Adventure Magazine Cover, June 18, 1921 — page 27: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

When Good Fellows Get Together heaved a sigh of relief as the ship hurled itself over the last mountain-peak and El Paso sprang into view, the westering sun striking myriad points of light from the sprawling city. Fleecy clouds floated over it a thousand feet below the flyers.. The great level airdrome, five miles out- side the city, presented a scene of great ac- tivity as the McMullen plane taxied to the - line. Twelve De Havilands and a little scout plane that Tex quickly spotted as a Fokker were on the line, most of them with motors going. Many mechanics were work- ing busily and a group of helmeted fliers greeted them. “Make it all the way through today?” queried one of them, noting the McMullen Flight insignia on the fuselage. Ransom nodded. Tex was still in the front cockpit, waiting for mechanics to bring wheel-blocks so he could turn up the motor, cleaning the plugs of any oil that might have fouled them on the glide in. ‘“‘My name is Barrett,” stated the El Paso man, extending his hand. ‘“‘Ransom—I’m a new observer at Mc- Mullen. Glad to know you!” Barrett introduced him to the other flyers. Ransom was secretly very proud of the casual way they accepted him as one of themselves. -“Who’s the pilot?” asked Barrett. ‘““MacDowell,”’ answered Ransom. A stir of interest ran through the group. “Tex MacDowell, eh? Ive been pining to have a look at him,” said a captain in the group. ‘He landed in here once a couple of months ago, but most of us missed him. He’s sure been making a rapid reputation for himself down your way, hasn’t he?”’ Ransom nodded. He felt a gust of envy for which he was ashamed as Tex cut the motor, climbed out and strolled easily toward the interested group awaiting him. He was so sure of himself, so confident—he knew that he was an object of interest and admiration. And he, Ransom, was pitting his dislike against MacDowell. A sudden wave of depression engulfed him and he dis- covered that he was very tired. Captain Baird stepped forward and in- troduced himself to Tex. As the others were being introduced a big official car rolled up to the group and Major Walters, com- manding officer of the group which included all the squadrons of the border patrol, Sogn) eee out. 17 “Major Walters, may I present Lieuten- ant MacDowell, who just got in from Mc- Mullen?” said Captain Baird. “TI thought perhaps MacDowell might solve our prob- lem for us,” he added. Major Walters, himself, had to look up a trifle as he shook hands with Tex. surveyed the pilot from his oil-grimed face to his boots. ‘Considerable correspondence about you and a Mr. Fitzpatrick passed through our office,’ the major remarked. ‘“‘When you tried grass-cutting along that road and scared Fitzpatrick into the ditch you made us a lot of trouble, young fellow.” “Ves, sir,” answered Tex solemnly. He was noticing the little star above the major’s wings; that meant six’ years of fly- ing-experience. He concentrated his gaze there to prevent himself from revealing too much to the major. The C. O. might prefer humility about that incident and every time Tex thought of it and its ramifications it tickled his risibilities. Finally, however, he met the major’s eyes and his mouth widened in a generous grin. The major, after a moment’s hesitation, re- turned it. They understood each other. “Captain Kennard wired that you were coming to watch the work of the El Paso Flight with the cavalry. There will be no more until next week, on account of a for- mal inspection of all troops here by the commanding general, Saturday afternoon. Everybody is getting ready. ‘There will be a formal review on the field. Have you ever flown a Fokker, lieutenant?” “Yes, sir,” answered the puzzled Tex. “All right. Explain things to him, Baird. The rest of you fellows come over here. I’ve got some things I want to say before we take the air.’ Captain Baird told Tex the ‘gation con- cisely. As a feature of the formal review the Air Service was to fly a twelve-ship for- ' mation, and for stunting purposes Jerry Carter had brought down a Fokker from the Department Flight at Donovan Field. Now Jerry was in the hospital with a bad case of tonsilitis and every El Paso pilot was needed in the carefully rehearsed formation. They had just decided to send for a man who could either fly the Fokker or fill in on the formation. Inasmuch as special for- mation stunts had been carefully worked up, a strapping six-footer His eyes twinkled as he they wanted to keep it intact. If Tex COMmMICOOC|XS. COM