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Page 51
"'Silent Sam?' What does it mean? Is that a joke?" asked the
puzzled Mr. Damon.
"I hope it doesn't turn out a joke," replied Tom. "But come on,
I'll introduce you to him, Mr. Damon."
He led the way to one of the big hangars where his various
machines of the air were housed. On the way Mr. Damon asked about
news of Mr. Nestor, but was told there was none.
Tom Swift opened the big, swinging doors and pulled aside an
enveloping canvas curtain. There stood revealed a big aeroplane,
of somewhat new pattern, the wings gleaming like silver from the
varnish that had been applied. In shape it was not unlike the
machines already in use, except that the propellers were of
somewhat different design.
The engine was mounted in front, and even with his slight
knowledge of mechanics Mr. Damon could tell that it was
exceedingly powerful. But it was certain devices attached to the
engine that attracted his attention, for they were totally
different from any on any other aeroplane, though they bore some
resemblance to apparatus on the plane in which Tom and the
eccentric man had made the night flight.
"Is this your new machine, Tom?" asked Mr. Damon.
"Yes."
"Well, I don't see anything of that fellow you spoke of--Silent
Sam."
"This is Silent Sam," returned Tom, with a laugh. "I've named
my new noiseless aeroplane -�my Air Scout--I've named that Silent
Sam. Wait until you hear it, or rather, don't hear it, and I
think you'll agree with me. Silent Sam for Uncle Sam!"
"Good!" cried Mr. Damon. "Bless my dictionary, but that's a
good name! Does it sail silently, Tom?"
"I'll let you judge presently. Silent Sam is all ready for his
first trial, and I'll be glad to have you with me. Now, I'll
just--"
Tom suddenly ceased speaking and held up a hand to enjoin
silence. Then, while Mr. Damon watched, the young inventor began
moving noiselessly toward the rear of the big shed, inside which
was his new machine.
CHAPTER XVIII
SUSPICIONS
"Who's there?" suddenly called Tom, and in such a sharp voice
that Mr. Damon started, ready as he was for something unusual.
There was no answer and Tom suddenly switched on all the lights
in the shed. Up to then there had been only a few glowing--just
enough for him to show the new Air Scout to his friend.
"Who's there?" asked Tom again, sharply.
"Bless my opera glasses, Tom!" cried Mr. Damon, "but are you
seeing things?"
"No; but I'm hearing them," answered Tom with a short laugh.
"Did you think you heard some one moving around near the rudders
of Silent Sam, Mr. Damon?"
"No, I can't say that I did. Everything seems to me to be all
right."
"Well, it doesn't to me," went on Tom grimly. "I think there
is an intruder in this shed, though how any one could get in when
the doors have been locked all day, is more than I can figure
out. But I'm going to have a look."
"I'll help you," offered Mr. Damon, and, in the bright glare
from many electric lights, the two began a search of the big
hangar where the new craft was kept.
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