“Impossible for me to do so,” returned Mr. Lewis. “I’ve already made reservations on a steamship. As for Mr. Holton, he may make arrangements to go.”
“But right now,” started Karl, rising, “how would you fellows”—referring to Bob and Joe—“like to come with me out to the airport? I want to show you the ’plane.”
“Lead us there!” cried Joe at once. “We want to take in everything.”
The youths’ fathers had been to the airport the previous day, and so did not care to go again. The boys and Mr. Wallace, however, desired to see the monoplane, especially since there was a chance of their becoming passengers.
It was nearly noon, but the four decided to leave at once. They could get a lunch somewhere else, perhaps at the airport.
“Besides, we’re not hungry,” explained Joe, when the others asked that they leave an hour later. “Excitement and activity make us forget all about eating.”
At the airport the youths and Mr. Wallace were taken to a corner of the field, just off the cement runway. There, before their eyes, was a large white monoplane, shining brightly with a coat of fresh paint.
“Ain’t it a dandy?” Karl was beaming all over with pride. “Just been completely inspected. It’s just r’arin’ to go!”
They walked up to the machine to examine it at close quarters.
“Sure a peach for looks,” commented Joe. “Got an air-cooled motor, too. How about getting inside?”