I discovered the cylinders were partially filled with a peculiar, odorless liquid, and recklessly entered the car and adjusted the lever. The locomotive jerkily responded and slowly we rolled around the room. I had much difficulty steering clear of the walls and various articles in the way and became interested and perplexed in the regular action of the propeller, which shot in and out as though seeking something to demolish, and at last, for all my care, the diamond prod crashed into a huge square of glass and crushed it to atoms. Then it flashed upon me what Saxe.’s invention was intended for and in spite of myself I shouted. An answering shout reached me from the landing outside. I sprang from the car and flung open the door. Three men, wild with excitement, rushed in upon me. Saxe. grabbed and embraced me, yelling all sorts of foolish things. Sheldon and Saunders caught my hands and bawled their congratulations. My head throbbed and I grew dizzy with joy. The reaction set in, my stamina deserted me, the wild entrance of the enthusiastic trio roused me as from a dream. As though an eternity away, like a zephyr, Saxe.’s voice reached me.
“Two days and a half, Virgillius, my boy; it was an awful strain. I hammered repeatedly upon the door, but I don’t believe you even heard.”
“Two days and a half,” I muttered drowsily, then drank the liquor some one handed to me and without further ceremony dropped off to sleep.
CHAPTER IV.
Saxe. christened his machine Propellier, an aptly chosen name, then rushed into print. He was mobbed by scientific societies, and lectured widely about everything except what his “marvelous invention” was intended for; and it became public wonder to what use this machine was to be put that would butt, crush, and pass over all obstacles.
As he mentioned me continually in connection with the Propellier, we were both much interviewed and written up lengthily.
Cranks clustered around the little house in the suburbs, and almost annoyed the life out of Saxe. with their arrogant demands, and police protection became necessary.
Saxe. was famous and sailed the wave of popularity for about three weeks, and then—well, all waves recede, but this one simply calmed. Saxe. and his invention were not forgotten, because he was wise enough to keep the public guessing. Later, when preparations were progressing rapidly for the one great aim of his life, he in his thankfulness became more communicative, satisfying curiosity, ending all doubts. He lectured before a vast throng of scientists, educators, and students, who wildly applauded him as he divulged the secret of his ambition and the usefulness of his invention. He declared the Pole would never be discovered without the aid of science, and his invention would greatly lessen the many hardships previous explorers suffered (applause). All the tremendous difficulties of Arctic travel would vanish before the terrible force of the Propellier; and he verged nicely into details with deep explanations, and ended he would reach the Pole, then explore the surrounding territory.
Seated upon the stage were several famous lecturers, all had a few remarks to make, chiefly in discouragement of Saxe.’s grand project, placing great stress upon real and imaginary obstacles, and aggravating the listeners enthused with Saxe.’s scheme; but he was too far gone to heed advice, happy that his years of labor were over, he sat there smiling and chuckling.
Saunders had his little say also, spoke glowingly of the expedition, and became eloquent over his wondrous northern star of the brilliant pinkish hue. His statements were positive, and many in the audience nodded approval, and he was enthusiastically applauded when he finally ended his remarks.