“Ten dollars a month and my board for helping run an airship!” said Andy breathlessly. “Oh, of course I’ll take it—gladly.”
“No,” corrected John Parks, “ten dollars a week.”
CHAPTER VIII—THE AERO FIELD
“That’s settled,” said the Airship King. “Come, Andy, and I’ll introduce you to our living quarters.”
Andy felt as if he was treading on air. He was too overcome to speak intelligently. Clear of the spiteful Talbot brood, the proud possessor of a new suit, a watch, five dollars, and the prospect of a princely salary, he felt that life had indeed begun all over for him in golden numbers. He caught at the sleeve of his generous employer.
“Mr. Parks,” he said with emotion, “it’s like a dream.”
“That’s all right, Andy,” laughed the aeronaut. “I’m pretty liberal, they say—that is, when I’ve got the money. I’ve seen my hard times, though. All I ask is to have a man stick to me through thick and thin and I’ll bring him out all right.”
“I’ll stick to you as long as you’ll let me,” declared Andy.
“Yes, you’re true blue, Andy, I honestly believe. I’ve staked a good deal on the aero meet next month. I’ve just got to get that five-thousand-dollar prize to make good, for I’ve invested a good deal here.”
“I hope I can help you do it,” said Andy fervently.