The Red Cloud created a sensation as she slowly settled down in front
of the big tent assigned to her. Tom's craft was easily the best one
at the carnival, so far, though the managers said other machines were
on the way.

The exhibition opened the next day, but no flights were to be
attempted until the day following. Two more crafts arrived, a large
triplane, and a dirigible balloon. There were many visitors to the
ground, and Tom, Ned and Mr. Sharp were kept busy answering questions
put by those who crowded into their tent. Toward the close of the day
a fussy little Frenchman entered, and, making his way to where Tom
stood, asked

"Air you ze ownair of zis machine?"

"One of them," replied the lad.

"Ha! Sacre! Zen I challenge you to a race. I have a monoplane zat is
ze swiftest evaire! One thousand francs will I wager you, zat I can
fly higher and farther zan you."

"Shall we take him up, Mr. Sharp?" asked Tom.

"We'll race with him, after we get through with the club entries."
decided the aeronaut. "but not for money. It's against my principles,
and I don't believe your father would like it. Racing for prizes is a
different thing."

"Well, we will devote ze money to charity," conceded the Frenchman.