To Al’s amazement and Curt’s astonishment the head of the Sky Squad beckoned furiously. They followed.
“See if there’s gas and oil in this,” he urged as he led them to the ship he had flown the night before, returned to its field by Mr. Parsons. “Listen, fellows——”
As he busied himself making ready to start the motor, getting the nose of the sport ‘plane into the wind, Bob explained.
What he said startled his comrades.
“While Mr. Tredway was joking Barney about the crossed wires, did you see Jim’s face?”
“The rigger?” Al exclaimed, “you mean—when he got white?”
“Yes! Listen—gas off, switch on. Give her a spin, Curt.”
As the engine took up its roar, he clambered in again, leaned far over the edge to Curt, while Al climbed into the after seat.
“Sandy Jim turned white,” he said above the engine hum. “I think we’ve found the real—watch, fellows! Father is going to tell Barney in front of Sandy Jim about the crossed wires.”
“Jim is acting nervous,” added Curt. “He’s turning—the chief has grabbed his arm. Now Dad is going to say to Barney that he’s guilty, that he hates his benefactor because of the other man winning Barney’s girl—of course we know it’s Jim, now—watch him! Jim’s being accused now—look!”