“Starts well!” observed Ned in the cabin beside his chum.
“Like a sewing machine!” said Tom.
Up and up he pointed the nose of his craft and they were soon headed for Long Island.
“Never have I ridden in a better craft,” declared Peltok who, with Brinkley and Hartman, was in charge of the machinery. “She is perfect!”
“That remains to be seen,” said Tom, though he was much pleased. “We haven’t really started yet.”
No attempt was made to get speed out of the craft on what was, practically, but another trial flight. But Tom knew he had plenty of power in reserve. The Air Monarch had been tried in the air, on land, and in water and had performed perfectly.
Under the skilled hands of the three mechanics the machine behaved well and in a comparatively short time she settled gracefully down on the field in Long Island and took her appointed place. Many other machines were already there, and others were constantly arriving. The field was a busy place. All contestants had to start from there, though those going in motor boats, or by trains and steamers would, as has been said, leave in autos which would take them to the beginning of the first leg of their journey. But time would start to be counted when the cannon boomed on the field.
There were two or three free balloons and several small dirigibles, including the one operated by Professor Modby and his crew. The Red Arrow hydroplane was floating in Long Island Sound, not far away, and Kilborn planned to reach his craft in a speedy auto. He was walking about his car when Tom got out of the Air Monarch.
“So, that’s what you hope to win with, is it?” sneered Kilborn.
“That’s the little old bus!” said Tom, with a grin. “And I’m afraid you aren’t going to have all the company you counted on to be with you during your trip.”