I'll go about the course in a big
ellipse, and--well, we'll see what happens."
While Mr. Damon was in his seat the young inventor started the
propeller, and noted the thrust developed. It was satisfactory, as
measured on the scale, and then Tom took his place.
"Let her go!" he cried to Mr. Jackson and Eradicate, after he had
listened to the song of the motor for a moment. The Humming-Bird flew
across the course, and a moment later mounted into the air.
Tom quickly took her up to about two thousand feet, and there, finding
the conditions to his liking, he began a few evolutions designed to
severely test the craft's stability, and to learn whether the engine was
working properly.
"How about it?" asked Mr. Damon anxiously.
"All right!" shouted Tom in his ear, for the motor was making a great
racket. "I guess we'll make the trial next time we come around. Get
ready to drop the signal ball."
Tom slowly brought the aeroplane around in a graceful curve. He sighted
down, and saw the first tall white pole that marked the beginning of the
course.
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