When Barton Swift bets the princely sum of $20,000 that Tom can make a "round the world trip in under 20 days," Tom must rise to the challenge. The catch? The vehicle must be built-and the voyage completed-within six months. Adding to the excitement, a New York newspaper learns of the feat and adds another hundred thousand dollars to the prize, opening it up to competition in the form of a race.Tom works on his craft, a luxurious but speedy air and sea vessel, despite the machinations of rival aeroplane company. But will it be enough to with the race?