Daylight was streaming through the windows of the machine shop when Ben opened his eyes. His father was standing at the bench inspecting the result of his long labors. He looked quite white and wearied. For all that, Ben read in his face the satisfaction of work successfully accomplished.
“Did you make it, father?” he inquired, springing to his feet.
“Yes, Ben. I would advise, however, that Mr. Davis have a new bearing made soon. This will answer for a time, but it is only a patched-up make-shift.”
The device was bundled up. Ben accompanied his father home, and they had a refreshing breakfast. Then Ben got the motor-cycle in shape for the return trip to the aviation field.
“You are the best father ever lived!” declared the boy, as he strapped the little piece of machinery to the cycle.
“That’s worth something—coming from a bright, active young fellow like you,” smiled Mr. Hardy in reply.
“And the smartest man in the bargain!” added Ben.
“We’ll try some of it, then, on that wonderful monoplane you are going to build, Ben,” said his father.
Ben reached the aviation grounds before eight o’clock. He received a rousing greeting from Mr. Davis. He had the satisfaction of seeing the Flyer make its record flight of the season two hours later.
“Remember, Ben,” said the aviator that afternoon, as Ben bade him good-bye and started for the train with Bob Dallow, “you are to come to the big meet the last of the month.”