messengers employed about the shops.

"Well, what is it?" asked Tom a bit sharply.

"Oh, if you please, Mr. Swift," said the boy, "a man has applied
for work at the main office, and you know you left orders there
that if any machinists came along, we were to--"

"Oh, so I did," Tom exclaimed. "I had forgotten about that,"
he went on to Lieutenant Marbury and Ned. "I am in need of
helpers to rush through the finishing touches on my aerial
warship, and I left word, if any applied, as they often do,
coming here from other cities, that I wanted to see them. How
many are there?" Tom asked of the messenger.

"Two, this time. They both say they're good mechanics."

"That's what they all say," interposed Tom, with a smile. "But,
though they may be good mechanics in their own line, they need to
have special qualifications to work on airships. Tell them to
wait, Rodney," Tom went on to the lad, "and I'll see them
presently."

As the boy went away, and Tom closed the door, he turned to
Lieutenant Marbury.

"You were about to give me another warning when that
interruption came. You might complete it now."

"Yes, it was another warning," spoke the officer, "and one I