Of course it was really not necessary for the spirits on the planet Mars to have any such slow means of locomotion but the idea seemed to keep busy and active and be entertaining to their friends.
The air craft was unique in appearance and novel in design, and would have been considered marvelous on Mother Earth.
Many hundreds of ex-New York telegraphers were on the plaza, engaged in more serious conversation than was generally their wont. The interest centered on the war and the devastation being created by the U-boats.
“I have the greatest confidence and hope in the ability of Tom Edison to cope successfully with this menace,” said Biff Cook, “just as he has mastered many another difficult problem. I have no doubt that even now his keen brain has invented a device to offset the machinations of the submarine. I don’t like to see our American boys engaged in this strife and hope that Uncle Sam’s entrance into the arena will have the moral effect of bringing on the hoped-for peace,” and “Biff” sat down after prolonged applause.
The New York Aeroplane Club invited their friends for a whirl through space, their object being to try and meet the “Thunderbolt Express,” which was expected hourly bearing George W. Conkling.
Some hundred miles down the line, the “Thunderbolt Express” was stopped and Mr. Conkling stepped aboard the dirigible “Gotham” (Tom Ragen, commander), where he was saluted by whistles laden with “73,” etc.
Mr. Conkling was pleased with his reception and the evening was spent in listening to the latest news from Mother Earth as delivered by America’s fastest telegrapher.
“There is going to be a meeting of the Magnetic Club tonight in the Telegraphers’ Tabernacle and you are all invited to come and have a good time.”
The speaker was John W. Mackay, and as his voice rang out in hospitable notes, a tumult of applause broke out on every side, which assured a full house.
The irrepressible John W. Kelly promised to be on hand to entertain the gathering as “only Kelly can.”