Page:Tom Swift Among the Diamond Makers.djvu/89

Rh shed where the Red Cloud was housed. He saw nothing to cause him any uneasiness.

"I guess I'm just nervous," he mused. "But, all the same, I'll be glad when we've started off."

They were all up early the next morning, Mr. Damon beginning the day by blessing the sunrise, and many other things that struck his fancy. The airship was wheeled out of the shed, and Tom gave her a final inspection.

"It's all right," he declared. "All aboard!"

"Now, do be careful," begged Mr. Swift. "Don't take too many chances, Tom."

"I'll not."

The adventurers were in the forward part of the ship, and Tom had taken his place at the wheels and levers in the pilot house. As he was about to start the motor he looked toward the road, and saw a horse and carriage. In the vehicle was a girlish figure, at the sight of which Tom blushed and smiled. He waved his hand.

"I came to wish you good luck!" cried Mary Nestor, for it was she in the carriage.

"Thanks!" cried Tom, leaning from the window of the pilot house. "It was good of you to get up so early."

"Oh, I'm always up early," she informed him.