While they were still some distance from Lone Pine, Bob Somers rode out to meet them. He was more than delighted at the fortunate outcome of the exciting adventure, and, in answer to Dick Travers’ eager question about the biplane, told the crowd that beyond a slight injury to one of its propellers the machine had escaped injury. He laughingly parried the questions which were fired toward him as to the reason for the strange behavior of the “Ogden II.” So the boys, having a strong suspicion of the truth, finally desisted.
Once again in the ranch-house, they set to work, and were soon busily engaged in the disposal of a cold lunch.
Willie, during the course of the meal, sat hunched up in his chair, and occasionally answered questions in monosyllables, but took no active part in the conversation. Finally he slipped out of the room.
“Don’t wonder he feels a little grouchy,” remarked Beaumont, when he presently noticed his absence. “Say, I never supposed the little chap had so much spunk—showed a lot o’ courage to-day, didn’t he?”
“There’s something in that boy,” said Dave, decidedly.
“Lot’s of impudence, for one thing,” murmured Tommy.
“Come, come, Tom!” laughed Dave; “be generous—broad-minded. Why, he may surprise us some day.”
“I’ll be surprised if he surprises us,” grinned Tom.
“Well, I shouldn’t. If you have ever studied the lives of famous men——”
“Goodness gracious, David Brandon, can you imagine for a second that William Sloan will ever become a great man?” cried Dick, his eyes twinkling.