Haidee, moving like an automaton, made no objection to this arrangement. She took her place obediently on the lower wing of the machine, between Matt and McGlory, and the engine was started.
When the elephants began to move, Matt switched the power into the bicycle wheels, and the aëroplane lurched over the uneven ground. Reaching the road, the Comet went more steadily; and when the procession wound into the paved thoroughfares, the movement was comparatively easy.
Ben Ali, from the neck of Rajah, kept turning around and looking back at the three on the lower plane of the Comet.
Matt, McGlory, and Haidee, on account of the wings of the aëroplane being turned lengthwise of the street, rode facing the sidewalk on the left. In order to see them, Ben Ali was obliged to keep Rajah somewhat out of the line.
"What's the matter with Ben Ali?" asked McGlory, leaning forward and talking in front of Haidee. "He's showing a heap more interest in the Comet than he ever did before."
Matt shook his head, and met steadily the piercing eyes of the Hindoo until they were turned forward again.
"What is your uncle looking this way for, Haidee?" he asked.
"I don't know."
The girl expressed herself in the same mechanical way she had done before.
"Haidee isn't herself," said Matt, "and I guess her uncle is worried. Change seats with her, Joe."