“Daddy!” cried Dulcie, casting herself at him. “Daddy, you precious adorable old lamb-pie! You knew I would come!”
“Well, I confess I did have hopes you would pull it off,” said the adorable lamb-pie sheepishly.
CHAPTER VI
THE CONTROL ROOM
Mr. Hammond had no occasion to worry over Dulcie’s welcome. After a hearty laugh all round at her father’s expense, she became, as Doctor Trigg said, “the child of the regiment.” Her sunny presence raised the morale of the whole ship. Only Red groaned.
“We’ve got to keep topside-upside now, whatever happens,” he said.
Doctor Trigg took her under his special care, muttering to Doctor Sims, “More youthful enthusiasm, my boy; more youthful enthusiasm! She wants to fly, too, you see.”
“G-r-r-r-r bah!” replied Doctor Sims briefly.
Those of the passengers who were flying for the first time watched the distant earth with fascinated and slightly worried eyes. They seemed disinclined to leave the windows, and ate their excellent luncheon without interest. By the time afternoon tea was served, however, they apparently decided that the globe would not disappear if they failed to keep a restraining gaze upon it, and talked gaily over the hot toast and marmalade.
Radiograms had been sent ahead to Lakehurst, and answers received. They were eagerly expected, but Mr. Hammond decided that their stop there should be a very brief one.
Lakehurst, they found, when the ship slid into view above the field, was at least ready with a noisy welcome. Whistles, horns and sirens tooted, screeched and moaned. The landing crew ran out to secure the ropes, as Captain Fraine eased her gracefully down. The steps were adjusted, and the door of the passenger gondola was opened. The passengers, warned that they must be on board again at eleven o’clock, stepped down, not sorry to find terra firma actually under their feet again. A group of officials and leading citizens welcomed Mr. Hammond and his officers, and the ship was rapidly propelled into the big hangar, where the local force of mechanics and engineers assisted the Moonbeam’s own crew in a microscopic examination of every part. An extra amount of fuel and gas was taken on, being stored in the place of ballast. An extra quantity of dry ice was shipped, and all commissary stores checked up.