Collins."

"Nestor," Ned replied, shortly.

"And you're out for fun?"

"That's the idea." Ned did not think it necessary to enter into
details.

"Hope you get all that's coming to you! Say, will you give me a
ride in that machine of yours? I went out to see it today. Looks
to me like it could knock the spots off anything of the kind in the
world. I don't know anything about airships, but I do know about
steam pumps, and also about machinery. I know a good piece of work
when I see it. That boat of yours is a peach!"

"It isn't my machine," Ned replied, "but if we remain here over
tomorrow I'll see about granting your request."

The two talked for a moment longer, and then Collins left the roof.
Later, Ned saw him moving through the street below in the direction
of the place where the Nelson had been left. The boy hardly knew
what to make of Collins. He might be a steam pump salesman, just as
he had described himself, and, again, he might be a spy sent out by
Lyman's enemies to discover the plans of the Boy Scouts--even to
wreck the Nelson if possible. He decided to, if possible, learn
something of the fellow before taking him on board the aeroplane.

After a time the strange airship fluttered away to the north and
then Ned and Pedro descended to the former's room. Sitting at the