"It is our new model of the composite hydro-aeroplane," explained
the manager. "It's the best standard built in this country--the
Monarch II."

"It's easy to see that," responded Dave. "It is the equal of the
Drifter in a great many ways."

"That is true," replied Mr. Randolph. "While it may not be as swift
in the water as an all-steel hydro, it is built on the best float
system and will sustain a weight of one thousand three hundred
pounds."

"And the front elevation and tail are also of the newest type," said
Dave.

"You studied that out, eh? It's a model of lightness as such
machines go. The engine is only three hundred pounds, it carries
twenty gallons of gasoline, and has a lifting capacity of twelve
hundred pounds, giving leeway for a three hundred pound pilot."

"Dave and I wouldn't weigh that together, Mr. Randolph," said Hiram.

"Its simplicity strikes me," remarked Dave.

"Yes," said Mr. Randolph, "and it can be knocked down and
reassembled in a hurry. You see, the ailerons never leave their
sections and in the planes not a wire is changed. The outriggers
fold, keeping them in pairs together, each piece is bent, not
buckled, and can be straightened good as new in case of a
disarrangement."