“Why don’t you go by airplane?” the boy asked. “Goodness, Dad, no sense in wasting weeks.”
“Humph. That is a good suggestion, but I do not know that the air service will help me. Although, come to think of it, I read recently that they are running trips to the southern part of Chile--perhaps I can get some information on the--”
“I say, Dad, what’s the matter with you? We have two planes right here on the ranch. Furthermore, you can fly yours--”
“After a fashion. I should not think of attempting anything so--”
“No, of course not. I was just thinking that you could help out some of the time. You aren’t like a tenderfoot in the air. We’ll take you in the “Lark”--and it will be a grand lark--”
“Well, I don’t know about that,” his father hesitated.
“Didn’t we go traipsing all over the United States and Canada?”
“You did, and got into all sort of things,” Mr. Austin chuckled. “This would have to be a very serious trip, few stop-overs, and return home just as soon as I conclude my business. I don’t know about taking you away from your studies.”
“We can take a couple of books along with the luggage. Now, Dad, don’t be a kill joy. This business deal is important, isn’t it?”
“Very important to all of us,” the man admitted.
“All right, then, let’s all of us get at it as fast as we can. Nothing can beat the “Lark”, and with two pilots--why Dad, Henry Ford hasn’t a thing on you,” the boy urged.
“I guess I’d better talk the matter over with Mother.”
Such a project could not be undertaken without very serious consideration and preparation. When the idea was presented to Mrs. Austin, she, too, hesitated about letting the Flying Buddies pilot such a trip, but she did understand the importance of her husband’s arriving at Cuzco in Peru just as quickly as possible, and that the shortest time by boat was eighteen days. Usually it took longer; depending upon the weather conditions. Added to that must be the time necessary to get to the nearest port, securing reservations at a season of the year when ships sailing to southern points were booked up full before leaving the north. By airplane it would take at least two weeks less, which was a big item. Bob added his voice to the plea that he and Jim be permitted to go.