"
"I have been studying this matter," the aviator replied. "I have
made several long flights, but never across the continent. But I
have carefully charted a course for us to follow. As for landmarks,
the government has arranged that.
"Along the course, in as nearly as possible a bee-line from New York
to San Francisco, there will be captive balloons, painted white for
day observation, and arranged with certain colored lanterns, for
night-sighting. Then, too, there will be pylons, or tall towers of
wood, erected where there are no balloons. So I think we can pick
our course, Dick."
"Oh, I didn't know about the balloon marks," said the young
millionaire. "Well, I'll leave the piloting to you. I think you
know how to do it."
Several more trial flights were made. Each time the Abaris seemed
to do better. She was more steady, and in severe tests she stood
up well. The gyroscope stabilizer worked to perfection under the
most disadvantageous conditions.
Several little changes were made to insure more comfort for the
passengers on the trip. Dick's undertaking had attracted
considerable attention, as had the plans of several other, and
better-known aviators, to win the big prize. The papers of the
country were filled with stories of the coming event, but Larry
Dexter had perhaps the best accounts, as he was personally
interested in Dick's success.
Dick paid another visit to Uncle Ezra, and this time his crabbed
relative was more genial.
Pages:
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136