Kitabı oku: «The Boy Scouts at the Panama-Pacific Exposition», sayfa 12
CHAPTER XXIII
HIRAM FACES THE MUSIC
“Read it out, Rob, please,” pleaded Tubby, with round-eyed wonder.
Thus urged, the scout leader proceeded to oblige.
“This is what he says here,” he announced. “‘Come around to the aviation field as soon as you possibly can. Something doing. Guess my chance is knocking at the door like opportunity that comes once to everybody, they say. Please hurry!
“‘Signed Hiram.’”
“Do we go, Rob?” gasped Tubby, with intense eagerness in his whole manner.
“Without losing a single minute!” declared the other.
“Well, I should remark,” added Andy. “We’ve been up to our ears interested in this affair of Hiram’s from the day we left home; and we mean to see him through his troubles to boot.”
“So let’s be on the move,” suggested Rob.
“That suits me,” breathed Tubby. “You see, I’ve gotten over my tired feeling. There’s nothing can revive a weary scout half so quick as a chance to get in the swim. Why, I feel as fresh as a daisy, whatever that can mean.”
“Well, toddle along with us then, Tubby,” said Andy; “and take my advice – don’t talk so much when you’re hurrying; it’s a bad thing, because you need every bit of breath you c’n get.”
Evidently Tubby realized this fact for himself, because he subsided from that moment; all they heard from him were frequent heavy sighs that accompanied his strenuous efforts to keep at their heels.
They knew the way to the aviation field, and took as direct a course as possible when aiming for that favorite portion of the grounds. There could always be found a large crowd watching the bird-men in their preparations for going aloft, and making landings after showing what their airships were capable of doing.
As a rule most of the spectators were debarred from getting too close to the aëroplanes, for many reasons; but Hiram had made himself so useful on former occasions that no one questioned his right inside the ropes. So also the other three scouts would doubtless be allowed to loiter near the starting point, where there were always a dozen or two air-pilots gathered, comparing notes and joking each other after the manner of daring adventurers, which all of them undoubtedly are, since they take their lives in their hands every time they ascend.
Hiram was waiting for them on the border of the great throng of deeply interested spectators. They saw immediately that the inventor scout was very much worked up over something or other, and naturally all of the other boys were deeply curious to know what had happened to excite him.
Hiram was evidently on the lookout for his three chums, since he beckoned them over as soon as he caught their eyes.
“Well, we’ve come!” said Tubby, breathlessly, as they lined up alongside the other.
“Now tell us what’s in the wind!” added Andy, impatiently.
“Something has happened,” began Hiram, mysteriously.
“You said that in your note,” grumbled Andy.
“The Company,” Hiram continued, “have been waiting for me to show up, and they’re just so eager to find out what my stabilizer can do that they can’t stand for the delay any longer.”
“Great governor! they don’t mean to steal your idea, I hope?” asked Tubby.
“Oh, no, I guess not!” replied the other, calmly. “You see they’ve applied it to one of their best machines to give it a try-out.”
“Bully! that suits you all right!” urged Andy, enthusiastically.
“I should say yes!” declared Hiram, with a wide grin. “And if you crane your necks right now so as to rubber and look up you’ll see that same aëroplane soaring along there!”
“That monoplane you mean, don’t you, Hiram?” asked Andy, after all of them had taken a good look to where the other was pointing.
“Yep, she’s the one, and my stabilizer’s aboard,” Hiram went on to tell them, with a pardonable touch of pride in his voice, though he was careful that no one else should hear him speaking.
“Have they tried it out yet, d’ye know?” inquired Tubby.
“I think the pilot’s just starting in now to see what she can do,” he was told.
“Oh! Did you see him tumble then?” ejaculated the fat boy, gripping Hiram’s arm nervously as he spoke.
“That was looping the loop,” explained the inventor; “lots of pilots c’n do that trick nowadays; why, I’ve heard that Beachey even makes two complete turns. That bird-man up there is second only to Beachey, I’m told. Watch some more of his bold stunts; and hold your breath, Tubby, for he’ll give you lots of thrills.”
“But I’ve got to breathe, don’t you see,” complained the fat scout, who was already unduly red in the face from his exertions in this line.
They watched the aviator go through a number of hazardous exploits. It was doubtless generally known among the pilots assembled that he was testing some new idea, for he seemed to be closely observed by everybody within the enclosure.
Hiram could see that some of the bird-men were pleased, for they nodded their heads as they exchanged remarks. Fancy how this fact thrilled the boy, for it was his invention that interested these veterans among air-pilots.
“Now I kind of guess he’s exhausted every trick he knows, and is goin’ to come down,” said Hiram, presently. “We’d better be gettin’ inside, for I want to be as close as I can when he makes his report to the folks.”
