CHAPTER X
A MESSAGE
A round of applause was given the Italian lad as he was about to leavethe platform. Suddenly Tony stopped and held up his hand for silence.
"You must not--ah, applaud to me for this speaking. I have the inspireto do it, yes, but not the words entire. So it is my friend Brown whoset me correct on the words and the speeching. We are then both equallythe speechers, my friend Bill Brown and I."
The applause was continued now,--a goodly number appreciated the honestyof this declaration. Tony had taken his seat. The president arose andbegan to talk again, but could not be heard for some mischief-makingstudents who kept up the racket.
Gus leaned over and spoke to Tony and then to Bill. Without more adoBill got up, grabbed Tony's hand and the two got out on the floor, facedabout and bowed. The clapping took a spasmodic leap and ceased.
Bill pushed Tony away from him and limped back several feet. Then he puthis hollowed fist to his mouth and shouted into it:
"This is broadcasting station P D Q! I hope you are listening in!"
Tony caught the idea at once and put his hand to his ear. Billcontinued:
"Strikes me this crowd here is crazy! A noisy bunch! Maybe they thinkwe're candidates for mayor, or something! This radio business is somepumpkins; eh, boy? I'd radiophone you a message in Italian, only I'veleft my dictionary at home! Well, I guess they've looked at us longenough now, so let's switch off!"
Amid laughter, the boys returned to their seats.
"This is a gala occasion," said Doctor Field, "and you must bear withthe exuberance of our youthful enthusiasts. We have one otherinteresting experience for you, demonstrating the wonders of radio. Now,then, Mr. Sabaste, if you will----"
Tony and Gus quickly left the room. Presently, through the open door andfrom above, sharp, cracking sounds something like miniature pistol shotswere heard. There was also a droning buzz and the sound of a loudspeaking voice, the words unrecognized. The president added:
"Mr. Sabaste is now broadcasting a message, in Italian, to the yacht_Elettra_, outside New York harbor. He previously appointed this hour tosend such a communication to none other than _Signor_ William Marconi,asking him for a message to our school. We hope Sabaste may besuccessful."
In a few moments the sounds from the transmitter in the broadcastingroom ceased. There came a brief period of expectant silence, some of theaudience staring about uncertainly, others more intelligently looking atthe big horn of the receiver on the platform table. The time lengthened.It threatened to grow a little tedious. Then as Tony and Gus hastilyappeared in the doorway, the sound of a human voice and good, clearEnglish words emanated from the horn.
"The yacht _Elettra_, Marconi speaking. My young friend, the son of myfriend Sabaste, now a citizen of America, has asked me to send a word ofgreeting to the Marshallton Technical College,--I hope I have the namecorrectly. I confess my being called on seems rather unusual, but yet Iam glad to be able to communicate with an American educationalinstitution, especially one devoted to physical knowledge, mechanics andelectricity.
"It is not unlikely you have among your students some future greatinventors--perhaps some Edison, Bell or Morse--time will only determinethis. America is a nation of inventors--the leaders in this mechanicalage. Study, close application, the not too stringent adherence toformulae and old methods are bound to win. Inspiration, vision, theseizing of opportunities to improve, the wish to gain somethingdesired--these are the keynotes to success in the field of mechanicalendeavor and scientific discovery. In the words of one of the greatestAmericans who had visions and did things: 'It is up to you.' I wish yourschool and its students every success."
The voice in the horn ceased to be heard. There was a moment ofbreathless silence, as everyone in the audience, with attention rivetedon the radio receiver, listened for other words to follow. Then onceagain the Doctor was on his feet.
"We shall later radio our gratitude to Mr. Marconi for this kind andhelpful message which is a fitting climax to our wireless celebration.We feel that our students have been benefited and inspired and we hopeyou have all been entertained. Good night."