Doctor Trigg led Dulcie over to a window. “I want to add a word, dear child,” he said. “I want to thank you for what you have done for two old men. You have shared your youth and freshness with us. You have opened the portal into a new world, for Sims and for me. You have unlocked a door leading into the secret place of my heart. I had thought that it was full of ashes, but I find that it is still peopled by loving and lovely ghosts, who are glad to accept me again.”
“Oh, dear Doctor Trigg,” murmured Dulcie, squeezing his arm.
A shout from Mr. Hammond interrupted them, attracting the attention of everyone.
“Lakehurst in sight,” he cried. “Around the world in nineteen days, and eight hours! Ahead of the flying time of the Graf Zeppelin, and in a much larger ship.”
The reporters cheered lustily. Everyone rushed to shake the commander’s hand. Dulcie, with Koko under her arm, went and stood by David at the wheel.
“We will soon be there, Captain Ellison.”
“Yes indeed, Miss Hammond,” he answered, smiling.
“Look down, David. The place is black with people. Aren’t there acres of cars over there?”
“Many more than when we left,” said David. “A terrible mob. It would be, you know. It is the Fourth of July, and the world and his wife and the kiddies are here to see us finish the cruise. Just look at them! I hope they can keep the field clear. Take this glass. See the flags, and the mobs on the buildings outside the field. Enthusiasm! Why, they’re crazy! What they won’t do to us!”
“It scares me somehow,” said Dulcie. “I’d like to stay right here.”