“I’m at the office of the Sea King Airplane Company on Lower Broadway,” said Ford. “Come over as soon as possible and we’ll make the final decision on the type of plane we’re going to take with us.”
Tim promised to get across the river as rapidly as possible and ran back to the S-18. Shouting down the main hatch, he informed Pat that he was leaving. Then he hastened outside, flagged a cruising taxi, and sped toward the office of the airplane company.
The head of the expedition was waiting for him in the main show room, where several seaplanes were on display. He introduced Tim to the company’s sales manager and they plunged into a discussion of detail.
“What do you think of this type of plane?” Ford asked Tim, pointing to the nearest one on the floor.
“It looks sturdy enough to me,” replied the flying reporter. “What about the speed?”
“It will cruise comfortably at 130 and can be pushed up to around 145,” replied the sales manager. “The wings are hinged and can be folded back along the fuselage.”
“Which will mean a saving of space, an important factor with us,” put in Ford. “Can you give us an actual demonstration?”
“It’s a little late to reach the plant out on Long Island in time for trial flights this afternoon. Couldn’t we arrange it tomorrow morning?”
Ford agreed and they arranged to meet at the office again at nine the next day.
“We’ll take that type if it proves up to expectations after Murphy has made several test trips,” he said.