thought of that, instead of fiddling around in disguises, and things
like that? I wonder why I never thought of that plan?"

"Perhaps because it was so simple," she answered, with a pretty blush.

"I guess that's it," agreed Tom. "It takes a woman to jump across a
bridge to a conclusion every time. I'll write to Mr. Sharp at once."




Chapter Thirteen

A Clash with Andy


Tom lost no time in writing to Mr. Sharp. He wondered more and more at
his own neglect in not before having asked the balloonist, when the
latter was in Shopton, where Andy was building his aeroplane. But, as it
developed later, Mr. Sharp did not know at that time.

While waiting for a reply to his letter, Tom busied himself about his
own craft, making several changes he had decided on. He also began to
paint and decorate it, for he wanted to have the Humming-Bird present a
neat appearance when she was officially entered in the great race.

Miss Nestor called on Tom again, and Mr. Damon was a frequent visitor.
He agreed to accompany Tom to the aviation park when it was time for the
race, and also to be a passenger in the ten-thousand-dollar contest.