Islands in the Air | Page 7

little stunt," said the Professor.
"And do you folks know that we could go on up to the moon if we
wanted to?" he added mysteriously. "But enough for today. We will
return to the earth. I see other and greater marvels just ahead of us."
As the girl and I gazed in awe at this remarkable man he manipulated
the machinery again and we descended slowly and easily landing
exactly on the points of the piers. The workmen clustered around their
employer showering him with congratulations.

The Professor Triumphant
WELL, that night I couldn't sleep for thinking of that wonderful exploit
and the fact that the Professor hinted at other wonders hidden up his
sleeve. Would man ultimately conquer all the laws of the universe?
Was there no limit to his power? Preposterous as it seemed I answered
these amazing questions in the affirmative. Fulfilling the scriptures,
man was to become as gods.
And now the Professor, athrill with triumph and enthused over the
future outlook of his aerial islands, invited everybody to come out into

the wilderness and witness man's latest conquest over mother nature.
The day was set and widely advertised. Scientists from all over
America were tendered special invitations, as well as many statesmen.
The professor sent Van Beck a messenger urging him to be present.
The whole nation was dumfounded by the announcement, but almost
every one treated the matter as a 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