“Because of its lightness and strength.”
“The horizontal rudder in front must be used in ascending and descending and the two vertical ones at the rear for steering your course. I should judge,” he said, scrutinizing the motor, “that your engine has about sixty-horse power.”
“You hit it exactly; I am astonished by your knowledge.”
“It all comes from remembering what I read. And the wing tips are the ailerons, and the engine weighs about three hundred pounds.”
“A trifle less, the whole weight of the aeroplane being eight hundred pounds.”
“Your propeller is made of black walnut, and has eight laminations, and when under full headway revolves more than a thousand times a minute.”
“See here,” said Harvey; “don’t say you haven’t examined aeroplanes before.”
“As I told you, I never saw one until now, but what’s the use of reading anything unless you keep it in your memory? That’s my principle.”
CHAPTER VI.
WORKING FOR DINNER.
Further conversation justified the astonishment of Harvey Hamilton. The countryman, who gave his name as Abisha Wharton, showed a knowledge of aviation and heavier-than-air machines such as few amateurs possess. In the midst of his bright remarks he abruptly checked himself.