Meanwhile Mr. Damon had been told of the prospective
trip.
"Bless my bank book! Of course I'll go," he said. "But don't say
anything about it to my wife--that is, just yet. I'll bring her around
to it gradually. She has always wanted a diamond ring set in platinum,
and now I can get it for her. I know she'll let me go if I break it to
her gently."
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.
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