Naturally, much of the conversation turned upon the great boom at Border City, and its creators, Major Warfield Carroll and the aviators.
“I declare to goodness, I’m going over to Lone Pine mighty soon,” announced Cranny, enthusiastically.
“Wal, look out for yerself,” warned Pete Sanderson. “I tell ye ’tweren’t never intended fur no man ter fly.”
“Oh, shucks!” laughed Cranny.
“Yes, Bob; we drive our stock now to Border City,” Mr. Follett was saying, “and so do many of the other ranchmen. Great improvements have been made since your last visit. Miles and miles of telephone wires are now strung out over the prairie, and many small sub-stations built. There are places where my foreman”—his hand indicated Sam Skillet—“or any of the cow-punchers can call me up whenever occasion demands it.”
“That’s great,” said Bob.
“Then, of course, we have a wire to Border City.”
“Ever talk to Major Carroll over the ’phone?” asked Cranny.
“Many times.”
“Would you mind if I called him up? I’d like to tell him there’s a bunch o’ live-wire chaps out here, and all o’ them hopin’ to get a chance to examine that dirigible balloon o’ his.”