ears old, and the manner in
which they swung along through the disagreeable drizzle, paying scant
attention to it as they laughed and talked, showed them to be full of
that boundless energy and gaiety of spirits which only perfect health
and participation in athletics can bestow.

As Paul Ross and Robert Giddings approached the next corner, a young
man with umbrella held low in front of him hurried around it and ran
into a small Italian girl who was carrying a basket of fruit. She was
staggered by the collision; her basket was knocked from her arm, and
the oranges began to roll in every direction. The child broke into
tears, but the cause of her misfortune only paused long enough to say
angrily, "Confound you, you careless little beggar! Why don't you
watch where you are going?" and hurried on his way.

"Say, Paul, did you see the way that swarthy-faced chap used that
little girl?" cried Bob indignantly.

"I certainly did," was the no less indignant answer. "That lazy dog
ought to be horse-whipped. Let's help the child."

Both boys fell to work with a will, rescued the escaping oranges, and
tucked them back in their owner's basket. Then, with her grateful
thanks ringing in their ears, they hurried on once more.

After they had gone a few steps, Paul Ross observed:

"Bob, I've seen that fellow before. That was Pete Deveaux. He used to
be an Air Mail pilot on the same run as my brother John, but was
discharged for drunkenness. Since that he has blamed John, and has
written him several threatening letters, but is too cowardly to face
him."

By this time they had reached the West 137th Street station of the
suburban railroad which runs between the metropolis and various shore
towns along the picturesque Hudson. They were just in time to catch a
train, and found a comfortable seat in a rear coach. Then Paul brought
forth the newspaper he had purchased. What they sought was found on
the very first page, prominently displayed under a black-faced heading.

"Read it aloud, Paul," suggested Bob, and his friend proceeded to do
so. The article was to the effect that the Aero Club of America, in
conjunction with eminent aviation associations of the kind in Europe
and Asia, had planned to stimulate interest in flying by holding an
aircraft race around the world, which would start on the morning of
July 4th. All contestants must be at least twenty-one years of age,
and furnish an entrance fee of two hundred doll