“If everything is ready and the packages are in position when we approach,” suggested Ned, “show a white flag. If there is delay, show a red flag. Then we will veer off and return when the white flag is shown.”
“And the return?” asked the editor. “Getting away seems simple enough and landing in Hyde Park, London, ought not be difficult, barring police interference, which I hope to prevent through influence, but what can we do to help you at this end on your return trip?”
“We’re going to try to deliver the copy and pictures right at your door,” laughed Ned, “to-wit, on the roof of the Herald building. It isn’t going to be so difficult to pick up New York at night although we may be flying pretty high. The coast lights will be our guides until we are in sight of the glare of the city. Then we’re going to take a chance and drop right down over it. We’ll keep to the north and avoid the sky scrapers. Fortunately, the Herald vicinity is pretty free of tall buildings. All you can do is to show us our signal: a green diamond. Rig up four search lights on the roof and let the lights point upward from midnight till we get there. And keep the roof clear when you see our lights. I’m hopin’ to drop your copy and picture bags between one and two o’clock.”
The editor was aglow with enthusiasm.
“And the men?” he asked.
“Our signal will be showing at the Newark works and a motor will be waiting there. Your men may be with you an hour later. And keep your wireless man on duty. We may be calling at any time after we are within two or three hours of the coast.”
After nearly two hours of close conference Ned and his patron adjourned for luncheon, at which another phase of the coming experiment was discussed:
“Do you think the perils of the voyage will upset our men?” asked the editor.
“They might,” answered Ned, “if the machine was the fragile aeroplane commonly in use. But I’ll see that the men have no excuse for getting panic stricken. Before we start, I’ll put them in their staterooms and lock the doors. They’ll hardly know when we get away. They’ll know nothing as to our height or speed. All they’ll have to do is to pound on their stories, eat when they’re hungry, and sleep when they get tired.”
“Are you going to lock young Stewart in a room?” inquired the Herald manager.