It may be mentioned here that many valuable diamonds are now set in
platinum instead of gold.

"I want to keep busy," said Mr. Damon, so Tom set him, Ned and Eradicate
at the task of getting the big airship in shape for the trip. This air
craft has not figured in any of my previous stories, but as it is so
nearly like the one that was crushed in the caves of ice, I will not
give a description of it here. Those who care to may refer to the book
telling of Tom's trip to the caves of ice for a detailed account of the
craft.

Sufficient to say that this latest airship, named the Falcon, was the
largest Tom had ever built. It contained much room, many comforts, and
could sail for several thousand miles without descending, except in case
of accident. It was a combined dirigible balloon and aeroplane, and
could be used as either, the necessary gas being made on board. It was
large enough to enable the air glider to be taken on it in sections.

It was about a week after their first meeting with him, that Ivan
Petrofsky paid a visit to the Swift home. He was warmly welcomed by the
aged inventor and Mr. Damon, and, closeted in the library of the house,
he proceeded to go more into details of his own and his brother's exile
to Siberia, and to tell about the supposed location of the lost platinum
mine.

"I don't believe we can start for several weeks yet," said Tom, after
some discussion. "It will take me that long to make the glider."

"And I, too, need a little time," said the Russian. "I will write to
some friends in St. Petersburg and perhaps they can get some information