At dinner it developed that Colonel Graham was, indeed, a friend of Mr. Hampton. They had been classmates years before at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. During the World War, Colonel Graham had obtained a reserve commission in the Engineers and, at the conclusion of hostilities, while thousands of other officers were being demobilized, he had been given a commission in the regular army because of his distinguished record.
At dinner, the older people took the lead in the conversation, while the boys and Della were content to listen unless addressed. Colonel Graham was a brilliant conversationalist, and once he became launched on a series of war stories there was no time for the boys to interrupt, nor had they any inclination. He had been one of the handful of American engineers impressed into a make-shift army by General Byng to stop the Germans when they smashed through at Cambrai, and his gripping account of those days and nights of superhuman effort to hold back the enemy until reinforcements arrived, had the boys neglecting their dinner and sitting on the edges of their chairs.
Mr. Hampton was a radio enthusiast. It was his interest in radio development, in fact, which had 24 caused him to build the station on his estate, for purposes of trans-oceanic experiment. Eventually, therefore, the talk came around to the subject of radio. Colonel Graham was well-informed, and he told of several army officers then at work on behalf of the government at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, experimenting with radio-controlled automobiles, tanks and water craft.
An exclamation from Jack drew attention to him and covered him with confusion.
“Well, Jack,” said his father, in mild reproof. And he looked expectantly at his son as if awaiting an explanation.
Frank came to his rescue. His quick mind also had grasped the significance of Colonel Graham’s remark.
“I know what Jack is thinking of, Mr. Hampton,” he said. “He’s thinking of a radio-controlled airplane.”
Colonel Graham smiled.
“Oh, yes,” he said, tolerantly. “I mentioned only that these government experts were experimenting with radio-controlled automobiles, tanks and water craft. Of course, airplanes are being studied, too. Is that what you mean?” he asked, looking inquiringly at Jack. “I understand you lads are interested in flying.” 25
“No, sir,” answered Jack, flushing a bit. “To tell you the truth, we saw a plane to-day of strange design. And we had reason to believe it was controlled by radio. I was puzzled at the time. I didn’t think of radio controls. But your remarks about the officers at Massachusetts Tech. were illuminating. I see now that this plane must have been radio-controlled.”