Accordingly he led his chums inside the roped enclosure. He seemed to have made good with the attendants, for they smiled and nodded to Hiram. That Yankee “gift of gab” which Hiram possessed was very apt to get him into the good graces of those upon whom he chose to exercise it.
The scouts presently found themselves in close touch with many of the participants in the exhibitions that were hourly taking place. Here were men famous in their line, from aviators to makers of machines. Here also had collected those who were interested in the future of aviation, and thinking more or less seriously of embarking in the business.
As may be expected, the talk was “shop” every minute of the time. No matter what terrible distress the war over in Europe might be causing, these enthusiasts could only think and speak of matters that were connected with the game of rivaling the birds in their flights. If they mentioned the battles that were taking place day in and day out, it was only in connection with the exploits of the aviation corps on the side of the French, the German, the British or the Belgian armies.
“See that gentleman with the white mustache, the one that looks like a Kentucky colonel, or an army officer?” whispered Hiram. “Well, that’s the head of the Golden Gate Aviation Supply Company, and the person I expect to do business with pretty soon.”
“He’s a fine looking gentleman, I must say,” admitted Rob. “I think you’ll have no trouble making fair terms with him, if I’m any judge of faces.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that, Rob,” breathed Hiram, with a sigh, “because one minute I think everything looks rosy, and the next I’m groveling in the dust. But the agony will soon be over. There, he means to land this time; get ready to stick by me, because I want to be near when he climbs out of his seat and meets that boss of the whole company face to face.”
The monoplane came swooping down, and like a great bird with wings extended, sailed along close to the ground, with constantly decreasing speed, as the power had been shut off.
Now the wheels under the frame had come in contact with the ground, and a dozen eager hands were outstretched to bring the machine to a full stop on the border of the group. This assemblage was being constantly augmented by fresh arrivals, all eager to pass the good word with the pilot, and possibly congratulate him on the fine showing he had just made.
Hiram was looking as sharp as a fox as he strained his ears to catch every syllable that the air-man uttered.
He leisurely climbed out of his seat and reached the ground. There was a satisfied smile on his face that sent a wave of delight to the anxious heart of the waiting boy, to whom the success or failure of this, his first real invention, meant so much.
The pilot looked around. He was evidently expecting to make an immediate report to the gentleman with the white mustache, and Hiram had been very careful to keep in close touch with that man.
Yes, the pilot, after exchanging a little badinage with some of his comrades, immediately pushed directly toward the spot where the four chums stood. Straight up to the head of the large firm by whom he was employed the bird-man strode.
“Well, what is the decision?” Hiram heard the gentleman say, a note of anticipation in his voice.
“Decidedly favorable, Mr. Curley. In fact, with only one trial I am convinced that it is going to be the best stabilizer so far on the market. You have made no mistake, take my word for it!”
Rob almost feared Hiram was going to faint. He leaned so heavily against him, as though for the moment his heart had ceased to beat. And yet, strange to say, the very first thing the overjoyed inventor did was to turn and clap his mouth close to the ear of the scout leader and mutter in trembling tones:
“By jinks! Did you hear that, Rob? Say, I meant to ask ’em just twenty-five hundred cash for the patent, but she’s doubled in price now. And don’t you think they’ll pay the five thousand all right, Rob?”
The Yankee in Hiram was on tap, Rob saw with amusement. At the same time he hastened to assure his chum that he was well within his rights in demanding all he thought he could get for his cunning device.
Evidently Hiram had determined to break the ice while the opportunity lay within his reach. Long had he waited for this glorious moment to arrive. By day he had pictured it in a dozen fantastic forms, and while he slept his dreams must have carried him through numerous interviews with the powers that swayed the fortunes of the wonderful Golden Gate Aviation Supply Company.
He pushed forward a little further. If some of those present noticed the boy in scout uniform they paid little attention to him, being taken up with what was passing between the pilot and the builder.
So Hiram managed to squeeze himself along until he could put out his hand and actually touch the two central figures in the discussion.
Rob and the other boys were not quite so fortunate, but being within easy hearing distance, they believed they would not be apt to miss anything that went on.
They saw Hiram put out his hand and give a tug at the coat of the fine-looking gentleman with the white military mustache. The latter looked down and was apparently annoyed to see that it was only a youth who sought to distract his attention.
“What do you want, boy?” he was heard to ask, impatiently.
Then Hiram spoke up. If his voice quavered a little that was not surprising; indeed, in Rob’s mind the wonder was that the excited scout could find his tongue at all.
“Do you think, Mr. Curley, that the little stabilizer has proved to be all that was claimed for it, sir?” was what Hiram asked.
