“If we hadn’t, I wouldn’t have proposed going this way,” came from Jerry. “We could go out in a train or by auto, and get to him more quickly than by delaying to rebuild our airship. But I thought, as long as we did have the time we might just as well make an air trip.”
“Sure,” agreed Ned. “Besides I think if we arrive at the meet in the Comet it will create something of a sensation, and if Mr. Jackson is there he’ll be more apt to think we are ‘some pumpkins’ than if we arrived by train or auto.”
“Was your father much disappointed that we didn’t land him in Durham, and get him to sign the papers?” asked Bob.
“He sure was, Chunky,” replied the merchant’s son. “But he knew it wasn’t our fault. He has great hopes from our trip to Danforth, however.”
“Any let-up in his business troubles?” inquired Jerry.
“No, they’re worse, if anything. Dad’s enemies are pressing him hard, but he thinks he can stand them off until we get to Mr. Jackson, and enlist his aid. It’s going to be quite a task, though. Poor dad! I wish I could help him!”
“You are helping him!” insisted the fat youth, as he stopped to rest after carrying a brace across the barn to where it was to be fitted into the airship. “You are doing all you can, and we’re helping you.”
“I realize that, and I can’t thank you fellows enough,” spoke Ned feelingly, for his father’s troubles had made quite an impression on the lad, as, indeed, they also had on his chums, and they were all anxious to see them over. In fact, if they were not speedily remedied it meant the loss of Mr. Slade’s fortune, which he had made by a lifetime of hard work.
So they were anxious to have the Comet refitted, and start off on their trip to a point near New York in order to meet Mr. Jackson. They had learned by telegraph that the eccentric promoter and millionaire was expected to arrive any day, and would take part in the meet. Efforts to intercept him en route, and get in communication with him, had been futile, and they were forced to wait. Mr. Slade grew more and more anxious as the days passed, but he could only fight off his business and financial enemies as best he might.