“I’ll say not, sir,” said David decidedly.
“Here’s my idea, then. See how you like it. You will take the invention and enter it in the school contest, but with ‘patents pending’ all over it. The prize money to be yours. But before that—now, in fact, I will buy a half interest in it. I bought back Cram’s shares in the Moonbeam, you know, and I will make over those shares to you, in payment. As for the royalties, we will go fifty-fifty. One other matter—” he hesitated. “I’d like to share in this in another way, David. It’s sort of kiddish, perhaps, but I’d like to see my name—I’d like to announce it as the Ellison-Hammond Accelerator.”
David took a deep breath.
“Hammond-Ellison, and you are too generous, sir.” He held out his hand, and they shook solemnly.
“Good!” said Mr. Hammond. He laughed and pointed to the paper. “Sign on the dotted line,” he quoted, “but think it over first. And now let’s see if Ryan has juggled us up any faster.”
The Moonbeam was holding steadily at one hundred and ten, and David wanted to talk to Red. Search discovered him in his quarters, playing with the kitten. He jumped up, letting Trouble slide down his leg.
“Anything up?” he demanded.
“Nothing at all. That is, there’s a lot,” David stuttered.
Red took a step toward the door.
“Oh, cool off, the ship’s all right. Sit down.” David repeated his conversation with Mr. Hammond, and added, “Now, Red, old dear, that goes. But with one big IF. If you and I go fifty-fifty on the prize money, and fifty-fifty on my share of the royalties. If you will agree to that I will make the deal with the commander.”