wage equal to that which the
government allowed you as a pilot, if you three young men here will do
the construction work secretly, and if Robert may be allowed a
one-third interest in the venture, both in the plane to be made, and in
any future benefits to be derived from the patent rights."

Of course the delighted John and Paul accepted this splendid offer, and
Bob Giddings was so happy at the prospect of a fine big airplane in
which to install his wireless apparatus that he actually hugged his
father. They repaired to the Giddings home, and there, in true
business form, a contract was drawn up and duly signed by all
interested parties, with a notary's seal attached.

With a copy in their possession, the Ross boys hurried home, after
having dinner with the Giddings family, to acquaint Mrs. Ross with the
good news.

CHAPTER IV

PLANNING A BIG AIRPLANE

As planned, the much-talked-of Air Derby around the world took place
from Mineola Field, New York, on the 4th of July. A great crowd had
been attracted, owing to the extensive accounts of the affair in the
big newspapers for the past several months, and a thrilling hush fell
over the assemblage as, at high noon, one after another of the famous
flyers took off in various types of aircraft. There were four big
dirigibles, two of which started to cross the Atlantic at once, while
the others took a northerly course with the intention of making the
final hop from St. John's, Newfoundland, in accordance with several
previous attempts of other aircraft. Besides these, seven
heavier-than-air machines started, all making for Newfoundland also.
Four of these were flying-boats, two were seaplanes, and the other was
a double-propellered biplane.

Needless to say, the Ross boys and Bob Giddings and his father were
present to see the machines off. They had arrived in the big
automobile of the publisher, and were greatly interested in every
detail of the departure. Several of the contestants John Ross knew,
having met them at some time during his flying periods, and it gave him
a chance briefly to renew old acquaintanceship and personally to wish
them good luck on their long journey. Of course our friends would have
given a whole lot to have been able to compete in the novel contest
themselves, but that was out of the question.

When the last machine had disappeared from sight, they took their
departure. Mr. Giddings left them at the office of the _Daily
Indep