Linda Carlton's Ocean Flight, Page 3

  CHAPTER III

  _The Flying Club_

  When Linda came down to breakfast the following morning, she found herfather already at the table. He had a way of arriving early in themorning, for he preferred traveling in a sleeper.

  "Daddy!" she cried, happily. "Just the person I want to see!"

  "Well, that's nice," he said, kissing her affectionately. "I wouldn'twant it otherwise. Now sit down and tell me all about your latestexperiences while you eat your breakfast."

  "No, first you must tell me how you are! Are you all well again afterthat terrible accident?"

  "Much better, but not quite all well," he replied. "I have to stay awayfrom horses, I guess, for the rest of my life. I'm selling the ranch."

  "Daddy!" There was the deepest sympathy in her voice; she knew how herfather loved his out-door life, almost as much as she loved flying.

  "Well, it wasn't paying anyhow. But sit down, dear, and tell me aboutyourself. I know you were at a party last night--the servants told me,for I haven't seen your Aunt Emily yet."

  "Everything's just fine with me," Linda told him, as she sat downbeside him and took a bunch of grapes. "It isn't the past I want totalk about, Daddy--it's the future."

  "Of course, of course," murmured her father. "It's always the futurewith you.... Well, what's on your mind now?"

  "I want to go to a ground school. I want to be a commercialpilot--maybe even a 'transport pilot,' the highest of all, you know.And a licensed mechanic." She tried to keep her voice calm, but herblue eyes were shining with excitement.

  "What for?" inquired her father, smiling at the idea of a girl withambitions like these.

  "So that I can earn my living in aviation. I want to go in for itseriously, Daddy. Not just play!"

  "You're afraid I won't be able to support you, later on?" he asked,half teasingly.

  "No, no--not that----"

  "Of course such an event is possible. In fact, Daughter, it was thatvery thing I especially want to talk about to you.... I have decided togo into business."

  "Into business?" repeated Linda, in amazement.

  "Yes. I want something to do, now that I am selling my ranch. Besides,I have lost a good deal of money in stocks, and I think it's time Imade some."

  "But what?"

  "Importing some very lovely lace-work, and selling it wholesale tothe better stores all over the country. This needle-work is made in aconvent in Canada, and has never been sold before. But I have been ableto persuade the Mother Superior to sell it, because they really aredreadfully in need of money."

  "But how did you happen on such a thing as this?" asked Linda,incredulously.

  "Two years ago--the summer you went to camp with Louise in Maine, youremember--Emily and I visited you and went on into Canada. One day youraunt stopped at this convent--it's near Montreal--and one of the nunstook such a fancy to her that she gave her a handkerchief of thiswork. When we got home, your aunt sent a contribution for the convent,and really the letter of gratitude was touching."

  "And they've actually agreed to sell this to you?"

  "Yes. All they have. And they are making more. If I hadn't come along,they would have had to give up their convent."

  "Of course it's expensive?"

  "Yes, and there's nothing like it in America. Nobody in our countrywould ever have the patience to do it. Of course I have to pay a tax,besides, on every piece. But the stores are enthusiastic, they orderedall I had. Except----" he dug smilingly into his pocket--"except thishandkerchief I saved for you."

  Linda opened the small package eagerly, and disclosed the daintiest,loveliest thing of its kind that she had ever seen. Filmy net-work,made with infinite patience, probably as the nuns had learned fromtheir sisters in France. It was exquisite.

  "Oh, Daddy, I adore it!" she cried.

  "Rather a queer present for a girl who wants to be a licensedmechanic," he remarked, whimsically.

  "But I love things like this, too!" she hastily assured him. "And I canappreciate its value. Why, all my friends will be green with envy!"

  "Then they can easily buy them in New York," he said. "If you show itto your rich friends, you'll help my business....

