"She's more than that; she's perfect!" and Torrence drained his glass. Then lighting a cigarette, he added:
"We'll be off in a couple of clays, old man, or near about it, as I just now told you."
"And for where?" I asked.
Torrence pulled down the corner of his left eye.
"That's my secret!" he said.
I congratulated him on his success, and told him I was ready to go anywhere away from the fog and gloom of the city. We embraced each other, and despite my warning, sent up three cheers for the air ship. I had never seen Torrence so elated about anything in my life; indeed it was contagious, for I was almost as happy as he was.
"And you are sure there will be no hitch?" I said, fearing the news was almost too good.
"Sure! Haven't I tried her? We have taken out the end of old Wetherbee's barn, and I sailed out over the fields alone. I ran her myself the other night, through the darkness and fog when no one could see. There were then a few slight changes to make for absolute control which have since been completed. Last night I had her out again through the river fogs when every one was asleep below, and, as I have just told you, she is simply perfect! Oh, Gurt, you don't know what it is to float aloft out of reach of everyone. Fortunately the fields were deserted, and the air too thick for a man to see more than fifty yards, even had it been day, otherwise I should have frightened some of those Gravesender's to death. And I had a nice time, too, in finding my way back to the barn, despite the red and green lights I had hung out for signals!"
Torrence danced around the room.
"Suppose she should drop with all aboard!" I suggested.