When the two men at last took the rear seat in the car, Norman and Roy in front of them, and Paul seated alongside the chauffeur, orders were given to drive to the King George.
Avoiding the traffic streets and trolley lines, the big car was turned south through the suburban hills. In the meantime, Paul had lost no opportunity to probe into the mystery of Norman’s remark. In return, Norman had rapidly sketched an outline of Colonel Howell’s proposition and of the present situation. Norman’s rapid words seemed at first to have rather a depressing effect on young Zept, and then, when the whole idea had been put before him, his usual animation rose to what was almost excitement.
No sooner had the motor found its way into the broad suburban streets, than Paul almost sprang over the seat back and in a moment had located himself between his father and Colonel Howell on the rear seat.
“Father,” he began impulsively, interrupting some old-time talk, “do you know that Mr. Grant and Mr. Moulton are going to Fort McMurray with Colonel Howell?”
These business details had not reached Mr. Zept, as he and his guest had not yet exhausted their old-time hunting experiences. The result was that Colonel Howell at once related what had taken place that afternoon, to all of which Mr. Zept gave earnest attention. Colonel Howell concluded by telling how he was to see the fathers of the boys that evening in an effort to consummate his deal.
“What do you think about it?” asked Colonel Howell with his usual smile, and looking at Mr. Zept.
The latter paused, as if in grave doubt.
“That’s a hard question to answer,” he said at last. “These young fellows ought to answer it best themselves. Their airship has given a pretty good account of itself. I did not understand that it was more than the ordinary flying machine, but if it is and they feel sure that it can do what they say it will, it seems to me that the whole thing is pretty much a business proposition. You’ve made a fine proposition to the young men, financially. If it wasn’t for that, if you want me to speak frankly, I wouldn’t approve their going into that part of the world simply as prospectors.”
“It’d be great!” broke in his son.
“From your point of view, yes,” answered his father, affectionately dropping his hand upon Paul’s knee, “but you know, my boy, that you have a lot of impractical ideas about this corner of the world.”