Dave Brandon’s round face had quite lost its accustomed cheery expression.
“I should say so, Bob. Perhaps——”
Bob, anticipating the rest of the sentence, shook his head.
“Can’t back out now, Dave,” he said, firmly. Then, springing aboard the biplane, he fastened the strap which held him to his seat.
A wordy warfare as to whom should be his passenger arose. Cranny speedily settled it by pushing the others away, and taking his place beside Bob Somers.
“I dare anybody to put me off!” he challenged.
“All right for you!” growled Dick Travers.
“I didn’t want little Dick, ‘average kid’ number one, to run into any danger,” grinned Cranny. “Yes, Bob, I’m ready. All right, Dave, we’ll be careful. Let her rip!”
“Don’t forget to ’phone Mr. Ogden, and tell him we’ve started after the ‘Border City,’” called the aviator.
His hands rested on the levers. There was a moment of suppressed excitement. Then the engine began its steady roar, accompanied by a loud whirr from the propeller.