Читать онлайн
Dave Dashaway, Air Champion: or, Wizard Work in the Clouds
Dave Dashaway, Air Champion; Or, Wizard Work in the Clouds
CHAPTER I
AT THE HANGARS
“Dave, here is something that will surely interest you.”
As he spoke, Hiram Dobbs held up a newspaper to the view of his companion, and Dave Dashaway caught sight of the prominent head line: “Grand International Aviation Contest.”
The two friends were amid an environment strongly suggestive of airships and their doings. They were sitting under a tree near the hangar where Dave’s various aircraft and equipments were stored. This was Dave’s home, for the time being. Here, for over a month he had slept, ate and trained for just such an event as the one which his chum had brought to his attention.
There was nothing about Dave’s present appearance to indicate that he was an expert in aviation except a medal modestly showing beyond the lapel of his coat. It might, however, have been a source of surprise to the average person to read the inscription on the medal, certifying to Dave’s championship in a feat that had startled the aviation world.
Hiram proudly wore a pin bearing the initials: “N. A. A.” (National Aero Association) showing a distinction beyond the ordinary for a boy of his age, and showing, too, that when he spoke of aviation it was not as a novice.
“Dave, you ought to go in for that,” he added.
“Yes, it looks attractive,” agreed the young aviator after a swift glance over the item under discussion.
“Ten thousand dollars – think of it!” exclaimed the interested Hiram.
“It’s a big lot of money,” responded Dave, slowly.
“And a big heap of work to win it, I suppose you would say,” supplemented Hiram. “Well, you never were afraid of work, and as to the chances – say, a fellow who has done what you’ve just done – why, it’ll be mere child’s play!”