“Son,” he continued, “your mother and I have already decided that you can make the trip.”

“Yipppeeeee!” Alec shouted, throwing his arms around them. “You’re the best mother and father in the whole world.”

His father laughed. “We didn’t think it wise to keep a wild colt like you around here during the summer anyway.”

His mother’s pale blue eyes were worried. “You will be careful, Alec, won’t you? And you’ll do everything Mr. Volence and Henry tell you to?”

“Sure, Mom, I will … honest, I will. I’ll be careful as I can. Why, this trip will do me worlds of good, so don’t you worry. Travel is the best education a guy can get.”

His father grabbed him by the belt of his trousers. “And that reminds me. Don’t get back here months after everyone else has started school. Remember, you’re going to college next fall.”

“Sure, sure, Dad, I’ll remember.” He turned to his mother. “Mom, would you mind if I wired Mr. Volence before dinner? He said to wire him right away.… He has to get tickets on the plane. We’re going by plane, Mom, think of it. I’m going to fly across the ocean, and all the way to Arabia! Gee, that’ll be an education in itself, won’t it, Dad? I’ve gotta see Henry, too. You don’t mind, do you, Mom? It’ll only take a few minutes, honest.”

He was halfway to the door when his mother answered, her eyes on the back of his red head. “No,” she said softly, “I don’t mind.” Her fingers tightened over the large hand around her waist.

ARABIA BOUND
4

Alec, Henry and Mr. Volence waited impatiently for their flight to be called at La Guardia’s Marine Air Terminal. Through the window Alec could see the giant flying boat cabled securely against the ramp that led out over Flushing Bay. His heart pounded, for it would be only a short time now before they’d be on her … and off! “That’s the Flying Clipper, isn’t it, Mr. Volence?” he asked excitedly.

“Yes, Alec, that’s what they call it. She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”

“Sure is,” Alec agreed. “We ought to be off soon.” His eyes swept to the clock. Seven o’clock, and they were scheduled to leave at seven-thirty. He turned to the window again and looked at the clear, blue sky overhead. It was going to be a nice day, and they were sure to take off unless there was “dirty” weather over the Atlantic. Mr. Volence had told him that the ship wouldn’t leave unless weather reports were good. He hoped nothing would prevent them from going today. He’d looked forward to this day ever so much, and didn’t want to put it off any longer.

Henry caught him looking out the window.