It would have been easier to have gone to
Buck's home, only a short distance away, but the boys were now
determined to stay in the corral, or leave it only one at a time.
However, they soon developed a taste for Mrs. Bourke's peculiar hot
wholesome dishes and these, with what provisions they had on hand,
were a fair substitute for Elmer's cooking.
The frijoles having been disposed of, Ned at once went out, and was
fortunate in finding a load of rough lumber and a sort of jack-
carpenter. With the help of the boys a four foot-high series of
"horses" or frames was set up in the center of the corral. This was
for the car to rest on while it was being assembled. It was
elevated so that the propeller and aeroplanes and rudder could all
be tested after being set up. The propeller, 11.48 feet in length,
revolved in bearings four feet above the bottom of the car.
After noonday refreshment the middle section of the car, to which
the engine was already attached, was carefully lifted into place
with the aid of the workmen, and then the laborers were paid off and
dismissed--all except the watchmen.
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