struggle to see which will be the master of the sky--the Allies
or the Germans--and, up to recently, the Huns had the advantage.
Then the Allies, recognizing how vital it was, began to forge
ahead, and now Uncle Sam with his troops under General Pershing
is leading everything, or will lead shortly. We have been a bit
slow with our aircraft production, but now we are booming along.
Uncle Sam will soon have the mastery of the sky."

"I hope so," sighed Mr. Damon. "We must beat the Germans!"

Briefly, Tom spoke of what Pershing's men were doing with their
aeroplanes in France, and mention was made of what the French and
British had done prior to the entrance of the United States into
the World War.

"While we were yet neutral, Americans had made gallant names
for themselves flying for France, and with my silent motor they
ought to do better," declared Tom.

"Is silence its chief recommendation?" asked Mr. Damon.

"Yes," replied Tom. "Or rather, it will be when I have it
perfected. Aeroplane motors now are about as compact and speedy
as they can be made. It is only the terrific noise that is a
handicap. It is a handicap to the pilots and observers in the
craft, as they cannot communicate except through a special
speaking tube, and this is not always satisfactory or sure. Then,
too, the noise of an airship proclaims its approach to the enemy,
sometimes long before it can be seen.