"Perhaps; rip off another plank so that I can see."
Two more blows from the flying sledge sent another plank flying.
"There you are!" he exulted.
We were astonished to find a twelve-cylinder motor of standard manufacture, which I thought might be used in a boat. And, of course, a self-contained plant, ready for running.
Hiram's spirits rose to the heights with this information and he began his habit of cavorting like a colt, apparently forgetting the sad disappointment of only a moment before. In many respects he was yet a boy.
I called Mr. Kitchell on the telephone, told him briefly about the boat and of the motor in the air-plane.
"Yes, take it, and anything there you can use; you know we can requisition anything we want when necessary. Take it quick if you can use it to get us out of this nightmare," he snapped back at me. "A complaint from Washington has reached the president of the road, who has passed it down the line with a stinger in every word. Both the railroad administration and the Bureau of Animal Industry are riding on my neck without a saddle. Go as far as you like, only hurry."