human
We might, however, construct a second one. In fact I have the designs partially drawn up. She would be a more powerful craft than the first and capable of even longer sustained flights.
gpt
The very thing! exclaimed his listener enthusiastically,
human
I have not yet said that we would, rejoined Frank, calmly.
gpt
As you have described the situation it looks rather like a wild-goose chase; however, I think that if my brother agrees that we might consent to try to do our best.
human
Of course I agree, Frank,
gpt
Then it is as good as settled, concluded the Secretary.
human
The thing is now, how long will it take you to build this craft?
gpt
We shall require at least three weeks,
human
It is a long time--or at least it seems so, he corrected,
gpt
It would be quite impossible to construct a suitable aeroplane in a lesser period;
human
Then I suppose we shall have to exercise patience, remarked the secretary.
gpt
You will of course need funds. How much shall you require do you suppose?
human
We cannot build a second _Golden Eagle_ for less than ten thousand dollars to start with,
gpt
Ten thousand dollars?
human
It does sound like a good deal of money, replied Frank,
gpt
I see, replied the secretary.
human
You know best. I will see that arrangements are made to provide you with everything you require. Where do you intend to build the ship?
gpt
There is a place at White Plains, some miles out from the town and back in the hills, replied Frank,
human
The very thing, replied the secretary.
gpt
Of course I need not impress upon you the importance of absolute secrecy in this matter. We have almost positive proof that our every movement is watched by agents of those who have stolen the plans, and who now have Lieutenant Chapin a prisoner--that is, if they have not made away with him, poor fellow. My own idea is, however, that he has been kidnapped and forced to take charge of the work, as without his direction it would be impossible, even with the aid of the formula, to manufacture the explosive. What I fear is, that after they have made a sufficient quantity to stock up the arsenals of the far Eastern power they will destroy their plant and end Lieutenant Chapin's life. You see the explosive is so powerful that even a small quantity would make the nation possessing it extremely formidable, therefore it is not likely that wherever they have set up their plant they are figuring on a permanent location.
human
What is the last trace you have of the plotters?