mechanism which Tom had installed in his successful second model.
Tom himself worked until late every evening, planning the almost endless details of the expedition-ordering and checking supplies, and laying out the work instructions for his carefully chosen volunteer crews. Only once were he and Bud able to slip away for a Saturday night date with the girls.
The following Monday morning, Mr. and Mrs. Swift, Sandy, Phyl, and her parents gathered on the Enterprises airfield to watch the expedition take off.
Besides the Sky Queen, four huge cargo jets were lined up on the runways.
“Best of luck, son,” Mr. Swift said, gripping Tom’s hand warmly. “This is a magnificent project and I know you’ll carry it through.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’ll do my best.”
THE FURTIVE JEWELER 125
Mrs. Swift was misty-eyed as Tom embraced her. “I shan’t worry,” she told him, “but do come back as soon as you can, dear.”
Sandy kissed her brother good-by, and Phyl shyly added a parting kiss on the cheek.
“Hoxv about me?” Bud grumbled, pretending to glower jealously.
“Right through that entrance hatch,” Sandy replied with a giggle, pointing to the Sky Queen. Then she relented and gave him a hasty peck on the cheek, blushing as she did so.
Ed Longstreet, who had begged to come along on the expedition, thanked the Swifts for their hospitality. Harlan Ames, who was to handle security liaison with the Kabulistan government, shook hands with the Swifts and Newtons, as did Chow, before climbing aboard the Flying Lab.
Soon, the huge silver-winged sky giant roared aloft, followed in order by each of the cargo jets. Soon all were flying in graceful V-formation high over the Atlantic.