Page 2 - Murder on the Dirigible

Murder on the Dirigible

MATTHEWS: (over p.a.) Ladies and gentlemen, this is Captain
Matthews speaking. Since leaving the Inglewood Aerodrome, we
have ascended to fifteen hundred feet above sea level, our cruising
altitude for the rest of the flight. On behalf of my navigator and co-
pilot, Lieutenant Perkinson, and your Stewardess, Miss MacAllister, I
welcome you to the West Coast Helium Navigation Company’s
overnight flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Our estimated
time of arrival at Sutro Field is seven-thirteen a.m. Pacific Standard
Time. This dirigible, the Golden Cloud, has been designed with all
the latest mechanical conveniences in order to provide its passengers
maximum comfort and relaxation. The stewardess is available at all
times to answer your questions and attend to your needs. A restroom
is located at the rear of the cabin, behind the galley. Although the
major portion of our flight will be during the night, you may still
catch a glimpse of the sun setting over the Pacific on your left, and a
fairly good view of the Santa Monica Mountains on your right. In a
few minutes we shall be turning off the lights in the passenger
compartment so that you can get some sleep. Thank you, that is all.
(switches off p.a.) Well, Perkinson, do you have your bearings?”

PERKINSON: (takes off headset) Yes, sir. I must say, though, sir,
that this is not the same radio equipment I trained on in flight school.

MATTHEWS: No? Hmm, I suppose they have older models there. It
shouldn’t matter. If you can pick up the signal from Inglewood, then
you should be able to home in on the rest of the beacons along the
coast. Remember, since this is your first flight on one of our
dirigibles, that I am here to evaluate your performance as well as to
assist you in making a success of it. Don’t hesitate to ask any
questions, okay?

PERKINSON: Yes, sir.

MATTHEWS: Fine. Then let’s settle back and fly this old gasbag to
Frisco. Miss MacAllister ought to be bringing us some coffee after
she gets the paying customers bedded down.

PEABODY: Stewardess! Oh, stewardess!
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