Too concentrated cigar smoke has made Barton Swift reckless. He starts out this tale betting the then princely sum of $20,000 that Tom can make a ‘round the world trip in under 20 days time’. This task is to be in a contrivance that is only half-designed and as yet, untested. There is also a time limit. The craft must be built and the voyage must be completed before 6 months have gone by. To add spice, another $100k prize is added when a New York newspaper hears of the feat and organizes a race to provide some competition for Tom. The Air Monarch, a luxurious but speedy “triple traveler,” is completed in record time in spite of the evil machinations of rival Red Arrow Aeroplane Company. This machine is a flying boat with powered wheels that will let it cruise in the air and on sea & land, too.—JP Karenko.