The whole academy came rushing up. “Old Grouch,” the Greek master, who was holding a recitation in Anabasis, actually dismissed the class, and came running out, with a piece of chalk still in one hand.
The football-team had just been starting for the athletic-field, in twos and threes. Though the coach yelled at them, they deserted the field and came tearing into the Yard.
“Hey, you footballers—come on and have a ride!” shouted Hike, and climbed back into the cockpit of the monoplane. From this elevation, he saw Taffy Bingham on the edge of the crowd. “Come on, Taffy,” he added, but Taffy shook his head, rather scornfully, and strolled away.
However, eight members of the eleven, with a dozen subs., gathered nearest the machine, while the crowd regretfully made way for them. Even the glory of their football suits, and school sweaters, was dimmed as they gazed at Hike’s Balaclava helmet and leather jacket. They looked as though they wanted a ride, yet didn’t want to show themselves inferior to this aviator.
“Say, fellows,” pleaded Hike, “I wanted you all to have a share in this blooming aviation business, and I brought up this machine for you. Won’t you ride with me. I know just as well as you do that the only reason I’ve ever done any aviating is just because I’ve had the chance, and I want to get you in on it.”
Over the faces of the crowd spread a look of great love for Hike, as they heard him and privately assured themselves that undoubtedly they would be great aviators, too, if they had the chance.
“Gee, that’s awfully good of you, old Hike!” said Pink Eye Morrison—and he didn’t talk like a Senior addressing a Sophomore, either!
“Help me wheel the machine out on the field, where there’s more room,” said Hike, and as many hands as could find place on the machine started her off before Hike had time to climb out of the cockpit.
He had Pink Eye climb in behind him, when they reached the field. It took the rest of the team to clear away the crowd that insisted on gathering right in front of the machine.
Hike started away at the slowest speed he could manage, but the Paulhan shot into the air like an arrow. He wished that he had the easy-going Hustle. He glanced back and saw Pink Eye trying to smile, but catching his breath and gasping. Hike grabbed the hand-throttle and slowed down as best he could.