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165
The Aeroplane Speaks. Fifth Edition
·
H. Barber
61
Now
the
distant
drone
of
the
engine
can
be
heard,
but
not
for
long,
for
suddenly
it
ceases
and,
the
nose
of
the
Aeroplane
sinking,
the
craft
commences
gliding
downwards.
"Surely
too
far
away,"
says
a
subaltern.
"It
will
be
a
wonderful
machine
if,
from
that
distance
and
height,
it
can
glide
into
the
Aerodrome."
And
more
than
one
express
the
opinion
that
it
cannot
be
done;
but
the
Designer
smiles
to
himself,
yet
with
a
little
anxiety,
for
his
reputation
is
at
stake,
and
Efficiency,
the
main
reward
he
desires,
is
perhaps,
or
perhaps
not,
at
last
within
his
grasp!
Swiftly
the
machine
glides
downwards
towards
them,
and
it
can
now
be
seen
how
surprisingly
little
it
is
affected
by
the
rough
weather
and
gusts;
so
much
so
that
a
little
chorus
of
approval
is
heard.
"Jolly
good
gliding
angle,"
says
someone;
and
another,
"Beautifully
quick
controls,
what?"
and
from
yet
another,
"By
Jove!
The
Pilot
must
be
sure
of
the
machine.
Look,
he's
stopped
the
engine
entirely."
Then
the
Aeroplane
with
noiseless
engine
glides
over
the
boundary
of
the
Aerodrome,
and,
with
just
a
soft
soughing
sound
from
the
air
it
cleaves,
lands
gently
not
fifty
yards
from
the
onlookers.
"Glad
to
see
you,"
says
the
Squadron
Commander
to
the
Pilot.
"How
do
you
like
the
machine?"
And
the
Pilot
replies:
"I
never
want
a
better
one,
sir.
It
almost
flies
itself!"
And
the
Designer
turns
his
face
homewards
and
towards
his
beloved
drawing-office;
well
satisfied,
but
still
dreaming
dreams
of
the
future
and
...
looking
far
ahead
who
should
he
see
but
Efficiency
at
last
coming
towards
him!
And
to
him
she
is
all
things.
In
her
hair
is
the
morning
sunshine;
her
eyes
hold
the
blue
of
the
sky,
and
on
her
cheeks
is
the
pearly
tint
of
the
clouds
as
seen
from
above.
The
passion
of
speed,
the
lure
of
space,
the
sense
of
power,
and
the
wonder
of
the
future
...
all
these
things
she
holds
for
him.
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