They were soon in conversation and the girl was greatly relieved to learn that Tom and his friends were safe. “But do be careful, won’t you?” she begged. “I sure will!” Tom promised. “Don’t worry! I haven’t seen any of those fellows out here. Guess it was too far for them.” He was soon to learn, however, that this was not the case. Bidding Mary good-bye over the radio and promising to talk to her again as soon as he could, Tom shut off the power on the wireless and made preparations for having his machine guarded during the night. Except for some of the mechanicians who would sleep on board, the others were to go to a hotel. There they would get some much-needed rest and prepare to make the return trip in a few days. Tom wanted time, however, to have the engines carefully gone over. Also he wanted to communicate with the crews in Denver and Chicago and have them alert and ready to speed him on his way when the return trip should be made. A hasty inspection of the _Osprey_ showed that the plane had sustained no damage in flying through the storm, but could, after a few adjustments, make the return journey. “Well, what do you say to a good bath, Ned, and a lobster supper?” asked Tom of his chum, when they had summoned an automobile which would take them and Mr. Damon, with Eradicate, to the hotel. “That sounds good to me,” Ned answered. “Koku he stay and guard machine,” announced the big giant proudly, for Tom had informed him that was to be his duty. “Don’t let anybody near it,” cautioned his master. “Anybody come—Koku make ’um all full holes,” was the grim answer. “Mebby Ah better stay, too,” suggested Eradicate. “No, I want you with me, Rad,” Tom said. “I need looking after and so does Ned. We brought only one suit of clothes each, and they need pressing.” “Dat’s whut I’ll do!” said the old colored man. He was pleased thus to serve his master. So great was the interest manifested by the papers in Tom’s exploit that he could hardly get away from the reporters long enough to eat. At last he had fairly to beg them to give him a few minutes of quiet, and reluctantly they consented. But after he had bathed and dined they were at him again, so it was long past midnight when Tom was really free. Mr. Damon, tired with the unusual trip, had retired, and thus Tom and his financial manager found themselves left pretty much alone. “I don’t feel a bit like sleeping,” Tom said, “I’d only toss and tumble if I went to bed.” “Same here,” agreed Ned. “What do you say if we take a run out to the plane?” asked Tom. “I’d like to make sure she’s all right, even with Koku and the others on guard. There’s altogether too much curiosity about her.” “I’m with you—come on.” A taxicab took them out to the landing field, but, being a new man, the driver made a wrong approach and found himself on a blind road, half a mile from the _Osprey’s_ landing place.