“Let’s have the power again,” said Trenton. He rose, bent his ear to study the sound, turned to Durland and nodded.
“Let’s see what they’re up to,” said Kemp and shouted Trenton’s name. Grace drew back as the two men turned toward them, but Irene seized her arm.
“Don’t you dare run away!”
Trenton came toward them snatching off his blue mechanic’s cap. There was a smudge across his face and his hands were black from contact with the machinery.
“I didn’t really lie to you, Tommy: I meant to leave tonight but remembered that Mr. Durland wanted to see me, so here I am.”
They followed him to the testing block where Durland had remained, too engrossed to heed them.
“I’m glad you came just when you did,” said Trenton addressing all of them but looking at Grace. “Mr. Durland will be ready to begin the final tests tomorrow. I’m sure they’re going to be successful. I want you to be here, Tommy, and see the thing through. Just look at this!”
He deftly lifted out a part of the motor for Kemp’s inspection, restored it and then bent over the bench, rapidly scribbling notes on the back of a blue print.
“Congratulations are now in order, I suppose,” said Kemp. He turned and shook hands with Durland, who was regarding the motor with a puzzled look on his face. Trenton said he would remain a while longer—he might stay all night, he added with a laugh.
“This is too important to leave, so I’ve changed all my plans and will be here two or three days.”