To escape further confusion, Mrs. Graham fled into the house. When she had regained her composure and the gun and jewel had been partly forgotten, Mr. Graham, Mr. Mackworth and Frank walked to Mrs. Ewing’s home near by and in a short time the last contract had been made in relation to the proposed expedition. When Mrs. Ewing understood that Mrs. Graham had agreed to let Frank go; that Phil was to have his vacation at the present time, she also relented and Phil returned with the party.
As the evening air grew cooler the party withdrew to Mr. Graham’s library where pipes and cigars began to glow and the talk to run on events which were supreme joys to the boys. At last Mr. Graham served the men a liquor. Captain Ludington raised his glass.
“Here,” he said with a smile, “is a toast: I propose the good luck, safety and the success of our coming hunt.”
“And I,” added Lord Pelton, “suggest the health and happiness of Mrs. Graham and Mrs. Ewing—the mothers of Frank and Phil—who have graciously made our experiment possible.”
[CHAPTER VI]
A CHAPTER ON CLOTHES
So far as the two boys were concerned, nothing now remained to be done but to pack the aëroplane for shipment.
“I reckon your uncle can afford to send it by express,” said Phil. “But it’ll cost a lot.”