The wonderful little craft had made her first
big flight in excellent time, though Tom knew she could do better the
farther she was flown. Not a stay had started, not a guy wire was loose.
The motor had not overheated, and every bearing was as cool as though it
had not taken part in thousands of revolutions.
"Oh, I can depend on you!" murmured Tom, as he looked to see that the
propeller was tight on the shaft. He gave the bearing a slight
adjustment to make sure of it.
He was at this when the specialist reappeared. Dr. Hendrix, after his
first show of excitement, when he had made his decision to accompany
Tom, had resumed his usual calm demeanor. Once again he was the grave
surgeon, with his mind on the case before him.
"Well, is my auto ready?" he asked absentmindedly. Then, as he saw the
little aeroplane, and Tom standing waiting beside it, he added: "Oh, I
forgot for the moment that I was to make a trip through the air, instead
of in my car. Well, Mr. Swift, are we all ready?"
"All ready," replied the young inventor.
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