noon
As an old plainsman , Mr. Bell had not laid his plans without taking into consideration the possibility of accident to the aeroplane , and none realized better than he did what serious consequences such an accident might have . In the chassis of the machine with the travelers were placed a stock of canned goods , a pick and shovel and several hundred feet of fine but tough rope . A supply of water in stone jars and an extra stock of gasoline were also taken along . At the conclusion of the noon meal the motor was started and found to be working perfectly . Nothing then remained to be done but to bid hasty `` au revoirs '' and wing off across the barren wastes . `` If all goes well we may be back to-night , '' said Mr. Bell as he slipped into the seat set tandem-wise behind Jimsy . `` And if not ? ''