At the summit of the cliff the three flung themselves on a flat rock to rest. Bailey Brooks seemed nervous. His hand trembled as he lit a cigarette.
“This jump means a lot to me,” he said. “Since my pal, Benny Fraser, was killed testing out the ’chute, government authorities have advised me that my design is unsound. But I know better. I’m willing to risk my life to prove it.”
“And when you succeed, I imagine the government will suddenly take an interest,” Flash remarked.
“Sure. They’ve had their experts studying the invention for months. They claim it has defects which can’t be overcome.”
Brooks arose, tossed aside his cigarette and began to strap on his harness.
“If I succeed everything will be swell. If I fail, I won’t know it. So what’s the difference?”
The man spoke with attempted carelessness. Yet, he could not hide his real feelings from the two observant photographers. He was not so confident as he would have them believe.
Joe Wells set up his automatic hand camera near the edge of the cliff, winding the spring motor and loading the film. Flash stationed himself at a slightly different angle, focusing his Speed Graphic.
“All set?” inquired Brooks.
“Any old time,” said Wells, and signaled the News-Vue men below.