“A speakin’ tube?” exclaimed Cranny.
“Or telephone—if you choose to call it so. The science of aviation is constantly advancing. Later on, a means of communication between aeroplanes in flight will probably be devised. What’s that, Bob—you want to take lessons in flying?”
“Yes, sir,” answered Bob.
“Just what I expected, Robert,” laughed Mr. Ogden, Senior, with a quizzical look at his son.
“I’m in on that scheme, too,” said Cranny, eagerly.
“You didn’t come out here to do the eagle act, Cran Beaumont. Your dad won’t stand for it,” put in Willie.
“Listen to the little tot!” laughed Cranny. “How about it, Mr. Ogden?”
“We’ll have to consider the question,” laughed the inventor, evasively. “Of course when you lads come back there will be plenty of opportunities to fly. If any show signs of aptitude as bird-men, why——”
“We will be glad to give a course of lessons to pay for your services in helping us out,” broke in Ferd, with a smile.
“Oh, my, what a lot o’ birdies I shall see,” grinned Willie. “Say, this is a machine shop, eh?”