The gentleman stared hard at him. Others who heard his question did the same, and Rob saw a smile as of amusement appear on the bronzed face of the noted air-pilot who had just come down, after experimenting with the device, bringing a favorable report; it was as though he had begun to smell a rat, and realized what a joke it would be to have a boy invent such an important appendage to a heavier-than-air flying machine.
“Why, what business is that of yours, may I ask, boy?” demanded the business head of the big company, as he continued to stare at the eager, flushed face of the lad who wore the khaki of a Boy Scout.
“Oh! Because I happen to be the Hiram Nelson you’ve been corresponding with, sir, that’s all!” said Hiram. “I used the money you sent me to come out here, but was a leetle bit afraid to face you. But I guess it’s all right now, Mr. Curley, because I heard your pilot say the thing worked fine. That suits me; and I’m ready to talk terms with you right away!”
CHAPTER XXIV
A BOY SCOUT’S TRIUMPH
“What’s this you are telling me?” asked Mr. Curley, quickly. “Have you the proof of what you claim with you, young man?”
Rob noticed that it was no longer “boy” with the gentleman; Hiram was evidently climbing in the scales, and rapidly at that.
“Oh, yes, sir, I’ve got everything to show you; and my patent right papers are in the hotel safe ready to be turned over in case we can reach a bargain.”
The gentleman looked hastily around him. There were representatives of other makers of aëroplanes present who might endeavor to bid against him if only they knew he did not as yet have any positive agreement with the inventor of that successful stabilizer.
“Please say no more until we are in my office, Mr. Nelson,” he remarked, softly; “and if you have the time now we might as well adjourn there. I’ll ask a few of my people to accompany us, as well as this pilot who has just given your little trick its first try out.”
“I’ll be glad to enter into a talk with you, Mr. Curley,” declared Hiram; “but I must insist that my friends, who have come out to the Coast with me, be along.”
He beckoned to Rob and Andy and Tubby, who immediately started to push their way through the crowd to where Hiram and the gentleman with the white mustache stood.
“Certainly, it is only fair that you should have equal backing with us,” observed the gentleman, whose eyes twinkled with amusement now, as he began to grasp the situation, and realize that his company was up against a boy who knew his rights, and was possessed of considerable business sagacity, as well as inventive talent.
Accordingly they all headed for some buildings not a great ways off, and thus it came that presently the scouts found themselves behind closed doors with Mr. Curley and a number of others.
The head of the manufacturing firm was frowning a trifle, Rob noticed, even if there were times when he allowed a trace of a smile to steal across his face on glancing down at the figure of Hiram Nelson. Rob knew why this should be so, and he considered that it was only natural.
As a shrewd business man Mr. Curley realized that Hiram had been too smart for them. Instead of announcing his presence immediately, and taking what they chose to offer him for his clever device, the young Yankee inventor had hung around and waited for the climax to come. He had heard the favorable report made by the bird-man, and of course that had strengthened his case.
The gentleman understood that this unfortunate happening was likely to cost them dearly, since the inventor, knowing the value of his patent, would be likely to hold out for a much larger sum.
“Now, if you will let me see some papers to prove your identity, Mr. Nelson, we will talk shop with you; and I might as well confess in the beginning that if you are inclined to treat us fairly we can come to terms with you; but please consider that only one trial has been given to your stabilizer; and it may, after all, be of less value than appears at this moment.”
Hiram needed no second invitation to get busy. He immediately unloaded a mass of proof upon them to show he was all he claimed, and that he also had the papers connected with his patent.
“I am satisfied, so far as that goes,” announced the gentleman, as though desirous of arriving at the most important part of the whole proceedings as soon as possible. “Now will you please state the very lowest cash price you will accept to turn the patent over to this company?”
“Five thousand dollars, sir!” replied Hiram promptly.
Rob was watching the other’s face. He saw something there that told him Hiram had at least not exceeded the amount which would have been reckoned a price limit for the invention. Mr. Curley, however, was too good a business man to show any eagerness in the transaction, though there was certainly a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes as he seemed to consider the offer.
“I am going to be frank with you, Mr. Nelson,” he remarked, presently. “The sum you mention, although somewhat larger than we had contemplated paying for an invention the value of which has still to be fully proved, is within the amount we could afford to risk in the hopes of getting a really dependable stabilizer. Now, if we agree to do business with you, would you consent to sign a paper here and now to turn over your patent right entirely to us on the receipt of the sum you mention, five thousand dollars?”
Hiram was holding his own remarkably well. He refused to show any signs of being overwhelmed by his great good fortune, and seemed to be capable of displaying his customary shrewd Yankee bargaining qualities.
“I’ll agree to do it, Mr. Curley,” he said deliberately, “if your company also makes the bargain so it can’t be broken. It mustn’t bind only me. Pay a certain sum in hand, and agree to give me the balance to-morrow, and I’ll sign the paper you speak of, handing over the patent rights transferred to you when the balance is put in my hands.”
