Ben Hardy's flying machine; or, Making a record for himself

The big steam engine of the plant had slipped the belt. There was a jar and then a crash. Then the big driving wheel of the engine began speeding like an uncontrollable monster....

It was in Ben’s mind to ask Mr. Saxton if he “was to keep all of the twenty-five cents,” but sarcasm was not Ben’s forte. He was too ingenious to cherish resentment against eith...

Ben had the name of the man well in mind to whom he was to deliver the machine parts. He also recalled the vague description given of the man by Mr. Saxton. The lad glanced casu...

The whistle he had invented and the name Bob Dallow instantly carried back the mind of Ben to what he looked upon as the pleasantest part of his young life.

“Does that money look like a joke?” demanded Bob Dallow. “Here, that’s your share, two hundred dollars. Count it, and then I’ll tell you how this little fortune came to travel d...

Ben backed to the fence. He was not a bit afraid of Dave Shallock, but he was fully aware of his tricky nature. He got into a position where he could be sure that Dave’s ally, t...

“It is all settled, Bob,” added Ben, “and if you are sure you won’t be put out by having me share your quarters, I can stay for the whole week. We will have a glorious time, and...

Ben Hardy was, indeed, having the liveliest time in all his youthful experience. This was his third day at Blairville, and every minute since his arrival had been packed full of...

The questioner was named Burr Rollins, and he was the one aviator on the field for whom neither Mr. Davis, Bob nor Ben, nor in fact anybody else at the meet, had much use.

It had been a real endurance test and the barograph record was one of the principal features of the event. The _Torpedo_ did very well as to speed, but was lacking in the altitu...

“That’s good. Here is a drawing of the new curve planes we talked about last night. We have a whole afternoon before us, and I would like to look over things.”

Ben had never been more astonished in his life than he was now at the amazing words of the proprietor of the Saxton Automobile Works. As to Mr. Hardy, he gave a start and stared...

Ben instantly thought of the mysterious visitor reported by their neighbor a few evenings previous. He hurriedly slipped on a few clothes and was down the front stairs in three...

On the former occasion, when Ben had seen the man in Woodville, the horse had sprinted up at a touch. Now the animal trotted along at a still better pace.

“I know he is able to, if he wants to,” responded the man. “See here,” he continued eagerly, “what would it be if you came to me again. Not railroad stuff, you know?”

“I’ll tell my story, and you will see,” replied the lawyer. “I went down to the plant and cornered Saxton in his private office. He looked quite bored at our prompt action. I be...

“All right,” cried Mr. Pearsons briskly, arising from his chair. “Here sit down at that desk yonder,” and he pointed to an inner room. “Now then, you’re a smart boy, and I see i...

“Just as soon as this meet is over, I am going to get him to build me a new airship modeled after the _Dart_. It’s the best machine I have yet seen.”

Ben bounded from the mattress on which he lay. He did not have to grope to find his clothes. A great glare shone into the little shed which he and Bob had occupied since the _Da...

The young aviators were veritable Crusoes of the air, marooned in cloudland, lost in a void of ether. As Bob aptly expressed the situation, it was business now, sharp and serious.

The night was dark and cloudy and there was not a star in sight. However, it was possible to discover outlines at a near distance. As Ben cast a startled glance at a great bushy...

“There’s the risk, isn’t there?” demanded Bob. “I saw sure signs of a bear, and a den that looked like a panther’s home. Come on. Two more big armfuls will pull us through.”

“He means two dollars,” declared Bob. “All right my friend, twenty dollars, if you say so. That’s the ticket, Ben. We’ll locate the _Dart_ first, so as to be sure we can find it...

The guide professed great concern and terror. He was genuinely frightened. Nothing could prevail upon him to accompany the boys. In a disconnected way and with numerous gesticul...

Ben opened his eyes and looked about him. He was lying in bed in a bright and cheerful room that made him think instantly of home. He had a quick mind, however, and at once knew...