  "Now, another thing, Daughter, while we're on this subject. As I toldyou, I've lost some money, and my expenses are pretty heavy. So I'mjust taking a precaution, in case I should fail in this business, ofputting thirty thousand dollars in bonds aside in your name. Just soyou won't be penniless."

  "That's awfully sweet of you, Daddy! But can you afford it?"

  "Yes, certainly."

  "Then--then--instead of a trust fund could I have the money for twopurposes?" she asked excitedly. "To pay for my course at a groundschool, and--and----" She stopped and flushed; her heart beat so fastwith excitement that the words choked her. She was almost afraid totell her father, for fear of his refusal. It was her most cherisheddream, her secret which she had confided only to Louise, her greatestambition!

  "And what, Daughter?"

  "Can't you guess, Daddy?"

  "No. I never know what you're up to. A new plane? One of thosenew-fangled autogiros?"

  "No--that is, not exactly.... Oh, Daddy, don't think I'm crazy. Butif I do well at school, next spring I should like to have a specialplane--and--and----" She took a deep breath before she finally blurtedout her desire. "And fly the Atlantic! Without a man!" she said.

  "All alone?"

  "No. With Louise. It's never been done by two girls alone. AmeliaEarhart did it, but she took a man as co-pilot. But look at AmyJohnson!"

  "Where is Amy Johnson?" he asked, glancing at the door.

  "_The_ Amy Johnson! Daddy, you must know about her! Don't tease me! Sheflew alone from England to Australia."

  "Yes, of course. I remember now. But don't expect me to recall all theaviatrices, and their stunts. I usually skip the flying news."

  "But you won't soon!"

  "Not if my little girl is going to do public stunts like that! But,seriously, dear, I don't know what to say. It seems too hazardous.Think how many planes have dropped into the ocean, never to be heard ofagain."

  "But planes are being made safer every minute!"

  "True. Still, I don't know--I wouldn't like to decide a question likethat off-hand. I'll have to think about it."

  "But you are willing for me to go to the ground school?"

  "Yes. And you can have the money in your own name, invested in bondsthat can easily be sold. I know I can trust you not to try the flightwithout my permission. You'll promise that?"

  "Certainly," she agreed. "And by the way, Daddy, don't tell anybody ofmy plans about the ocean flight--not even Aunt Emily!"

  During this whole conversation Linda had not even touched the fruitthat was on her plate, and she realized all of a sudden that her auntmight appear at any minute, and would instantly jump to the conclusionthat she was sick, so she resolutely began to make up for lost time.She was just finishing her bacon and eggs when Miss Carlton camedownstairs.

  "Linda!" she exclaimed immediately. "What happened to you last night?"

  "I got Harry to bring me home early. I was tired."

  "No wonder, after that awful trip to Philadelphia." Miss Carlton turnedto her brother. "Did Linda tell you about it?"

  "No, we haven't had time yet. But she must tell me all about it afterbreakfast."

  "It wasn't much," remarked Linda, evasively. She was thinking of Louisenow, wondering whether she had succeeded in persuading her parentsto let her go to the aviation school too, for the chums wanted to betogether.

  The first chance she had, she called her on the telephone, and learnedthat Louise too had been successful. They arranged to go to Kitty'stogether that afternoon.

  They reached the Clavering home about four o'clock, and found theothers already there, gathered together in the charming library, abouta cheerful open fire. Kitty, her pale face lighted up with unusualcolor and excitement, was seated on the davenport between LieutenantHulbert and an older girl, whose homelines
s was increased by the stiff,masculine attire which she wore. The hostess introduced her as MissHulbert, the lieutenant's older sister.

  All the old crowd were there. Sara Wheeler, Sue Emery, Dot Crowley, JimValier, Harriman Smith, Joe Elliston, Ralph and Kitty, and half a dozenothers whom Louise and Linda did not know so well. Everybody seemed tobe talking at once.

