One trouble at a time is enough.

If that was the flying machine, I hope she isn't damaged much," he added, wistfully, for he had hoped to get a good deal of sport out of sailing the _Dartaway_.
"Well, if that was the biplane, she must have landed in the river, and that would break the shock some," said Sam, hopefully.
"Yes, especially if she came down on a slant," added Dick.

"Maybe she struck the water and scaled along like a clamshell." Along the river they proceeded for quite a distance and then came to the spot that the farmer said was the ford.
"Not so very shallow either," was Dick's comment.

"Mr.Marley, are you sure of the footing ?" "Yes, I've been across any number of times," was the answer.

"I'll lead the way.