g
their absence. And in discussion of the details, Della was appeased.

"Say, Bob, why are you so rude to Della?" Frank queried later, in the
library, as they awaited Mr. Temple's coming to discuss preparations
for the flight.

"Huh, she's not your sister, Frank," said Bob. "Anyhow, I believe
you're sweet on her."

"No, I'm not," said Frank hotly, "but she's a good kid and you ought
to treat her better."

"Yes, you are, too," said Bob. "I know you. But there's no use getting
hot about it. Here comes Dad now," he added, as a familiar footstep
sounded in the hall. "Let's get at those maps and guides and we'll
dope this out together."

For several hours the discussion continued. For months the boys had
been making their plans, going over routes, selecting landing fields,
etc. Now that Mr. Temple had decided to accompany them, they laid
their plans before him. He nodded, well satisfied in the main, but
making a few pointed suggestions of value.

"And with the radiophone that we carry on the airplane," said Frank,
"we can be in touch with Tom at this end and Jack out in New Mexico
all the way. That all-metal body of the plane makes a fine ground,
better than hanging wires possibly could. And with that new detector
Bob and I have worked out, I'll bet we can hear all the way."

"Sure," said Bob, getting up and stretching, "Well, come on, Frank.
Let's turn in. It's near midnight. I for one need a good night's
sleep. And I hope there'll be no trouble to disturb us tonight."

Alas, poor Bob could not foresee what calamity the night held in
store.

CHAPTER VI

A THIEF IN THE NIGHT

"Wake up, Bob, you old sleepyhead."

Bob stirred under vigorous shaking, opened his eyes sleepily, and saw
Frank bending over him. His chum had thrown a bathrobe over his
pajamas. The door between their connecting rooms stood open. The early
morning sunlight of a bright June day streamed in the open windows.

"Whazzamatter?" grunted Bob, and closing his eyes he turned over and
prepared to snatch an extra forty winks. But Frank shook him again.

"Come on," said he. "Stir your stumps. We can slip out before anybody
else awakes, grab something to eat in the pantry, and go down to the
shed and tinker on the plane. Come on, Bob, we can get in a couple of
hours work before going to church."

Bob was wide awake by now, and pleased at the prospect held out by his
chum. Tumbling out of bed, he headed for the shower in the bathroom
wh