The Washington herald., 1911-11-05

grettully at the mouse Iney udo
Just passed on their way to school
They had lived most of their lives
in that empty house and couldn't
quite get used to their new home
on the next block.
Pliny in particular sazed long at the old
place. particularly at the barn. And then
he gave a surprised shout
Look! There's a martens nest on the
lower plane of the Aerolite!
His brothers stopped and all four ran
across the lawn to get better view. Their
eyes were riveted. not on the barn. but
upon the object which surmounted the
apex of the roof. 1t was the weathervane
they examined. which proved to be nothing
less than a small Wright model aeroplane
This aeror, ne weathervane had formerly
been one Of the feetest crafts in Pliny
Quick's aerial feet. But finally the Aero
lite was beaten in several races: new and
faster additions to the feet began to show
her their aerial heels. and al last the little
craft went the way Of all that is old and
out of date
If the Aerolite had just been of ordinary
merit Pliny would have taken her to pieces
and used some of the parts in reconstruct
ing new airships. But he had made his
early reputation as a model aerial pilot
with her. as a reward in recognition
of her great record Pliny did not destroy
the Aerolite. Instead he coated her over
with several stiff applications Of wealth
IL 20
the stern and mounted her on the barn
weathervane That is why PEny was so
interested. for when the family moved the
Aerolite was left alone to perpetually "fy'
above the empty barn.
Sure enough. closer inspection showed
a family of martens had taken possession
of the "engine space" of the main plane.
There was the nest costly built. and as
they watched the parent birds few to their
queer habitation carrying bits of food for
their growing family of young aeroplan-
lists in the nest.
Funny they should be born in flying
machine"' laughed Pliny. 81 wonder if
they'll ever take a ride" Hello. here
comes Walter Armstrong" exclaimed
Austen hes always butting in, any
howv' he added with a frown. Walter
Armstrong was not on good terms with
the Quick brothers, as those who have
read of their past exploits i'll remember.
Being the richest boy in Oakdale. he
thought he could run the Juvenile section
of the town until he bumped into the
Quick brothers, who very soon taught
him some humiliating lessons as to who
was boss" of upper Oakdale. Walter
had never forgotten nor forgiven. He
was a naturally clever boy who would
have been a good one if he was not
spoiled As it was he had a certain
following due to his liberality with spend
ing money. and many were the battles
he and his gang had fought with the
Quicks and their forces.
So Walters arrival on the scene usually
meant trouble.
Walter approached, and scarcely MOTTO
ing the Quicks, subjected the aeroplane
weatherplane to long inspection. He
was ccompanied by Gus Rankin, Harvey
Smith and several other cronies. Walter
turned to Harvey and said:
II wonder how we can get that nest.
It's just what need to add to that bird
collection of mine, along with the little
martens in it!"
Austen could not help overhearing and
bristled up instantly.
you can't have it." he declared
shortly.
Its none Of your business-this amt
your house, nor your barn, nor even your
weathervanem sneered Walter. You
left 'em all when you moved out, and I've
as much right to get that nest as you!" he
continued.
Austen realized this was true. POSSIBLY
he might have done nothing more but
for his tender heart. He couldn't bear the
thought of the poor little martens coming
to such cruel end, especially after having
the distinction of being born tn his
brothers famous aeroplane weather plane.
Il tell you % leave the nest alone :" he
commanded tbreateningly, following Wal
ter, who now walked around the barn try
ing to lind some door or window that was
unlocked. But all were securely fastened,
and il was only this which prevented a
tight on the spot While the opposing fac
tions were arguing and telling what they
were going to do to each other, still an
other arrival Joined them.
What are all you boys yeIling about?"
demanded pretty Edna Farbush, who lived
in the little house next door. Austen
spoke up hOtly, pointing at Walters and
his friends, and then motioning toward
the martens nest.
walter wants 20 grab that nest and
kill the little martens for his collection,
and say les to keep his hands of !" be
concluded .ngrily.
Edna nodded her head approvingly and
looked sternly at Walters crowd.
Don't you dare to touch 'em I've been
watching the nest for month and leaving
Out food for the parent birds. If you steal