sensitiveness of the elevating rudder warned Dave that he must
maintain a perfect balance until they could strike a steady path of
flight. Hiram's rapt gaze followed every skillful maneuver of the
master hand at that wheel.

"Good for you!" he chirped, as Dave worked the ailerons to
counteract the leaning of the machine. A swing of the rudder had
caused the biplane to bank, but quick as a flash Dave righted it by
getting the warping control on the opposite tack, avoiding a bad
spill.

The machine was tail heavy as Dave directed a forward plunge,
coasting slightly. He had, however, pretty good control of the
center of gravity.

It was now only a question of fighting the stiff breeze that
prevailed, and keeping an even balance.

Hiram's eyes sparkled as the Racer volplaned, caught the head wind
at just the right angle, and struck a course due northwest like a
sail boat under perfect control.

The engine was near the operator's seat, and on the post just under
the wheel were the spark and throttle levers on the fuselage beam.
The steering wheel was a solid piece of wood about eight inches in
diameter with two holes cut into it to fit the hands.

The passenger's seat now occupied by Hiram was in the center line of
the machine, so that, filled or vacant, the lateral balance was not
affected.