They discussed the balloon itself, and the car and the engine for propelling it; where these were to be made in the East, and how they were to be forwarded to Chicago as they were completed. Ned himself was to go East at once and remain there until the last thing was accomplished.
Ned's chum, Alan Hope, had just taken employment for the school vacation in a large sporting goods store not far from the hotel. A few minutes later Ned walked leisurely into this store and sought out the fire-arms department, where Alan was on duty.
"Hello, Ned," exclaimed Alan, "what do you think of this?" And with a smile he handed him an automatic pistol he was inspecting.
Restraining himself, Ned looked it over carefully.
"It holds ten cartridges and it's a beauty," declared Alan.
Ned weighed it carefully in his hand. "What's it worth?" he asked with dignity.
"Eighteen dollars."
"I think we'll need three of them!"
Alan laughed.
"And there are a good many other things I think we shall need," went on Ned, soberly.