"Well, I guess I'm ready. Come along, Mr. Damon."

"Am I going with you in the test?"

"Surely. I've been counting on you. If you're to be with me in the race,
you want to get a sample of what we can do. Take your place. Mr.
Jackson, are you ready to time us?"

"All ready, Tom."

"And, dad, do you feel well enough to check back Mr. Jackson's results?
I don't want any errors."

"Oh, yes, Tom. I can do it."

"Very well, then. Now this is my plan. I'm going to mount upward on an
easy slant, and put her through a few stunts first, to warm up, and see
that everything is all right. Then, when I give the signal, by dropping
this small white ball, that means I'm ready for you to start to time me.
Then I'll begin to try for the record. I'll go about the course in a big
ellipse, and--well, we'll see what happens."

While Mr. Damon was in his seat the young inventor started the
propeller, and noted the thrust developed. It was satisfactory, as
measured on the scale, and then Tom took his place.

"Let her go!" he cried to Mr. Jackson and Eradicate, after he had
listened to the song of the motor for a moment. The Humming-Bird flew
across the course, and a moment later mounted into the air.