“You are interested in flying, are you not?”
“Yes, sir!” Her interest quickened.
“Would you like to do something for the cause of aviation?”
“That sounds like a big order.”
“Well, would you?” There was a challenge in Railey’s inflection.
Amelia twisted the long string of beads that hung from her neck. “Yes!” she said.
“It might be hazardous.”
Captain Railey refused to tell over the telephone the exact nature of the risk involved, and asked Miss Earhart to call at his office at 80 Federal Street in downtown Boston.
Amelia asked him for references; she wanted to make sure that this was not somebody’s hoax. Railey gave First Army Headquarters and the name of Commander Byrd. She was satisfied for the moment. As an added precaution, Amelia asked Marion Perkins, the head worker at Denison House, to accompany her to Railey’s office as chaperone and adviser.
Late that afternoon, nearly bursting with curiosity, AE drove her “yellow peril” faster than usual. She was annoyed at having to trail even one car through the narrow streets of the city. Miss Perkins, rigid stolidity beside her, cautioned against speeding with matronly authority.