He inspected carefully the control wires, went over the motor and filled the radiator and the gas tank, and made sure that he had plenty of oil.

His grumbling did not in the least impair his efficiency.

He replaced the propeller, cursing under his breath because Johnny had taken it off.

He was up in the forward seat testing the control when Johnny called him to come and eat.
In the narrow strip of sky that showed over the niche the stars were paling.

A faint flush tinged the blue as Johnny looked up anxiously.
"We'll take a little grub and my two canteens full of water," he said, with a shade of uneasiness in his voice.