Mr. Hardy listened with an indulgent smile to the plans and suggestions of their young guest.
“I haven’t the heart to refuse you any reasonable request after your fine record of to-day, Ben,” he told his son, “but I want to take a night’s sleep over this.”
“Yes, that will be best,” remarked Mrs. Hardy.
Bob was obliged to be content with this decision. Ben was sure he would be allowed to go to the aero meet. As to any encouragement as to experimenting on a machine of his own, which was a glowing ideal in his mind, he was not so certain.
He regarded his father with anxious expectation as Mr. Hardy left the breakfast table next morning. As was usual they all went out on the porch, where Mr. Hardy generally rested and chatted a few minutes before starting for the automobile works.
“Well, Ben,” he said with a pleasant smile, as they became comfortably seated, “I’ve thought over this new idea which I see Bob has been so industriously cultivating in your mind.”
“Blame me, that’s right, Mr. Hardy!” spoke up Bob airily. “I’ll bet you, though, that something tangible comes out of it.”
“Your vacation begins next week, Ben,” resumed Mr. Hardy. “You have quite a little capital of your own. You can employ some of it, if you think it wise, in looking up this new idea, and I don’t mind helping you a bit on experiments.”
“Thank you, father,” said Ben joyfully.
“Only don’t let all your common sense and practical ideas go up in an airship that won’t sail,” was Mr. Hardy’s final advice.