“All right, precious. Now comb your hair; it looks all rat-taily. And take your bicarb; it is long past time for breakfast. I’m starved. That small suitcase is mine. I took your things out of it and put them all in your other one. You are a rotten packer, daddy. Please move the man in the next stateroom out when you get round to it. I’ll take it.” “Do you mean,” said Mr. Hammond, grimly wagging a finger at the suitcase, “that you had this all cooked up yesterday?” “Oh, for weeks, daddy darling. Did you honestly think I would consider letting you come alone? I’m surprised. I’m starved, too. What an appetite this nice high air gives one!” “Come on to breakfast then,” Mr. Hammond groaned. “Let’s get it over with!” “I don’t see any reason for you to be embarrassed, if I am not,” said Dulcie, doing a little careful work with a lipstick. “It was frightfully embarrassing for me to be left at home like a little girl.” “Too bad!” growled Mr. Hammond, a twinkle in his eye that belied the tone. “Too bad! Well, gimme that infernal soda, and let’s go.” “What’s in there?” said Dulcie, pointing to a large box on a chair. “Koko seems to think it’s something to eat. He nearly tore the paper.” “He’s a smart little beggar,” said Mr. Hammond, in an offhand manner. “Oh, yes, that’s yours, that box. Candy—thought you might like to have it.” “Daddy!” cried Dulcie, casting herself at him. “Daddy, you precious adorable old lamb-pie! You knew I would come!” “Well, I confess I did have hopes you would pull it off,” said the adorable lamb-pie sheepishly. CHAPTER VI THE CONTROL ROOM Mr. Hammond had no occasion to worry over Dulcie’s welcome. After a hearty laugh all round at her father’s expense, she became, as Doctor Trigg said, “the child of the regiment.” Her sunny presence raised the morale of the whole ship. Only Red groaned. “We’ve got to keep topside-upside now, whatever happens,” he said. Doctor Trigg took her under his special care, muttering to Doctor Sims, “More youthful enthusiasm, my boy; more youthful enthusiasm! She wants to fly, too, you see.” “G-r-r-r-r bah!” replied Doctor Sims briefly. Those of the passengers who were flying for the first time watched the distant earth with fascinated and slightly worried eyes. They seemed disinclined to leave the windows, and ate their excellent luncheon without interest. By the time afternoon tea was served, however, they apparently decided that the globe would not disappear if they failed to keep a restraining gaze upon it, and talked gaily over the hot toast and marmalade. Radiograms had been sent ahead to Lakehurst, and answers received. They were eagerly expected, but Mr. Hammond decided that their stop there should be a very brief one.