ignoring the presence of the Bird boys completely and purposely, of
course; "I've come out after you, to get your assistance in trying to
find the rascals who broke into my hangar some time last night, and ran
away with my biplane!"

Upon hearing these astonishing words it was little wonder that Andy and
Frank once more looked at each other, with the light of understanding
dawning on their faces.




CHAPTER VI


FIGURING IT ALL OUT

"That's a strange story you're telling us, Percy," said the Head of the
local police force, at which the boy bridled up immediately.

"I don't see what there is so funny about it, Chief!" he exclaimed,
frowning. "I tell you my hangar was broken open last night, and I'm out
a biplane that cost me a good round sum. It's up to you to get on the
track of the same, and recover it. I hereby offer a reward of three
hundred dollars for the recovery of my machine uninjured, and make it
five hundred if the thief is captured in the bargain."

When he said this Percy assumed all the airs of a millionaire; but then
it was well known about Bloomsbury that the Widow Carberry was very
wealthy; also that her only hopeful could wheedle her in to settling any