Goldfrap John Henry - The Boy Aviators in Nicaragua; or, In League with the Insurgents стр 12.

As pretty a shot as I ever saw, remarked Mr. Chester.

Oh, pshaw, said Frank, I couldnt help hitting him, he looked as big as an elephant; and besides, if I hadnt got him hed have got me.

What the dickens was the thing? inquired Billy, a lion or tiger?

No, but something quite as dangerous a jaguar, replied Mr. Chester, and as big a specimen as I have ever seen.

He stirred the magnificently spotted hide of the dead wild beast with his foot as he spoke.

Frank! exclaimed Billy, with tears springing to his eyes and real emotion in his voice, you saved my life to-night. Frank put up a protesting hand.

No, I will say it, impulsively burst out Billy. I owe you my life and by jimminy crickets, wringing Franks hand like a pump-handle, with a hearty grip, Ill never forget it. Maybe some day I can do something to repay you, and when that time comes count on Billy Barnes.

How soon the boys were to be in dire need of that help, neither they nor Billy Barnes dreamed as discussing Billys narrow escape and Franks brave shot they made their way back to the house.

CHAPTER VII.

FEATHERING THE GOLDEN EAGLE

Bright and early the next day the work of completing the erection of the Golden Eagle went on. The lower planes were covered and threaded on to the frames with the same care as the covering of the upper set had been accomplished.

The long bird-like balancing tail was then put in place and the tiller lines of bronze rope threaded through guiding pulleys to its planes which were designed to raise or lower the course of the ship when in the air. The lateral steering was accomplished by means of double vertical rudders of the thinnest bronze obtainable, strengthened by a triangular frame of aluminum, and were controlled by a clever device of Franks from the same wheel that adjusted the horizontal planes.

Then came the pleasant work of fitting up the car. There was a box for Franks binoculars and separate compartments for each of the instruments used in determining height and speed. Then the thermometer had to be screwed in place and the automobile clock adjusted where the steersman could see it. The food basket was then stocked, for Frank did not believe in doing things by halves and he was determined that when they quit work that night that everything about the ship should be in ship-shape fashion and ready for flight at a moments notice.

In the food basket, besides the blankets and medicines already mentioned and some folding knives and forks, the boys packed: