That's what I went into
aviation for. Before that I worked for the Wrights at Dayton. Well,
when I tried flying, it happened there was a prize offered for flying
to Manhattan and back, going round the Liberty Statue. I got hold of
an old Curtis machine and somehow I came back second in the race. But
--" here Blaine grinned at his own recollection, "but I pretty near
busted up that old Curtis! After that they kept me flying until I
finally came over here."
The Sergeant frowned then smiled and jotted something down on his pad.
"Go and see Monsieur Cheval. If he is not well enough to go with you
-- well, have you anyone else in view?"
"Yes, sir. My partner, who has gone with me on several raids. He's
all right --"
"If you were disabled or killed, could he bring this machine back?"
"Yes, sir. He is as good as I am. Cool as a cucumber, but he -- he's
rather modest. In fact, if I don't get Cheval, I must have him, with
your permission of course."
"Or without it, eh?" Anson again smiled, this time genially. "Well,
well! Do what I have said. If you have to do without Cheval, bring
that youngster who is so modest to me. I will judge." And the
Sergeant turned off, resuming his penciling and further wandering as if
Blaine were not there.
Half an hour later Lafe stood by the cot where a shallow-faced,
trim-mustached man lay groaning discontentedly.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25