Middletown transcript., 1910-10-22
BY GEORGE HOLT

own particular contribution to the art Of
flying. Here, at the foot, were the
levers which controlled the engine.
Jimmie disconnected the engine and ex-
hibited its different speeds, as indicated
by the modulating hum, jeremiah didn't
notice that Jimmie left it on at the low
est speed, and here was the cut-off for
the fans, 90 that the machine could soar
few minutes while the engines and fan
rested.
But what's the use, objected jeremiah
Walsh, standing near the engine. What's
the use so long as no one except the
operator can go2 What good would q
locomotive be if only the engineer could
ride on the train2
Jimmie pointed to q seat. There's
room for two, he said. And l think
there might be room for another. This
business is largely in the experimental
stage as yet, you see. When we get 90
we can always carry two or three, then
it's simplya matter of development in
order to carry ten or twelve or ffty,
jeremiah appeared incredulous.
Now you see this chair, continued
Jimmie. It's an invention of my own.
The seats in most of the biplanes are
fastened soIidly to the frames. This one
sit down in 1t and I'll show you.
jeremiah, carefully drawing bis coat
tails about him, sat down in the red
cushioned seat.
This one, you see, continued Jimmie,
Is on springs planned to take up the mo-
ton Of the machine. Thus
Here shouted Jeremiah. What the
DEVIL
The machine had suddenly shot down
the track, giving Marion's father pain.
full feeling in the pit Of bis stomach.
Sit down, sir, Rdmonished Jimmie.
I'm very sorry. But the whirr Of the
machine drowned his voice and be grimm
ed as be adjusted himself in his own seat
and reached for the levers. He pulled
one of these, and, with a rush of air, the
machine rose.
It slt happeHed so quickly that Jere'
miah scarcely had time to realize that be
was gripping the handles Of the chair
when he further realized that he was
sitting back with resignation which he
didn't know be possessed. Then the
true state of affairs came home to him,
and he tried to stand up. Jimmie's cool
tones caused him to sink back again |
abruptly.
If you want TO take g tumble, that
young man shouted without turning bis
head, just stand up. The machine had |
told him that bis companion had moved. |
jeremiah didn't want to take tumble;
indeed, for the moment be could think of |
nothing that be wanted to take less. So |
he remained seated. Then it occurred to |
him to take his gaze off the back hair of
Jimmie in order to see where they were.
He looked downward, down through the
cross-bars that supported his chair-and
looked suddenly upward again.
Put on the brakes, he said weakly, and
let her slow down.
Jimmie seemed not to hear. He slid
q lever ever so slightly toward him, and
the machine gave sudden sWoop upward
that chilled the blood in Jeremiah's
veins.
Don't be afraid, encouraged Jimmie,
I've tried out this engine to standstill;
she'll run upside down if necessary.
jeremiah didn't see the beauties of an
engine that could run upside down.
l wish to descend, be announced.
Why questioned Jimmie.
jeremiah was astonished. Why? be
repeated. Why What in thunder do I
want 70 do way up here? Let me
descend ct once.
Jimmie smiled. Now or never, thought
he.
I've been wanting to talk with you for
a long time. be began.
Jeremiah groaned.
/ wasn't exactly responsible for this
opportunity, continued Jimmie, but see-
ng It's here
I wish to descend, repeated jeremiah.
We're-why, we mnst be up hun.
dred feetl
Five hundred, corrected Jimmie.
There-please don't move for just a
moment, don't even breathe unless you
have to. There seems to be something
the matter with the engine.
jeremiah felt his heart stand still.
Will its it dangerous he inquired.
Oh, no, responded Jimmie cheerfully.
II means only fall Of about a quarter
Of mile ifthe thing stops.
Jimmie, said jeremiah, you've got
more nerve than any man ever knew.
So7 questioned Jimmie unenthusi.
Why?
Jeremiah was silent. Jimmie moved q
lever. For perhaps a minute Jeremiah
neither breathed nor thought. The
machine gave one up-tilted swoop, slid
over what seemed to be monstrous air
wave, and then dropped like toboggan.
HoN's that? ssked Jimmie, as they
scared forth again on the level come hun
dred feet above the earth. HoW'd'y like
that9
There Was no answer. Holding on
with both hands to bis chair, Jeremiah
noted absentmindedly the farmhouse
which he bad expected to strike. He
felt the car give another lurch and saw
the farmhouse disappear very suddenly.
Jimmie, be said, want to get down.
-e4z-ak.--s.a Is-4-.s,
But, Jimmie--I'm-I've We got wife and
and daughteF--
I'll relieve you OF one OF them, replied
Jimmie, be nding slightly back with biz
lever. We're now going 10 see If we can
get over the river without falling in. Ny
engine has had the humidity test add
Jimmie-- There was sound Of sur
render il the name.
What, giF2
Don's you-don't y0u care anything ct
all for Narion2