He had three very good reasons for doing that, and ridding himself of Bland's incessant whining was not the smallest, though the necessity of keeping Bland's presence a secret from the Rolling R loomed rather large, as did Johnny's desire to have some one always with the plane.

He had no fear that Halliday would do anything but his level best at the repairing.

He also reasoned that he would prove a faithful, if none too courageous watchdog.

That airplane was Bland's one hope of escape from the country, since riding horseback was so unpopular a mode of travel with him.
Thinking these things, Johnny looked back at the unhappily plodding birdman and grinned.
He was not grinning when he rode away from the niche more than an hour later, though he had reason for feeling encouraged.

Bland Halliday did know airplanes.