Troubles, past or to come, never set heavily on that fun-loving youth's shoulders.
The boys had given the biplane one trial in carrying two passengers, Dick and Sam going up together while Captain Colby was present. On the day following the departure of Hans, they rearranged the seats on the Dartaway and got ready to go up three strong, provided the biplane would carry the load.
"I know she will do it if we get a more powerful engine," said Dick.
"Then we'll get the engine," returned Sam.
They made the start with care, all the others at the homestead being present to witness the trial. The Dartaway went up slowly, with Dick in the center, at the wheel, and Sam on one side of him and Tom on the other.
""Hurrah! we are going to make it!" cried Tom, as the biplane arose like some big bird.
"It's a strain though," answered Dick. "We won't be able to fly very high nor very long."
"But it's great to be up together!" murmured Sam.
They flew for nearly ten minutes, making wide circles and a big figure eight. They went over the house and the barn, and in plain sight of several surrounding farms, men, women and children
