This was one feature wherein Tom's craft differed from others. The usual
aeroplane propeller is eight feet in diameter, and gives from four to
five hundred pounds thrust at about one thousand revolutions per minute,
so it can be readily seen wherein Tom had an advantage.
"But I'm building this for speed," he said to Mr. Jackson, "and I'm
going to get it! We'll make a hundred miles an hour without trouble."
"I believe you," replied the engineer. "The motor you and your father
have made is a wonder for lightness and power."
In fact, the whole monoplane was so light and frail as to give one the
idea of a rather large model, instead of a real craft, intended for
service. But a careful inspection showed the great strength it had, for
it was braced and guyed in a new way, and was as rigid as a
steel-trussed bridge.
"What are you going to call her?" asked Mr. Jackson, about two weeks
after they had started work on the craft, and when it had begun to
assume shape and form.
"I'm going to name her the Humming-Bird," replied Tom.
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