These helices were revolved, as were the other wheels, by a strong current of electricity, to lift the engine up in the air.
In the forward turret, which was designed for the steersman, stood a powerful electric searchlight, and in the midship section a circular deck-house, pierced by doors and bull’s-eyes.
It was a remarkable-looking machine, the material and mechanism of which combined extreme lightness with the greatest of strength.
As Frank had built other flying machines with mechanical parts similar to those employed in this one, which had proven successful, he was sure this one would operate.
The young inventor had returned from police headquarters when Pomp chased Barney out into the yard, and going between the practical jokers he separated them.
Both were forced to shake hands and go to bed, and the inventor turned out the lights and followed them.
On the following day Frank received reports from the police, from time to time, but nothing was found of the missing body of poor little Joe Crosby.
Toward nightfall Tom Reynard returned to Readestown.
He made his way at once to Frank’s house, and meeting the celebrated inventor in his library, he asked him:
“Well, have you found the corpse?”