"Well, the engine was broken in a good cause," came from Dick. And he spoke the truth, as my old readers well know.
Following the home-coming of the boys, and the general jubilee, our heroes had settled down to enjoy themselves before going back to Brill. They had intended to take it easy on the farm, but when a great aviation meet was advertised to take place at the county seat they could not resist the temptation to be present.
At this meet there were five flying machines,—three biplanes, a monoplane, and a dirigible balloon. All made good records, and the Rover boys became wildly enthusiastic over what they saw.
"Say, this suits me right down to the ground!" cried Tom.
"What fun a fellow could have if he had a flying machine and knew how to run it!" had come from Sam.
"Exactly—if he knew how to run it," had been Dick's words. "But if he didn't know—well, he might have a nasty tumble, that's all."
"Pooh, Dick! If those fellows can run these machines, so can we," had been Tom's confident words.
"We know all about autos and motor-boats," Sam had put in.
"That's true, Sam. But a monoplane or a bi-
