Air Wonder Stories, July 1929 — page 40: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

38 AIR WONDER STORIES “Do you expect forever to keep this great secret locked in your own breast?” “Until every feature is protected by patent,” re- turned the Professor meaningly. I could see that this answer cut Van Beck to the quick, but he said nothing and in a minute he moved away shaking his head and mingled with the crowd, The demonstration was a success in every way. Both islands were raised simultaneously, They were partly lowered, then raised again alternately, shot into the air until they appeared as small dark specks in the blue sky. And finally they were landed safely and noiselessly on their piers. The Professor was wild with enthusiasm and joy. He bowed again and again as the milling crowds cheered madly. Often he ran over to Van Beck where he stood with his face pressed against the wire and boasted of the complete success of his great venture. It was plain to be seen that the Professor was gloating over the Dutchman. At last he had succeeded in making and utilizing a great discovery without his butting in. But Van Beck did not stint his praise. “T rejoice with you, my friend,” he said heartily. “Great wealth and endless fame are yours. It is marvelous, marvelous—and it is just.” The immense crowd left reluctantly. Long after nightfall knots of excited and awe-struck people lingered about the refreshment stands and stood peering curiously through the fence discussing the miracle which had taken place before their eyes. But there was a fly in the ointment of the Professor's happiness—he bitterly regretted that McCann was not there to witness the climax of his work, Owing to the success of the demonstration and the fact that the press of the entire country had spread its description far and wide, the Professor seized the opportunity to launch a stock company to exploit his invention whose scope and possibilities, he averred, were well nigh limitless, But he pointed out that its initial work would be in the field of the airplane. A line of his islands would be placed along every plane route. Machines would refuel and make repairs in the air. In the air, the islands would act as guideposts by day, and at night their beacons would flash out to cheer and guide the aviators on their way. Should storms arise the islands would be shot above the storm, and here in a haven of refuge the plane could rest and make necessary adjustments and repairs if need be. Its passengers could leave the cabin for a few minutes, walk about and procure refreshments and many luxuries right on the island. “And that is not all the wonders I have in mind,” said the Professor with shining eyes as he unfolded the plan to me, “Think of an airplane without any motive power. I am not thinking of gliders,” he added with a deprecatory wave of the hand. “I am thinking of an airplane sailing through the air with- out any motor or other visible means of locomotion, controlled by power stations on earth which can be fifty miles or more apart, through the medium of my device located on the plane. The future plane, disabled in the air, will not fall like a plummet and crash, or have to glide down and make a forced landing for repairs,” he went on eagerly, “It simply will radio to the nearest hangar island, a repair plane will then slip off through the air, hitch to the nose of the disabled plane and tow it to the island just the same as cripped autos are now towed to a garage.” Accustomed as I was to listening to the wonder- ful plans of my friend I could only sit and stare dumbly over this new scheme. Where would that mighty brain finally lead this man? And for the first time I began to fear the final results of his work. If he were able to perform such. miracles they might lead him on and on to new fields and triumphs until grasping unseen and undreamed of forces he might innocently usher in a planetary catastrophe. CHAPTER IV Evil Premonitions Ts stock of our company—known as the Stiener, Bookman Airways Inc.—took the market by storm. In less than two weeks eyery share of both common and preferred was sold, and had I not been in’ on the ground floor with a large block of stock I would have considered I had lost a great investment. Although Van Beck, whenever we ran across him—which was not often—continued to voice his praise of the Professor’s latest invention, he took no stock in the company so far as we were able to learn. Although the Professor made no complaint I saw that his pride was hurt. During the next week we were head-over-heels in work. What with perfecting the plans of the new organization and daily trips out to what the Professor termed the mother plant we often worked twenty hours at a stretch without rest. I had put my whole soul in the venture, as well as most of my fortune, but the closer I became associated with the Professor the more secretive and mysterious he became. I thought I had earned the right to know the innermost secrets of his plan which was to revolutionize the world, and Greta agreed with me. At last I faced his reticence with open rebellion. “Tut, tut, my boy,” he said soothingly. “Of course you have a right to know and you shall know, I will explain all.” “When?” I demanded harshly, “Have patience. I have postponed my revelations to you that 1 might give you other and greater sur- prises. I will carry out other experiments soon and then I will make you master of all.” “Do you not realize that your delay to give me all details might easily wreck the whole enterprise? Suppose you were to die—who would carry on?” The Professor stroked his beard thoughtfully, “Perhaps you are right, my boy,” he said at last. “Something might happen to me and then with my secret unrevealed posterity would lose a priceless heritage. Have the plane made ready, Greta,” he continued turning to his sister. “We will go out to the plant, and then after I try out another idea of mine you shall know all, my boy, you shall know all.” I was athrill with joyous anticipation as we stepped from the plane beside one of the islands. Soon the Professor would draw aside the veil and allow me to view the pulsing heart of this marvel. And then I confidently told myself I would ask comnlicloooks.com