They found this hour the
pleasantest of the day in this hot and dry region. The late moon
was just disappearing, and over the plains swept a breeze that
hinted of snow on some mountain peak not far away. Not a sound
broke the stillness but the occasional cry of a skulking coyote.
"Hear it, Elmer," said Alan, as the boys got busy in the baggage
car. "You want to look out for those fellows."
"I ain't feared o' no cutes and I ain't feared of no Injun,"
solemnly answered Elmer, "jist so dem rattlers gives me de go-by.
Dat's all I ast."
Buck's big wagon had arrived and was backed up to the car and now,
by the light of a lantern hanging above the door, the work of
loading began.
With their improved gas bag the boys had figured on a record flight
without renewing the gas supply. They had hoped to be able to stay
at least seventy-two hours in the air. But during a large part of
this time they expected to drift without the engines, for they could
not carry enough gasoline to last for more than twenty-four hours of
engine work. By their new calculations they had more than enough
gasoline, and according to Ned it seemed probable that the decreased
air pressure on the bag might extend the period of flight another
twenty-four hours, or to four days.
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