"And you've made it plain just how you expect
to attach this device and make it work automatically. What are you going
to do with it, now?"
"We thought, perhaps, Mr. Pollard," explained Captain Jack, "that you
might think it worth while to take the device up at this point, and work
over it until you find out where the hitch is in the idea. If you
succeed, it will make the 'Pollard' absolutely perfect in her class."
"But it would seem mean of me to take your idea, so nearly finished, and
go ahead with it," protested the inventor.
"Well, you see, sir," Jack replied, earnestly, "we don't care who brings
the idea through provided it makes the 'Pollard' a world-beater. Do you
care to take this in hand, Mr. Pollard, and try to perfect it? For
we'll admit we're stuck fast and can't get any further with it."
"Do I care to?" repeated the inventor. "Why, boys, I'll be delighted to
work over it. It'll be better than sleep to me for many a night to come.
But I hate to take it out of your hands, since you originated it."
"Take it and welcome," begged Hal Hastings. "The only thing we want is
to see it work."
"And the sooner the better," grunted Eph Somers.
"Then thank you, I will," cried the inventor, earnestly. "But you boys,
if the device can be made to work, shall have your full share of the
credit."
"Hullo, boys," greeted Jacob Farnum, coming out from the inner office,
a letter in his hands.
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