Dick and Tom hurried to the hardware store and asked the proprietor about gasoline. While he was filling the can they looked at an assortment of pistols that were exhibited in a showcase.
"They look pretty good," said Dick, when the hardware man came towards them.
"Are good, too. Wouldn't you like to buy a good shooter?" he added, anxious to do business.
"Show me a really good five-shooter," said Dick, and several were quickly handed over. He selected one and Tom selected another.
"Have to get one for Sam, too," whispered Tom.
"Sure," replied his brother, and this was done, and they also purchased the necessary cartridges.
"Now you are well armed—if anybody tries to steal your airship," said Bill Simmons.
"We don't want the machine stolen, or tampered with," answered Dick. "We can't afford to take chances. If a fellow tampered with our machine it might go wrong when it was in the air and we'd get our necks broken." And then Dick and Tom hurried back to the Dartaway carrying the can of gasoline between them. The can was fastened where it belonged, for the regular tank had still plenty of gasoline in it, and then the boys sailed away once more, over the winding road leading to Snagtown.
