speed and finally
stops just at the farther end of the field.

Then, after driving the Aeroplane up to and under the lee of the hedge,
he stops the engine, and quickly lashing the joy-stick fast in order
to prevent the wind from blowing the controlling surfaces about and
possibly damaging them, he hurriedly alights. Now running to the tail
he lifts it up on to his shoulder, for the wind has become rough indeed
and there is danger of the Aeroplane becoming unmanageable. By this
action he decreases the angle at which the planes are inclined to
the wind and so minimizes the latter's effect upon them. Then to the
Observer, "Hurry up, old fellow, and try to find some rope, wire,
or anything with which to picket the machine. The wind is rising and
I shan't be able to hold the 'bus steady for long. Don't forget the
wire-cutters. They're in the tool kit." And the Observer rushes off in
frantic haste, before long triumphantly returning with a long length of
wire from a neighbouring fence. Blocking up the tail with some debris at
hand, they soon succeed, with the aid of the wire, in stoutly picketing
the Aeroplane to the roots of the high hedge in front of it; done with
much care, too, so that the wire shall not fray the fabric or set up
dangerous bending-stresses in the woodwork. Their work is not done yet,
for the Observer remarking, "I don't like the look of this thick weather
and rather fear a heavy rain-storm," the Pilot replies, "Well, it's
a fearful bore, but the first rule of our game is never to take an
unnecessary risk, so out with the engine and body covers."

Working with a will they soon have the engine and the open part of the
body which contains the seats, controls, and instruments snugly housed
with their waterproof covers, and the Aeroplane is ready to weather the
possible storm. Says the Observer, "I'm remarkably peckish, and methinks
I spy the towers of one of England's stately homes showing themselves
just beyond that wood, less than a quarter of a mile away. What ho! for
a raid. What do you say?"

"All right, you cut along and I'll stop here, for the Aeroplane must not
be left alone. Get back as quickly as possible."

And the Observer trots off, leaving the Pilot filling his pipe and
anxiously scrutinizing the weather conditions. Very thick it is now, but
the day is yet young, and he has hopes of the fog lifting sufficiently
to enable the flight to be resumed. A little impatiently he awaits the
return of