And forthwith the eccentric man began to call down so many blessings on
himself and on his belongings, no less than on his friends, that Tom
laughingly warned him that he had better save some for another time.

The two reached home safely, removed their "disguises," and told Mr.
Swift of the result of their trip. He agreed with them that there was a
mystery about Andy's aeroplane which was yet to be solved.

But Tom was glad to find that, at any rate, the craft was not being made
in Shopton, and during the next two weeks he devoted all his time to
finishing his own machine. Mr. Jackson was a valuable assistant, and Mr.
Damon gave what aid he could.

"Well, I think I'll be ready for a trial flight in another week," said
Tom one day, as he stepped back to get a view of the almost completed
Humming-Bird.

"Shall you want a passenger?" asked Mr. Damon.

"Yes, I wish you would take a chance with me. I could use a bag of sand,
not that I mean you are to be compared to that," added Tom quickly, "but
I'd rather have a real person, in order to test the balancing apparatus.
Yes, we'll make a trial trip together."

In the following few days Tom went carefully over the aeroplane, making
some slight changes, strengthening it here and there, and testing the
motor thoroughly. It seemed to work perfectly.

At length the day of the trial came, and the Humming-Bird was wheeled