Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-09
BY ". BOYCE MORGAN.
NSTALLMENT Nv.

A FTER 5 minutes Of fighting against the
wind and sand, Harry began to fear that
he had mistaken his direction and missed the
plane. But finally he saw it, and as he strug-
gled nearer he made out his uncle crouching in
the shelter Of the wing.
Harry" gasped Uncle George. IT thought
you'd 60 into one of the buildings to get out Of
this. IT'S terrible, isn't it?"
Harry nodded. 81 did go into one OF the
buildings" he cried excitedly. Then he told his
uncle Of the four men playing cards, of their
car, Of the mail pouches inside it, and of his
conviction that these men had caused the train
wreck that they had seen from the air that
morning.
You're right" agreed Uncle George grimly,
land that means that our lives aren't worth q
nickel if they know We are here. They are
desperate We've got to get away. Harry"
Maybe we could steal their car" suggested
the boy. Uncle George shook his head.
WED never get far in this desert, when we
don't know the road" he said. mo, our best
chance is the plane. I'd hate to leave it, any
way"
But how can we get away in it, with the
motor dead and a broken wheel?" protested
Harry
"I got the motor fixed, think" replied Uncle
George. "It was a clogged feed line, as I
thought. As for the wheel, have a wild idea.
It may be impossible but it might work. and
anything Is better than staying here until
morning, when they are sure TO see us. What
WHY believe they were wire wheels" said
Harry doubtfully
Good II they are wire, 1t win be easy to
get one Of them OF. think perhaps can put
. wheel from the car on the plane. It viii be
q little too large. probably, but with luck We
may be able to manage q take-of. Landing win
be . different matter, but II we once get away,
/ won't worry about landing now. Can we steal
over there and get wheel?"
Harry led the way. I'VE ought to be able to.
They won't come out until this sandstorm stops
entirely"
The wind was stin strong, but gradually abat-
ing, % that walking in it was not 50 dimcult.
Hurriedly, but with an caution, they approached
the Star Of the West" and circled the build
ing to the bandits car. Uncle George found the
tools, and they lacked up q front wheel. It was
only the work Of moments to loosen the bolts
and take It Oh, tire and all.
Now, lust O moment" whipered Uncle
George. He lifted the hood and for q moment
busted himself with the engine. "They won't
get away In that car now unless they are
good mechanics" he said grimly 'even If they
put on their spare wheel"
BY the time they had reached the plane
again the wind had died down stin further
The abating Of the sandstone made 1t some
what lighter, but daylight was waning. They
must get away before darkness, or their chances
Of taking on successfully would be much less
Even II can get this wheel on so we can
get rum" said Uncle George, as he worked
removing the broken portion Of the landing
gear, taking on won't be easy. As soon as
we start our motor they win hear it. It win
take them few minutes to collect their wits
and locate the sound, probably, and a few
more to get over here. Even at that we won't
have long to warm the motor"
Harry said nothing. He was watching his
uncle as he got the broken wheel on, wrapped
the axle with wire 10 make 1t more nearly TT
the auto wheel, and then tried out his desperate
plan. II was o long, difncult task, working IN
the poor light and with none Of the facilities
for making o real repair, and for time it
looked as though he would fail But,ifinally
Uncle George gave q grunt Of satisfaction
.tE. g. 41CA6 Sic