Mr. Hammond waved away details.
“You mean they are on the engines now?” he demanded. “Is that why we are making such good time?”
“I hope so,” said David.
“You know so, you nut,” said Red, angrily.
Mr. Hammond’s cigar went out.
“So your accelerator is actually a success. I thought those plans looked pretty practical. Can we continue the present speed, do you think?”
“Yes, sir, and Red is going now to speed the adjustment up to a hundred miles an hour.”
“Go ahead, Red,” laughed Mr. Hammond, rubbing his hands delightedly. “Don’t let me keep you!”
After Red had gone, opening his wrench with the pleased air of a man sharpening a carving knife for a particularly juicy-looking turkey, Mr. Hammond turned to David.
“Well, son, you have certainly won your spurs. By the way you have handled the ship, and now by making the record I wanted so much.”