human
How are you, Tom Swift? greeted the newcomer pleasantly.
gpt
I guess you've forgotten me, haven't you? He held out his hand, which Tom took.
human
Don't know me, do you?
gpt
Well, I'm afraid I've forgotten your name, admitted the lad, just a bit embarrassed.
human
But your face is familiar, somehow, and yet it isn't.
gpt
I've shaved off my mustache, went on the other.
human
That makes a difference. But you haven't forgotten John Sharp, the balloonist, whom you rescued from Lake Carlopa, and who helped you build the Red Cloud? You haven't forgotten John Sharp, have you, Tom?
gpt
Well, I should say not! cried the lad heartily.
human
I'm real glad to see you. What are you doing around here? Come in. I've got something to show you,
gpt
Oh, I know what it is,
human
You do?
gpt
Yes. It's your new aeroplane. In fact, I came to see you about it.
human
To see me about it?
gpt
Yes. I'm one of the committee of arrangements for the meet to be held at Eagle Park, where I understand you are going to contest. I came to see how near you were ready, and to get you to make a formal entry of your machine. Mr. Gunmore sent me.
human
Oh, so you're in with them now, eh? asked Tom.
gpt
Well, I'm glad to know I've got a friend on the committee. Yes, my machine is getting along very well. I'll soon be ready for a trial flight. Come in and look at it. I think it's a bird--a regular Humming-Bird!
human
It certainly is something new, admitted Mr. Sharp as his eyes took in the details of the trim little craft.
gpt
By the way, Shopton is going to be well represented at the meet.
human
How is that? I thought I was the only one around here to enter an aeroplane.
gpt
No. We have just received an entry from Andy Foger.
human
From Andy Foger! gasped Tom.
gpt
Is he going to try to win some of the prizes?
human
He's entered for the big one, the ten-thousand-dollar prize, replied the balloonist.
gpt
He has made formal application to be allowed to compete, and we have to accept any one who applies. Why, do you object to him, Tom?
human
Object to him? Mr. Sharp, let me tell you something. Some time ago a set of plans of my machine here were stolen from my house. I suspected Andy Foger of taking them, but I could get no proof. Now you say he is building a machine to compete for the big prize. Do you happen to know what style it is?
gpt
It's a small monoplane, something like the Antoinette, his application states, though he may change it later.
human
Then he's stolen my ideas, and is making a craft like this! exclaimed Tom, as he sank upon a bench, and gazed from the balloonist to the Humming-Bird, and back to Mr. Sharp again.
gpt
Andy Foger is trying to beat me with my own machine!