  "Now do quiet down!" commanded Kitty, bringing down her little fistupon Lieutenant Hulbert's knee. "We must get to work! We're awfullylucky, girls and boys, to have Miss Hulbert here. She's been flying forthree years, and has won two big derbies, and organized flying clubs,and--and----"

  "Been in the movies," added the young woman herself, with a smile."Only that really wasn't worth while," she said, condescendingly. "It'snot nearly so wonderful after you have been in, as it looks to theoutsider!"

  There was something about her manner which made Linda feel very small,very inexperienced, very young. But naturally, she thought, the girlhad a right to be proud, with all those records!

  "Mr. Clavering is very kindly donating the land--two hundred acresnorth of Spring City, isn't it, Kitty?" she continued, turning to thegirl beside her. "And my brother will write to the Government for acharter. Then we will ask each of you to put in a thousand dollars--ormore, if you can afford it--and we will buy a plane or two, and put upa hangar and a rough sort of club-house."

  "And will _you_ belong to the club?" asked Kitty, as if it were toogreat an honor to be expected, as if she were asking Amelia Earhart, orLaura Ingals, or Amy Johnson. "Oh, it will be so wonderful to have yourname, Bess!"

  "I guess I could work it in," replied the other. "Though I'm usuallypretty busy with my own flying. I happen to be out of a job now, butdon't forget I'm a working girl!"

  "Of course. But just having your name would mean so much to us! Ifyou'd only consent to be president!"

  Louise coughed irritably; this wasn't her idea of a business meeting.She had taken an instant dislike to Miss Hulbert, with her conceitedmanner.

  "I'm afraid I couldn't do that," replied the latter. "I might accept aminor office, like secretary or treasurer, just so that you could have_one_ experienced flyer on your list. But hardly president--I haven'ttime."

  "_One_, indeed!" repeated Louise, scornfully. "I want to tell you, MissHulbert, that Miss Carlton is a wonderful aviatrix!"

  "Oh, is that so?" smiled the older girl, as one might smile at a child."I'm sorry, I'd forgotten Kitty did mention that one of you, besidesher brother, had been flying a couple of months."

  Linda blushed and Louise opened her mouth to make an angry retort, butKitty spoke first.

  "Two months seems a lot to us, but of course it's nothing to anybodylike Miss Hulbert, who has handled all sorts of planes for the lastthree years. And has actually had instruction from men high up in theFlying Corps!... Now, suppose we elect officers--two boys and twogirls."

  "I nominate Kitty Clavering for president," said Miss Hulbert, with anaffectionate smile.

  "And I move the nominations be closed," said the lieutenant. "Itwas Kitty's idea to have the club, and Kitty's father is making itpossible, so I think Kitty is the only person for president."

  Everybody seemed to agree with him; the election was unanimous.

  Joe Elliston was then made vice-president, and Ralph secretary.

  The latter, who had been waiting for a chance to nominate Linda for anoffice, spoke up at last, when it was time to choose a treasurer. Butshe declined.

  "I'm afraid I can't stand, Ralph," she said. "You see, Lou and Idecided definitely this morning to go away to school."

  Miss Hulbert raised her eyebrows.

  "But aren't you the young lady who's supposed to be so interested inaviation?" she asked, cuttingly. "If you really cared, I should thinkyou'd give up finishing-school, or college, or whatever it is, for achance like this. You get a great deal of experience from a flyingclub."

  "Linda has had plenty of experience!" interrupted Louise, sharply.

  "Really? And you got your license when, Miss Carlton?"

  "In July," murmured Linda, in embarrassment. "But I am going to aground school, Miss Hulbert, to qualify as a mechanic."

  "How interesting! But really, Miss Carlton, let me tell you, it's awaste of time. There's no more reason for a girl to learn the engineof an airplane, than for her to know the engine of an automobile. Youcan't often fix things up in the air anyway."

  Linda shrugged her shoulders; she had no desire to get into anargument. But neither had she any intention of giving up her cherishedambition. Ted Mackay, that wonderful young pilot who had taken her forher very first flight, and who had later rescued Louise and herselffrom the wilderness, was firm in the belief that this was the next stepfor her to take.

