or cabin. No berths had, as yet, been put in, and these were first
installed after the Red Cloud was in her shed. Then an electrical
heating and cooking apparatus was fitted in; some additional
machinery, tanks for carrying water, and chemicals for making the gas,
boxes of provisions, various measuring instruments and other supplies
were put in the proper places, until the cabin was filled almost to
its capacity. Of course particular attention had been paid to the ship
proper, and every portion was gone over until Mr. Sharp was sure it
was in shape for a long flight.

"Now the question is," he said to Tom one evening, "who shall we take
with us? You and I will go, of course, but I'd like one more. I wonder
if your father can't be induced to accompany us? He seemed to like the
trial trip."

"I'll ask him to-morrow," said the lad. "He's very busy to-night. If
he doesn't care about it, maybe Garret Jackson will go."

"I'm afraid not. He's too timid."

"I'd like to take Ned Newton, but he can't get any more time away from
the bank. I guess we'll have to depend on dad."

But, to the surprise of Tom and Mr. Sharp, the aged inventor shook his
head when the subject was broached to him next day.

"Why won't you go, dad?" asked his son.

"I'll tell you," replied Mr. Swift. "I was keeping it a secret until I
had made some advance in what I am engaged upon. But I don't want to