“And even then we’ll beat it there, I suppose,” added Frank, “for, out on those mountain railroads, nothing goes anywhere directly. I wish it was on the way now.”
It was a beautiful day and “an awful waste” of good weather, as Phil put it. “Think of it,” he suggested, “sittin’ around here just doin’ nothin’ when we might be out there where we’re goin’—”
“Makin’ camp on some tree covered plateau way up near the snow line, or out lookin’ for bear tracks or a deer trail in the scrub—” broke in Frank.
“Or dozin’ in the same kind o’ sun on the pine needles and squintin’ at some big bald eagle lazyin’ through the clouds above you—” interrupted Phil.
The boys were at the Graham house anxiously awaiting some word from Mr. Mackworth. Early in the afternoon Mr. Mackworth and his two friends suddenly appeared on foot, having walked from the hotel.
“Had your breakfast yet, Frank?” was Mr. Mackworth’s greeting.
“Breakfast?” snorted Frank. “Why we’ve had our dinner. Why didn’t you call up? I’d have brought the car for you.”
“We wanted the walk,” exclaimed Captain Ludington who, in frock coat, silk gloves and patent leathers, with a bunch of blossoms in his buttonhole, looked as fresh and young as Lord Pelton who, by the way, was similarly costumed, except that he wore gray instead of black. “And we’re prepared to go further. If it isn’t too much trouble might we not walk to the airship?”
“Naturally, we’re a bit curious about the airship,” added the younger Englishman.
Mr. and Mrs. Graham having received the visitors, it was explained that the airship house was a full mile distant. But, as the Englishmen seemed determined to continue their walk the party, excepting Mrs. Graham, set out on foot. Mr. Graham, Captain Ludington and Lord Pelton led the way.