didn't seem that they could have been aloft half of that time. Now, on returning, the novelty had worn off, and they were so much interested that they forgot to look at their watches until the deep blue haze, which betokened the approach to the sea, aroused them. "Why, it's past five o'clock," said Ralph. "Tom was going for an hour's flight only," said Alfred. "He just said that in fun, I suppose," replied Ralph. After alighting the boys did not know how to fully express their appreciation of Tom's kindness for the great treat, and they inquired whether they could not be of some service to him, as they were only too anxious to help him out in any way that would be useful. "Why, no; I don't know what I can put you at," replied Tom. "Of course, there's always lots to do about the hangar, and the first thing to learn is how the machines are built, and how to handle them; and then, an important thing is to learn all the tricks in a gasoline engine."[Pg 52] [Pg 52] "That's just what we want to learn," said Alfred, enthusiastically. "But I thought you had to go to Paris to meet your father?" said Tom. "Yes," replied Alfred ruefully; "but we can come back. I'm sure there will be no objections." "Of course, it's your first duty to go to Paris—that is, if you can get there," said Tom, rather slyly. There was now nothing for them to do but to make an effort to reach Paris. Immediately after landing, they started for the tram way, and reached Dunkirk after six in the evening. "I never was as hungry in my life," said Ralph. "Do you know why?" answered Alfred. "Come to think of it, we didn't get anything to eat at noon," was Ralph's answer. After alighting from the cars, their first mission was to seek a restaurant, and from that point they soon reached the post office, only to be again disappointed. At the telegraph office they had the same bad luck. "I wonder where father is?" said Alfred. "I suppose we shall have to go, whether we want to or not," suggested Ralph. "Let us inquire at the transportation office."
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