"Fixed things up for us, has he, Hiram?"

"Right royally. He's stocked up that monoplane like a banquet hall.
Why, say, if we can keep the Monarch II aloft, we can live like
millionaires in an up-to-date hotel for a week to come."

Hiram in his enthusiasm was exaggerating things considerably.
However, when Dave revisited the aerodrome, he found that the clever
Interstate manager had stocked up the aircraft, with every necessity
for safety and comfort he could think of.

The Monarch II was certainly a marvel in its construction and scope.
It had been made to accommodate an operator and one, or even two,
passengers. The seating space was quite roomy, and there was a
handy basket-like compartment, arranged to hold wraps, provisions
and duplicate machine parts.

It was late in the afternoon when the Monarch II was rolled out into
the broad roomy yard of the factory. Everything was in order for
the finest start in the world. Dave had thought out and mapped out
every detail of the proposed air voyage. Mr. Randolph personally
superintended all the initial arrangements. The starter worked
liked a charm. There was no wavering. A turn of the handle, and
the magnificent machine spread its wings like some great bird poised
for a steady flight.

Hiram gave a great shout of delight. Dave smiled down at the
manager proudly.

"Good luck!" cried Mr. Randolph.