The Brattleboro reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1907-1912, 1910-02-04

"Airworthy,' John Ridgeway corrected
him.
And they had planned that Crandall
would come up early from the village and
they would enjoy an appetizing flight be-
fore breakfast and now John Rldgeway
was going alone.
Everything had been placed in readl'
ness for that early flight.
RidgeWay carefully attached the huge
planes and tried the levers. Then he
raised the craft on it, spiral jack and took
the naNigator's seat,
4 moment later the throb of the motor
arose on the still air. As the seed IN
creased the craft tugged at It's mooung.
Eidgeway threw off the retaining clutch,
the aerophne slid forward and slowly
arose.
He drew a quick breath This was fine.
II gave him the old thrill of power. His
pulses stirred, new light came into his
eyes.
He hoated across the little valley, grad
ualy rising, and cleared the woods on
the ridge beyond by 200 feet. Then he
tried the steering gear and swerved to
the right. 1t was done "A little too sud
denly. He would be more careful next
time. He brought the craft around In a
wide are, passing over the woods on the
south hin, and over the pond above the
mill, and back toward the village-the
village where Crandall lived
He wondered how Crandalls mother
was.
Now that he had tested his control Of
the aeroplane he grew holder. He was a
man who had taken risks all through life.
He took new risk now. He arose high
or and vet higher. He had felt no fear.
only n little anxiety He was sensitive in
a way. He never wanted to undertake a
task that he didn't carry through with
credit to his skill He only took risks
when he felt sure of the final outcome.
A tiny clock hung to support in front
of him. He had glanced at it as he took
his seat. 1t was then 6.23. AS he lifted
the aeroplane he glanced at it again. 1t
indicated 6.27. He laughed. Only four
minutes
What would Crandall think of this
wild venture? What would the grave
and reverend doctors with whom he occa.
| sionally met think of it? What would
| jim Maddox, his rival in the street, think
of it?
He arose little higher.
| He would make another circle.
As he changed directions puff of wind
struck him and the planes suddenly cant.
ed. With an involuntary movement he
threw the steering wheel over. There was
sharp cracking sound and the left plane
seemed to crumple up. John kidgeway
was thrown from his seat, but clutched at
lapsed over him.
The aeroplane and its human freight
was falling
| A boy was staring at an advertisement
| in a weekly country paper he was a
stout boy Of Is and as he read the lines
before him his face lighted up.
"Listen to this, mother he cried
| Then he read the advertisement aloud
"Wanted- Strong boy to go to city
One who understands horses and isn't
afraid of work. Ask for Mallory at the
Fowler house."
The mother looked up at the eager
young face. She was sitting by the glass
lamp at the table with its red cover, sew
ing.
well John?"
1t was such pleasant, sympathetic
voice.
'sMother," cried the lad, that's me
strong boy who understands horses. Can
I go?'
The mother hesitated.
"See the man, John, dear, and after
ward we will talk about your going.
Then the boy noticed that his mothers
eyes seemed to bother her and that -
bent close to her sewing.
He saw the man at the hotel early the
next morning and suited his critica
taste.
Can / go, MOTHER
care YOU so anxious to go, dear?"
eyes. mother. It's splendid chance.
The mother sighed.
"You will come home soon. dear?"
ooh, yes, mother"
"And write often?'
Eyes, yes"
Her eyes were bothering her again, bu
the boy scarcely noticed this-he was 81
filed with delight.
But he did feel little subdued wher
the hour of parting came. He couldn'