“Yes, come on,” said Zack, with a rather uncomfortable look on his face, “we know better than to stay where we are not wanted. Anyhow, I’ve got something that will surprise you fellows. I’ll bet it’ll beat you at flying, even if you do get Mr. Peregrine to help you out.”
With this remark, which he considered quite crushing, Zack swung out of the shed, followed by his pasty-faced companion. Once outside they made their way to the front gate of High Towers and mounted their bicycles, on which they had ridden out from the village for the purpose, as we have seen, of examining the invention of Jack Chadwick and his cousin.
“Wonder how they knew anything about Mr. Peregrine?” said Jack, when he had thoroughly examined the Flying Road Racer and found that it was undamaged.
“Oh, Zack’s folks used to live near Pokeville,” rejoined Tom, “and as for their knowing that he had called on us, I reckon he and Sam saw the Red Hawk flying over and guessed at its destination.”
“That must be it,” said Jack, picking up a wrench and tightening a bolt on the Flying Road Racer’s frame, “but they’re the very last chaps I want snooping round here trying to find out how the Flying Road Racer works.”
“Which reminds me,” said Tom, “that Zack spoke of some invention of his that would surprise us. Wonder what it can be?”
“I’ve no idea,” began Jack, and then broke off suddenly, “yes, by ginger, I have, though; I do recall hearing, last time I was in Nestorville, that he and Sam were working on some sort of mechanical flyer.”
“Gee whiz! I’d like to see it,” laughed Tom. “I’ll bet it can’t fly any more than an old bullfrog.”
“I’m not bothering about it one way or the other,” rejoined Jack, “and now, as the machine is all fixed up, what do you say if we try it out on a trial spin?”
“The very thing,” said Tom, “it’ll feel good to be riding in it again. Wait till I run up to the house and get the dust coats, and I’ll be with you.”