the Northwest having
been a part of the life of each, it might have been supposed that the
ambitions of the two lads would have run toward mining or ranch life or
even toward the inviting work of hunters or trappers.

To the gratification of their fathers, however, they fell in with the
modern movement and turned toward mechanics. When the furore for
aeronautics reached even far-away Calgary, the boys found themselves
passionately absorbed in all airship discoveries. Mr. Grant's position as
a division mechanic of a great trunk railroad, and Mr. Moulton's
"Electrical Supply Factory," gave the boys their starting point. Later,
in Mr. Moulton's factory, an outbuilding was appropriated and in this
place, with the approval and assistance of their fathers, the two boys
finally completed an airship. This was but a spur to a renewed effort,
and within a year, the boys attending school meanwhile, they finished
their improved aeroplane. It was named the "_Gitchie Manitou_" or "Spirit
of the Wind"--words taken from the Cree Indians.

The original ideas that resulted in this ingenious contrivance came
mainly from the boys themselves. Yet they neglected no suggestions that
they could find in the latest aeronautical journals. This wonderful
machine was only locally known, but when the citizens of Calgary planned
their local celebration, known as the "Stampede," there was knowledge
among the promoters, of the just completed "_Gitchie Manitou_." It was
fitting that this modern invention should be shown in contrast with all
that was being collected to exhibit the past, so an arrangement was made
with the young aviators to give a daily flight in the new airship.

"It really isn't made for work of this kind," argued Norman to his
companion when the suggestion was made to them, "but if it'll work in the
winter in the wind and snow, as we've planned, I reckon we ought to be
able to put it over in the park."

"Oh, it'll work all right," responded Roy. "But what if it does? I never
quite figured out that we were to turn ourselves into showmen."

"Listen!" interrupted Grant at once. "You've got to show your goods
first. It's just the place where we may meet people who will understand
what it's good for."

"And even then what are we going to do?" asked Roy. "Sell it to some mail
or stage contractor? To some one who works in the blizzard?"

The other boy shook his head: "I don't know," he answered slowly, "but
it's certainly going to com