It has been made only under tremendous
pressure and at minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit."
The Major whistled.
"That is so cold that ice is red hot comparatively," explained Ned.
"This work must be done, in Washington."
They discussed the balloon itself, and the car and the engine for
propelling it; where these were to be made in the East, and how they
were to be forwarded to Chicago as they were completed. Ned himself
was to go East at once and remain there until the last thing was
accomplished.
Ned's chum, Alan Hope, had just taken employment for the school
vacation in a large sporting goods store not far from the hotel. A
few minutes later Ned walked leisurely into this store and sought
out the fire-arms department, where Alan was on duty.
"Hello, Ned," exclaimed Alan, "what do you think of this?" And with
a smile he handed him an automatic pistol he was inspecting.
Restraining himself, Ned looked it over carefully.
"It holds ten cartridges and it's a beauty," declared Alan.
Ned weighed it carefully in his hand. "What's it worth?" he asked
with dignity.
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