  "Then I nominate Miss Hulbert," said Kitty, immediately. "Now don'tforget, Bess, you said you'd consider it!" She looked imploringlyat the older girl; it was plain to be seen that she admired hertremendously.

  Without further discussion the nomination was made unanimous.

  Jim Valier suddenly stood up and stretched. He was so tall and thinthat he had been nicknamed "String Bean," and everybody said he was thelaziest member of the crowd.

  "I'm all tired out with this hard work," he announced. "Let thepresident do the rest--appointing committees, and what not. NowKitty, when do we eat?"

  Everybody roared. Intimate as they all were with Kitty Clavering, Jimwas the only one who would have asked such a question.

  "We ate everything they had in the house last night at the party,"snapped Dot Crowley.

  "Where are your manners, Jim?"

  Laughingly, Kitty rang the bell and the usual refreshments appeared.While they were eating, Linda and Louise had drifted off to a corner ofthe room, away from Bess Hulbert, whom they both disliked, and Lindawas showing her handkerchief to several of the girls and telling whereher father had gotten it. Turning about to put her tea-cup on the tray,she saw Bess beside her, listening intently to her explanation.

  "May I see it?" she asked, rather abruptly.

  "Certainly," replied Linda, surprised that a girl like Miss Hulbertwould care for such a dainty thing.

  "You said outside of Montreal, didn't you?" she inquired. "I believe Iknow the convent you mean. 'Our Lady of Mercy,' isn't it?"

  "Yes, I believe it is," answered Linda. "Why?"

  "Oh, nothing. Only I've been there--I know Canada pretty well."

  "Fortunately you don't have to go to Canada to get one. My father isbuying them for the finer stores all over the country. You can get themalmost anywhere--in any of the big cities."

  Miss Hulbert raised her eyebrows.

  "Quite an idea," she remarked. "Nobody ever would think of making moneyfrom nuns!"

  It was an insult, of course, to her father, and Linda would havereplied, but just at that moment Lieutenant Hulbert clapped his handsfor silence.

  "Ladies and gentlemen!" he shouted. "May I say something?"

  "If we can go on eating while we listen," said Jim.

  "You've had enough, String Bean!" put in Dot. "Go on, LieutenantHulbert. All the important people are listening."

  "I have an exciting piece of news," explained the young officer. "Awealthy woman by the name of Mrs. Rodman Hallowell has just offereda prize of twenty-five thousand dollars to the first girl, or girls,who fly from New York to Paris, without a man's accompanying them.You know, of course, that this has never been done. Maybe such anundertaking is beyond this club, but anyway it's something to keepin mind. You can never tell how fast you'll progress, once you startflying."

  "Oh, Bess!" cried Kitty. "Why don't you do it?"

  "I would," replied the girl, coolly, as if she were sure of herability, "if I had a suitable plane. But there's no use attempting itin the poor old boat I fly."

  "Everybody says nobody but Sis could make it go," put in LieutenantHulbert, proudly. "It's one the Army gave up."

  "I understand its temperament," explained his sister. "It's aJenny--but somehow I manage her.
And I never went to a ground school,either," she added, to Linda.

  "Maybe the club could finance you," suggested Kitty. "Think of thehonor it would mean to us!"

  "That's awfully sweet of you, Kitty dear. But we'll talk about itlater. Nobody will be trying for the prize over the winter, and byspring we'll see how our finances are."

  Linda sat perfectly still, drinking in every word. Oh, if she couldonly win that prize! She and Louise! But how could they hope to,against such an experienced flyer as Miss Hulbert? What a bitter pillit would be to swallow, to watch her money going towards helping a girllike that to win! If it were even Dot, or Kitty--any one of her realfriends!

  Scarcely knowing what she was doing, she said good-by to her hostess,and followed Louise out of the house.