thrilling trip.




Chapter Nineteen

A Nervy Specialist


There was little time to lose. Every moment of delay meant so much less
chance for the recovery of Mr. Swift. Even now the periods of
consciousness were becoming shorter and farther apart. He seemed to be
sinking.

Tom resolutely refused to think of the possibility of death, as he went
in to bid his parent good-by before starting off on his trip through the
air. Mr. Swift barely knew his son, and, with tears in his eyes, though
he bravely tried to keep them back, the young inventor went out into the
yard.

There stood the Humming-Bird, with Mr. Jackson, Mr. Damon and Eradicate
working over her, to get her in perfect trim for the race before her--a
race with death.

Fortunately there was little to be done to get the speedy craft ready.
Tom had accomplished most of what was necessary, while waiting for word
from Dr. Hendrix. Now about all that needed to be done was to see that
there was plenty of gasoline and oil in the reservoirs.