"A little, but I guess it will all come out right. It won't take long to install the engine once we get it."
At the end of the week the German arrived with the engine. He was enthusiastic over it, and declared the government prize was already his. He had communicated with a representative of the War Department, who promised to be on hand when the test was made, to see if Herr Doodlebrod's machine answered the requirements.
"But haf no fears," boasted the inventor to Dick. "It vill, und ve vill reap der reward."
"I hope so," answered Dick. "I haven't much time left."
There were several delays in getting the ship in shape for the decisive test. Herr Doodlebrod was not satisfied with one of the rudders and ordered a new one made. Dick urged haste, as he had in mind the year limit fixed in his mother's will.
"Easy, easy," counseled the German. "I haf spent fifteen years on der machine; vot iss a few days?"
"Much, to me," said Dick.
"Do not vorry, my young friend," comforted the inventor. "You shall haf made der finest investment vot effer vos. I, Herr Doodlebrod, say so. Dot uncle of yours shall nefer get you." For Dick had told the German about the conditions of the will.
But, in spite of all their haste, it was some time longer ere the machine was ready for the test. The new motor had been put in, and, though it was not tried in the air, worked perfectly. The propeller revolved twice as fast, and this, the inventor said, meant twice as much speed.
"To-morrow ve haf der test," announced the German one evening, as he completed the last change on the airship.