The Air Ship Boys : Or, the Quest of the Aztec Treasure

age, written on the stationery of the Annex Hotel, he was urged to call on the writer the next morning at ten o'clock. With his mother's a

the office desk. A clerk with a handful of l

that made the clerk turn quick

the counter far enough to get a full

nny. What can

Major Baldwin Honeyw

in's?" asked the clerk

ppose he is paying well for his entertain

he facetious clerk

has business with. I have an appointment with him at ten o'

ot quite so broad now b

onny" that had grated a little on Ned's sense of the proprie

Ned, "but you can say that Ned Napier is here and will

A certain respect seemed to take its place. Then he leaned forwar

name," answered the boy. "But I think

e 8 A, desired Mr. Napier to be shown up at once. Reaching th

urprised. Ned Napier was neither large nor small for his age. But his circumstances had been such, financially, that his attire was plain and perhaps old fashioned-much of it the handiwork of his frugal and fond mother; and the absence of smart and up-to-

ywell's hair, which was yet dark and only slightly streaked with gray, was too long to suggest present active service, as Ned at once concluded. His face, too, had something of the student in it, and this effect was increased by a pair of large gold spectacles with double lenses. The man's contracted eyes gave the youth the uncomfortable feeling of b

"formerly of the regular army and later detailed

responded his

claimed Major Honeywell; "I had supposed you would be old

was my mother. But she thought I ought to come,

leather cases or trunks in front of the mantel and within Ned's view, one was open. On the extended top of this, still partly covered with the folds of a light Indian blanket, were several flat and dull plates or dishes of Indian design, more or less broken and chipped. From the case came a pungent aromatic smell such as Ned had

ought Ned, more p

as good of you to do so. But I had supposed you were older-at

, "if you will tell me why you sent for me I can help you in making

off his glasses again and wa

to have brought us together. If what I have in mind and have partly hoped could be brought about, is brought about, you will have no reason to regret my sending for you. We must be sure of ourselves.

ed good-n

other Ned Napier. But boys don't carry credentials, you know, Major Honeywell. I'll take your word for it that

congratulate you, my young friend, on being one of the brightest, nerviest, and mos

blush. "You mean my dirigible balloon experience

ry warmth and enthusiasm, "and I want to shake the hand and congratulate t