"Ethnological survey," laughed the Major. "Then, since we know each
other, I want to congratulate you, my young friend, on being one of
the brightest, nerviest, and most promising young men of America.
I've read about you and that's why I sent for you."

Ned could only conclude one thing and it made him blush. "You mean
my dirigible balloon experience last summer?" he asked with growing
embarrassment.

"I do," replied Major Honeywell with what Ned thought was wholly
unnecessary warmth and enthusiasm, "and I want to shake the hand and
congratulate the youngest, most daring and most promising balloon
navigator in the world."




CHAPTER III

THE RELATION OF MIGUEL VASQUEZ


It may be well to recount how such a young lad as Ned had become so
famous.

Ned's father had been a consulting engineer with a fondness for
aeronautics. When Mr. Napier died, a year before Ned's meeting with
the Major, it was discovered that he was making in his little shop a
small dirigible balloon to be used at an amusement park. Mr.