Poke modestly disregarded the tribute. “Struck me, Sam, there was my chance. You know I’m in debt to all you fellows——”
“Nonsense!” Sam broke in. “We’ve told you to forget it.”
“How’s a fellow going to forget such things? I couldn’t, if I wanted to. And I saw my chance. You know what they pay aviators for exhibitions at county fairs and such places?”
“No! Do you?” Sam asked pointedly.
“Yes, sir, I do! Hundred dollars a crack! Read it in a paper.”
“Oh!”
“Well, I saw the whole thing in a flash. If I got that high-speed motor and rigged up a plane, and learned to run it—why, two or three exhibitions would pay all my debts and put me on Easy Street. And think of all the fun I’d have! And Step—he—well, minute I suggested it to him, he saw the whole thing just as clearly as I did.”
“Don’t doubt he did,” said Sam.
“So he said he’d take hold and help. He did, and we’re working together. He’ll be entitled to a full share in the credit.”
“Except for inventing the idea, to begin with,” Step corrected.