The more they looked over the
wreck, the less they knew what to say.
As they stood there, watching Parks poking round the smashed machine,
Colonel Marker came up with Major Phelps. They had not been far away
when Joe had started on his experimental round of the airdrome, and
had witnessed the whole episode.
"You did not do so badly until you landed," said the colonel pleasantly.
"You should have stayed up."
The boys had never before heard the colonel essay a joke, and were
by no means sure that his first remark was not the preface to serious
condemnation of Joe. Colonel Marker had often been heard to treat
the subject of smashed machines in a manner decidedly uncomplimentary
to the luckless aviator who was responsible.
Poor Joe felt his heart in his throat. A very deep feeling of shame
came over him and his eyes filled with tears. His face showed real
distress.
The colonel turned to Joe from an inspection of the plane and as he
did so saw the boy's eyes. Colonel Marker was a kindhearted man,
for all his gruff exterior, and he had, too, a great interest in
the Brighton boys and their progress.
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