[CHAPTER XI.]
IN THE AIR WITH A COBRA.
Both Motor Matt and Le Bon were delighted with the start of the aëroplane.
"She gets better and better," averred Le Bon. "I guess I'll take to flying myself."
While in the air Matt's every faculty of mind and quickness of body were called into action. He had to feel the motion of the air on the huge wings, as communicated to the framework under him, and shift the wing extensions back and forth to meet the varying resistance of air pressure and make it coincide with the centre of gravity. To withdraw his attention for an instant from the work of managing the machine might result in a disaster that would bring destruction to himself and Le Bon. But he had schooled himself to talk while keeping busy with his work.
"Better not try it, Archie," Matt answered. "It's too much of a strain on a fellow's nerves. Are you ready to drop with the trapeze?"
"Whenever you are," was the response.
There was always a jolt when Le Bon's weight reached the ends of the trapeze ropes, and extra care was required in taking care of the Comet.
Matt brought the air craft around in a sweeping circle and headed the other way to cover the north and south extent of the grounds. He, likewise, the moment the turn was made, turned the aëroplane upward.