just to tell my troubles to a disinterested person, and hear him
ask questions. I've got dad half distracted trying to solve the
problem, so I've had to let up on him for a while. Come on out
and see what you make of it."

"Sure, Tom, anything to oblige. If you want me to sit in front
of your photo-telephone, and have my picture taken, I'm
agreeable, even if you shoot off a flashlight at my ear. Or, if
you want me to see how long I can stay under water without
breathing I'll try that, too, provided you don't leave me under
too long, lead the way--I'm agreeable as far as I'm able, old
man."

"Oh, it isn't anything like that," Tom answered with a laugh.
"I might as well give you a few hints, so you'll know what I'm
driving at. Then I'll take you out and show it to you."

"What is it--air, earth or water?" asked Ned Newton, for he
knew his chum's activities led along all three lines.

"This happens to be air."

"A new balloon?"

"Something like that. I call it my aerial warship, though."

"Aerial warship, Tom! That sounds rather dangerous!"

"It will be dangerous, too, if I can get it to work. That's
what it's intended for."