"
But it seemed impossible. The machinery worked perfectly, and
though Silent Sam took his passengers high and low, in big
circles and small ones, there was no appreciable noise from the
motor. The passengers could converse as easily, and with as
little effort, as in a balloon.
"Of course that isn't the prime requisite," said Mr. Terrill,
"but it is a good one. What we want is a machine that can sail
over the enemy's lines at night without being heard, and I think
this one will do it--in fact, I'm sure it will. Of course the
ability of the passengers to converse and not have to use the
uncertain tube is a great advantage."
As Tom Swift sailed on and on, it became evident that the test
was going to be a success. The afternoon passed, and it began to
grow dark, but a glorious full moon came up.
"Shall I take you down?" the young inventor asked Mr. Terrill.
"Not quite yet. I thoroughly enjoy this, and it isn't often I
get a chance for a moonlight airship ride. Go a little lower, if
you please, and we'll see if we attract any attention from the
inhabitants of the earth.
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