“That’s strictly business acumen, Mr. Nelson,” said the gentleman, now smiling broadly, for there was no longer any danger of a backdown, and the wonderful little invention could not be taken away from them by some rival and wealthy company; “and with your permission, then, here is an agreement, in duplicate, with the amount left blank, which I will fill in according to your proposition; and if everything is agreeable, we will both sign it in proper form.”
A few minutes later the agreement, filled out as settled upon, was handed to Hiram to look over before signing. He immediately backed over to where his three comrades stood.
“I want you to go over it word for word with me, Rob, and if there’s any sort of hitch or trap, tell me; though I don’t expect to find that sort of thing, because I guess Mr. Curley is too straight a gentleman to try and take advantage of a boy.”
They weighed every sentence, and fortunately the agreement was very simple, so it was easily understood.
“How about it, Rob?” asked Hiram, trying to control himself as best he could, for he knew curious eyes were upon him, and he did not want any of the men to believe this was his first venture in the realm of finance, which in fact was the actual truth.
“It seems to be all right, Hiram, and I wouldn’t hesitate to sign it,” the scout leader advised him. “If you want a witness allow me to put my signature on it. I’ll be proud to know that I’ve had something to do with your first real success.”
“Something to do!” echoed Hiram, with considerable emotion, “why, Rob, you’ve been my backbone up to now. Only for you I’d have made a botch of the hull thing. I owe you more’n I c’n ever tell.”
He went back to where Mr. Curley was waiting, a little anxiously Rob saw, as if he feared Hiram might be overcome with greed, and attempt to boost the price he had already named.
“I see you agree to give me a check for five hundred dollars right now, Mr. Curley,” Hiram commenced, “to bind the bargain with. Well, I would be tempted to say I didn’t want you to do that, but I know it’s a poor thing to refuse money in hand, and also that it fixes it so neither of us can back out. So I’ll accept the sum, sir, and sign the agreement.”
This he hastened to do, and Rob was called on to add his name as a witness; then other names were placed upon the agreement, as well as the duplicate which was to be given into the possession of Hiram as the other party.
When that check for five hundred dollars was placed in Hiram’s hand he smiled, and then coolly doubling it up, placed it carefully away in his pocketbook.
“That, for a beginning, isn’t so bad, Mr. Curley,” he said, as the gentleman was shaking hands cordially with him. “I’m meaning to use every cent of this money to advance several little schemes I’ve got started. Only for my need of cash to push them along mebbe you mightn’t have got that stabilizer without a few bids from other companies; but you sure treated me white, Mr. Curley, and I wanted you to know I appreciate it.”
Possibly Mr. Curley may have thought that Hiram had worked a pretty sharp trick on them in hanging around, and learning what they thought about his invention before disclosing his identity; but then certain things are allowable in business, and at least he had shown himself capable of looking after his own interests.
“If any of your later ideas happen to be in line with our work, Mr. Nelson,” the head of the firm said, “I hope you will give us a look at them before you approach any rival company. In one way it is a good thing for an inventor to keep advancing with the firm who first patronized him, of course, granting that they will meet any price he may be offered elsewhere.”
“I guess I c’n promise you that, sir,” said Hiram, who was very happy, and at that moment felt drawn toward the fine-looking gentleman who had treated him so splendidly.
So the four boys wended their way toward the gates of the Exposition. Hiram hardly knew whether he was walking on air or on ground. It seemed to him that his heels must be made of some magical rubber that kept pace with his ecstasy of mind, for he came near dancing at times, much to the amusement of Rob.
“First thing for me to do, fellows,” Hiram said, as they reached the hotel, “is to send a night letter to my folks telling ’em that I’ve got the coin. My maw she believed in me right along, but dad he’s allers been kinder skeptical, you know, and used to say I was spendin’ heaps of money on foolishness. Guess he’s due to change his tune after this, hey?”
Rob found that there had been a telegram for him that morning which somehow he had failed to receive before leaving for the Exposition grounds. It was a night letter from Professor McEwen in answer to the one he had sent, signed by the name of Professor Marsh, who was in charge of the exhibit.
In this communication, limited to fifty words, the Edinburgh scientist tried to express the deep satisfaction he felt because Rob and Andy had successfully filled his place, and handed over that precious packet to the gentleman in charge, without any accident. He declared that he would remain until their return home, and that he hoped to be able to thank them again most heartily.
The boys were a happy lot that evening. They attended a theater where there was an instructive show well worth seeing by all scouts. Indeed, Hiram seemed to have actually grown two inches since morning.
Of course his chums gloried in his success; so that the rest of their stay at the City of the Great Exposition was likely to be one long picnic, with not a single hovering cloud to mar their pleasure.
