At last, the father gave his consent, but warned Mike not to go out over the sea. It was arranged that they should ascend at 10:00 o’clock.
Mike had to make a trip to Portrush to get some petrol, and he decided to take Miss O’Neill along with him on that journey.
“Can she take such a long trip on her first flight?” I asked, remembering my own experiences.
“Jack,” said Mike, confidently, “she can beat you now as an aeronaut. She knows all about it already. I am sure she will have no trouble.”
We fixed up a starting rail in the sloping field in front of the hotel, and at 10:00 o’clock Miss Edith and her father and mother appeared.
Word had gotten out about the trip and every tourist around the Causeway was gathered in the field to see the ascent.
Edith was a perfect picture. Not having an airship dress, she had arranged herself in closely fitting riding habit. She made a few necessary changes, and the dress was adapted well for her unique excursion. She wore a blue sailor cap, matching her dress, and also a pair of blue gloves.
As Mike was assisting her into the aeroplane, I heard a lady exclaim, “What a pretty blue-bird.” I could not help thinking that a fairer bird than Miss Edith never flew beneath the kindly Irish skies.
It was a perfect day, and there was a very slight breeze.
After seeing that Edith was seated, Mike vaulted easily into his seat.