“I want to go too,” persisted the young man, who in his eagerness seemed to have given little heed to his father’s words. “Can’t I go with you?” he went on, turning to Colonel Howell.
The latter looked somewhat perturbed. He had no answer ready just then and he needed none.
“You’re taking men with you,” went on Paul as he slid to the edge of the seat. “I’ll go and work for you for nothing. You’ve got to have men on the river and I know I’m as good as any Indian, except Moosetooth of course.” Everyone smiled except Mr. Zept. “And I know there are a lot of things that I could do in camp. I wouldn’t be any good about the airship, I know, but I can shoot and I know I can stand anything that anyone else can. I—”
“Young man,” broke in Mr. Zept at last, “these gentlemen are going north on business. Colonel Howell is not heading a pleasure excursion and I doubt if he has any intention of making an asylum for amateur woodsmen. Let me tell you something: you’ve got to get on in the world and you only do that, as far as I’ve noticed, by having a purpose that has some reward at the end of it. Colonel Howell and these young men have a purpose and they’ll probably profit by it. Playing Indian or wandering around on the Barren Lands shooting moose may be romantic enough and may be all you want in life, but it doesn’t bring success as I count it.”
“Your father’s right, young man,” suggested Colonel Howell; “success in life to-day is measured by money. If you want to succeed that way, stay where the money is to be found. I can prove it,” he said, forcing a laugh. “Look at me. What little money I have, I’m dumping into the northern rivers. Then look at your father. He knew the same wilderness you’re trying to break into, but he only goes there for pleasure. He had an idea and he came here and put it over. I don’t know what it brought him, and maybe you don’t. But I reckon you can easily find out by going through a list of bank directors in this town.”
“He’s a millionaire anyway,” Roy exclaimed with some lack of diplomacy.
Mr. Zept did not seem conscious of this remark, for he sat very stern and hard of face.
“When the time comes, my boy, I will take you into this region that you are so full of. Just now, I have other plans for you. We’ll talk these over later.” Then, as if dismissing the entire matter, Mr. Zept began to point out to Colonel Howell the improvements of the city while the big machine sped toward the hotel.
Paul, with a sullen look on his face, settled back among the cushions, and Norman and Roy, awed by the decisive tones of the rich man, made no attempt at conversation.
Reaching the hotel, Colonel Howell alighted to prepare his luggage and see to telegrams and mail. Mr. Zept stopped with him while Paul took the young aviators to their homes. A short time later the motor picked up Mr. Zept and his guest and carried them to the Zept home.