"You're not worrying, though, are you?" asked Paul.
"Not a bit. I imagine I'll have to compete with more formidable
opponents than Uncle Ezra. But I do give Larson credit for knowing
a lot about aircraft. I don't believe, though, that his mercury
stabilizers are reliable. Still he may have made improvements on
them. I'd like to get a look at Uncle Ezra's machine."
"And he doesn't want you to," laughed Innis. "He's a queer man,
keeping track of every cent."
"Oh, it wouldn't be Uncle Ezra if he didn't do that," returned Dick,
with a grin.
There were busy days ahead for the young millionaire and his chums.
Though the Abaris seemed to have been in almost perfect trim on her
trial trip, it developed that several changes had to be made in her.
Not important ones, but small ones, on which the success, or
failure, of the prize journey might depend.
Dick and his friends worked early and late to make the aircraft as
nearly perfect as possible.
Dick's entry had been formally accepted by the government, and he
had been told that an army officer would be assigned to make the
trans-continental flight with him, to report officially on the time
and performance of the craft. For the government desired to
establish the nearest perfect form of aeroplane, and it reserved
the right to purchase the patent of the successful model.
"And it is on that point that more money may be made than by merely
winning the prize," said Mr. Vardon.
Pages:
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134