Tom Swift and His Airship by Victor [pseud.] Appleton
page 37 of 181 (20%)
page 37 of 181 (20%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
"Red Cloud?" questioned Mr. Sharp.
"Yes!" exclaimed Tom, with enthusiasm. "It's painted red-at least the big, aluminum gas container is-and we hope to go above the clouds in it. Why not Red Cloud?" "That's what it shall be!" conceded the balloonist. "If I had a bottle of malted milk, or something like that, I'd christen it." "We ought to have a young lady to do that part," suggested Tom. "They always have young ladies to name ships." "Were you thinking of any particular young lady?" asked Mr. Sharp softly, and Tom blushed; as he replied "Oh no-of course that is-well--Oh, hang it, christen it yourself, and let me alone," he finished. "Well, in the absence of Miss Mary Nestor, who, I think, would be the best one for the ceremony," said Mr. Sharp, with a twinkle in his eyes, "I christen thee Red Cloud," and with that he sprinkled some water on the pointed nose of the red aluminum gas bag, for the aeronaut and Tom were on a high staging, on a level with the upper part of the airship. "Red Cloud it is!" cried Tom, enthusiastically. "Now, to-morrow we'll see what it can do." The day of the test proved all that could be desired in the way of weather. The fact that an airship was being constructed in the Swift |
|