“No-o,” the pilot replied slowly. “I’m afraid not. Fuel that costs two or three dollars a gallon is hardly practical. Besides, there may be other drawbacks that haven’t appeared yet. How will the steel parts stand freezing and thawing? Things like that.
“I’m afraid it’s just a sort of sporting proposition,” he added. “Anyway, I’m just sort of playing at it.
“There’s this much about it though,” the drawl left his voice. “On a very long trip it would be wonderful, this liquid air fuel! It has more power per pound than any fuel you can carry. And that means more miles. I shouldn’t wonder,” he grinned broadly, “but that if they get this stratosphere flying worked out perfectly, some fellow will one of these days load his motor with liquid air and circle the globe in a non-stop flight. I—I’ll take you on a regular trip some of these days.”
“But not around the world,” Johnny chuckled.
“No. Not quite yet.”
Truth was, this “regular trip” was to be taken much sooner than they imagined, and for a very important reason.
“Guess I better get going,” Johnny said.
“All right. Don’t forget to tell that boy about his grandfather.”
Johnny did not forget. He hurried away at once to break the good news.
“Thanks,” Donald smiled his gratitude when the message had been delivered. “That takes a load off my shoulders. Now, perhaps I can get my mind on other things.”