"Lowell Howard Morrow - Islands in the Air" - читать интересную книгу автора (Morrow Lowell Howard)

huge hoax and questioned Professor Stiener's sanity.

But they came by thousands--coming by plane and automobile, on horseback and on foot. The woods
surrounding the high fence was black with people. But, of course, no one was permitted inside the fence.
Even Professor Van Beck, who seemed to consider himself a special guest, was forced to peer through
the fence and reach between its wires to give the Professor the handclasp of congratulation.

"My dear Professor," he said with an injured air, "one would think you would make an exception in the
case of an old pal."

"There can be no exceptions," replied the Professor tartly.

"Do you expect forever to keep this great secret locked in your own breast?"

"Until every feature is protected by patent," returned 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.
"I 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