Then again they came circling down in great loops, while the little gathering near the ranch house stood and gaped and wondered if they were really awake, or passing through a vivid dream of enchantment.
The conditions being favorable, Frank gave his companion due warning as to what he was about to do, and then started to volplane downward. Immediately cries of horror broke out from those intrepid range riders, who naturally believed something must have broken aboard the aeroplane, and that the Bird Boys were now being hurled to earth, from which they would later on be picked up lifeless.
When they saw the flying machine suddenly recover a level position, and with the merry hum of the motor start again to spin along, about two hundred feet above their heads, the punchers fell into each others’ arms, as though too weak to stand up any longer.
Shortly afterwards Frank brought his aerial steed to a landing just at the very point where he had taken his departure half an hour before; and so lightly did the heavier-than-air machine settle that it seemed as though an egg could hardly have been broken by the impact, had it come between.
They were immediately overwhelmed with warm congratulations because of the marvelous work they had done while aloft. It had been only the common, every-day experience of Frank and Andy; but in the eyes of these untamed Western spirits was wonderful beyond compare.
“Here’s Buckskin been boasting that if you boys could go up, he guessed he could too. Take him for a little airing, Frank. Let him make good, or shut up!” one of the cowboys exclaimed.
“Would you like to try a little spin, Buckskin; Andy here will make way for you if you say the word?” Frank asked.
Now, the aforesaid Buckskin would have instantly declined but they had him in a hole, where he must take water, or else put on a bold front. And as a cowboy invariably hates to back down, once he has made his boast, he tried to look quite indifferent as he replied:
“Sure I’d like to take a little turn of a dozen miles or two with you, Frank, if you’ll ask me. I ain’t had no experience in ridin’ one of them cantankerous mounts; but they can’t find a broncho able to throw me; and who’s afraid, anyhow? Tell me what to do, and show me how to do it, and I’m there all to the good, and wool a yard wide.”
So Andy climbed down, and the cowboy, sheepskin chaps and all, took his place. He made out to be utterly at his ease; and it was only Frank who knew from personal contact just how Buckskin was trembling all the while.