"He's headed the nose of
the air craft downward, and seems to be just whooping it up for solid
ground! I hope nothing has happened, or that they'll strike hard, for
poor Bud will be smashed, that's what!"
Hugh laughed, for he was much better informed on all aviation topics
than the other scout.
"Oh! that's what they call volplaning," he hastened to say, while he
watched the coming of the air craft with eagerness. "The motor is shut
off, and deflecting the rudder to a certain angle, a glide is made
toward the earth. When they get to a certain distance, you'll see a
sudden change take place. There, what did I tell you, Ralph?"
The monoplane had abruptly ceased to shoot toward the earth as though
falling. It made a sudden turn and proceeded almost on the level;
after which the pilot brought it so softly to the ground that Bud
could barely feel it strike, such an expert was the lieutenant in
manipulating the various levers.
Bud was almost speechless with delight. His eyes fairly danced as he
drew a long breath and shook the hand of the army officer.
"Ralph, you come next," said the lieutenant; and somehow Hugh got the
idea into his head that he had been reserved for the last because
the officer wished to take him for a longer spin than either of his
mates, for some reason or other.
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