Then, while the fusillade of questions rained on the boys, inquiries about the trip and its incidents, Ned and Buck turned over their messages for the Herald and, answering as best they could, began the important work of taking on supplies.
“Just a moment,” shouted a voice, “I’d like to get all of you. Mr. Napier, would you mind taking Mr. Phillips’ hand? It’s a good stunt to raise your hats a la Stanley greeting Dr. Livingstone. ‘Mr. Phillips greeting Captain Napier at the end of the marvelous flight.’ What? Please,” he added.
“It’s Bowman, the photographer,” explained Mr. Phillips laughing. “And he’d have put it to King George the same way. We’ll have to do it.”
Raising his hat, Mr. Phillips stepped toward Ned with outstretched hand. As Ned, a little embarrassed, did the same, Mr. Phillips exclaimed, grasping the boy by the hand:
“Captain Ned Napier I believe!”
There was a snap.
“Once more,” shouted Mr. James Bowman, the irrepressible picture maker and again the London manager and the Flyer’s commander were “snapped.” Without taking the time formally to meet those who were to carry him across the sea, Mr. Bowman instantly plunged into a heap of cameras, selected another kind and began a series of photographs of the big airship.
The London party had come to Acton in two motors. Mr. Phillips, his chauffeur and the photographer with his cameras, were in one, and the two journalists and a chauffeur were in the other. The supply auto truck carrying the Flyer’s stores and an agent was early on the ground. It was now one forty o’clock. Bob and Roy took charge of the London writers while Ned, Alan and Buck threw off their coats and prepared to get the gasoline, carboys of ether and lubricating castor oil aboard and in their proper tanks.
Ned and Alan had no time to act the hosts to the London party. But it was in good hands. Clambering gingerly up the landing ladder Mr. Phillips and the well known reporters went aboard. As their luggage was being stored in the state rooms Mr. Ballard remarked:
“I’m afraid we’re taking up some one’s sleeping apartments. But, sleeping rooms in an airship! Fancy!”