill laugh, "I know that I'm going around the top my three times. If you're afraid, back down, and make for the town. We'll see who's got the most nerve right now. Get that?"