"Very good," said Steve. "We'll need the daylight now, in order to attach the cloth."
They had not long to wait, and while Steve, assisted by Radley-Todd, fastened the cloth in place with the clips provided for that purpose, which Orissa had carefully saved, the girl herself inspected the machinery and all the framework, even to the last brace, to be sure it was in condition for the long trip. She also oiled the steering gear and thoroughly tested it to see that it worked freely.
By nine o'clock the planes were tautly spread and the tanks had been filled with gasoline.
"I think we are all ready for the start," said Steve. "But how about you, Chesty? As soon as we roll the Aircraft to the top of the bluff the Mexicans will see us and start for this place to try to intercept us. Orissa and I will be gone, when they arrive; but they may find you, unless you make tracks."
"How do you expect to regain the ship?" asked Orissa, who had not considered this matter before.
"Don't worry about me, I beg of you," retorted the boy, hastily. "I shall be all right. All ready, Steve?"
Steve looked at him thoughtfully.
"I think that when they see us fly away they may give up the idea of coming here," said he; "and, in that case, you'd better lie here in the ravine until night, when you can try to steal back in the same way we came."
"All right, old man; never mind me."
"But we do mind you, Chesty," said Orissa, earnestly. "You've been a faithful friend ever since we got into this difficulty—and before, too—so we can't have anything happen to you."