“Why, one could fly across the ocean in such a craft,” declared Frank enthusiastically.
The others laughed, but, to their astonishment, Dr. Perkins looked perfectly serious.
“I have a long trip in view,” he said, “a flight that will test every wire and bolt in the Sea Eagle’s construction. I did not announce this before for I wished first to see if everything worked satisfactorily.”
“No doubt about that,” said Billy Barnes with enthusiasm. He had been dodging about the great flying machine, taking photos from every possible angle.
“No,” admitted Dr. Perkins; “I must say that so far the Sea Eagle is all that I could desire. But the final test will put that beyond the shadow of a doubt. Do you boys wish to undertake a long trip?”
“Cookies and cucumbers! Do we!” roared Pudge, as the others pressed eagerly about to hear the unveiling of the doctor’s plan.
CHAPTER X.—“C. Q. D.!”
But they were compelled to curb their impatience till that evening after supper, for the doctor set every one busily to work “stabling” the Sea Eagle and attending to the engines after the hard test they had undergone. Every part was carefully gone over, and it was found that despite the strain of the novel craft’s first try-out, nothing save a few minor adjustments were required.
“Now, dad,” said Pudge, after the dishes had been washed and Ben had his pipe going, and the others were perched on the edge of the lower bunks, like so many birds on a rail, “now, then, dad, we are ready to hear your plans for that cruise.”
Dr. Perkins smiled.