“Nothing wrong,” grinned Andy, “but it’s news, big news!” With eyes aglow and face reflecting his own enthusiasm he handed the telegram to Bert.
“Rush work with all possible speed,” said the message. “Have just completed plans for Goliath’s first official flight this summer which will take us to North pole for an exchange of mail with the Submarine Neptune, which will be commanded by Gilbert Mathews.”
“My gosh,” exclaimed Bert, “a trip to the North pole. Well, that is news.”
“I’ll say,” replied Andy. “Watch us make time from now on for there won’t be any more accidents with this Rubanian secret agent out of the way.”
CHAPTER III
Mystery Plane
The change of the seasons was at hand and the last dirty patches of snow melted under the rays of the March sun. Andy spread the news that the first official flight of the Goliath would take it into the polar regions and the crews inside the lofty hangar were filled with new enthusiasm and energy. They were making history, placing America in the forefront of the air-minded nations, and they thrilled at their task.
In the afternoon Andy helped Bert check over the damage which the agent of the Gerka had done to the radio apparatus and they were greatly relieved to find that the set intended for installation on the Goliath worked perfectly.
When Andy returned to his office, Bert accompanied him and they discussed the outlook for the polar flight.
“It will be a real test of the Goliath,” said Andy, “and it means we’ll make plenty of trial flights before we undertake a cruise into the northland.”
“Why do you suppose your father decided on such a daring trip?” asked Bert.