rapidly until those below felt the whirring rush of air as the two
planes swept by so low that one imagined that an arm would nearly touch
them.

All hands knew it was rivalry -- the rivalry of stunts. Yet to stand
below and watch those steel engines falling down on you from the skies
took the same kind of nerve to keep from dodging as only airmen
themselves are gifted with by practice.

Finally all this drew to a close. The machines at last ranged
themselves at opposite extremes of the landing stage and with a final
swoop both were apparently upon the spectators as with the rush of a
whirlwind. Yet, dizzy as it looked, it was mathematically timed. The
two planes flattened as if by magic; they rose, dipped again and,
passing each other in the down grade, saluted methodically as they
passed the Commander. Ten seconds later their wheels dropped gently on
the gravel at either end of the parade ground two tired looking
aviators left their the waiting mechanics and walked soberly to the
others.

The stunts were over for the day.





CHAPTER VI

CATCHING THB SPY