I tried to pass some comment on this amazing man's new outbreak, but could not. I was literally tongue-tied. It was the most stupendous exhibition of idiocy I had ever encountered. One might conceivably buy three motor cars; but, three aeroplanes . . . !
"What in heaven's name do you intend doing with them?" I managed to say at last. "Is it to be the nucleus of a new Air Force?"
"No! Just a little private venture—for the public good!"
"D'you mean there's a machine for each of us?" I asked, with a feeble attempt at humor.
"If you like to put it that way, George. . . ."
It was very evident that he had some tremendous scheme afoot, and the tantalizing air of secrecy he maintained rather annoyed me.
"Why be so secretive?" I asked. "Surely you can tell us all exactly what you intend doing."
He blew out a cloud of smoke and sat there as unruffled as a sphinx.
"Ever thought of foreign travel?" he queried, mildly.
"I have. We all have! But certainly not by aeroplane."