“Oh, shucks!” said Bill, disgustedly. Then meditatively, “I don't know—”
“I do,” said Tommy, decisively. “No scarcity of supply and cheaper.”
“Yes, and more power units; go further and cost less. But it will be more difficult—”
“Sure thing. That's what you're here for. The first practical kerosene-auto will make a goldmine look like a pile of wet sawdust.”
“You're right,” said Bill. “But I've never tried—”
“I'll help you,” said Tommy, kindly. “Don't talk about it; think!” This was rank plagiarism from Thompson, and he wouldn't let Bill say another word on the subject. Being compelled to do his thinking in silence made Bill grow quite excited about it. Tommy saw the desire to experiment show itself unmistakably in Bill's face. It made Tommy happy. He was helping some one else. Therefore, he was not thinking of himself. Therefore the secret slept.
On the very next morning Tommy went to one of the engineers in the experimental laboratory and asked, “Say, where can I get some literature on kerosene-motors—”
The engineer, La Grange, who had early taken a liking to Tommy, threw up his hands, groaned, and cried, “Another!”
“Another what?” asked Tommy.
“Savior of the industry.”