A MESSAGE
A round of applause was given the Italian lad as he was about to leave
the platform. Suddenly Tony stopped and held up his hand for silence.
"You must not--ah, applaud to me for this speaking. I have the inspire
to do it, yes, but not the words entire. So it is my friend Brown who
set me correct on the words and the speeching. We are then both equally
the speechers, my friend Bill Brown and I."
The applause was continued now,--a goodly number appreciated the honesty
of this declaration. Tony had taken his seat. The president arose and
began to talk again, but could not be heard for some mischief-making
students who kept up the racket.
Gus leaned over and spoke to Tony and then to Bill. Without more ado
Bill got up, grabbed Tony's hand and the two got out on the floor, faced
about and bowed. The clapping took a spasmodic leap and ceased.
Bill pushed Tony away from him and limped back several feet. Then he put
his 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. Bill
continued:
"Strikes me this crowd here is crazy! A noisy bunch! Maybe they think
we're candidates for mayor, or something! This radio business is some
pumpkins; eh, boy? I'd radiophone you a message in Italian, only I've
left my dictionary at home! Well, I guess they've looked at us long
enough 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 with
the exuberance of our youthful enthusiasts. We have one other
interesting 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 and
from above, sharp, cracking sounds something like miniature pistol shots
were heard. There was also a droning buzz and the sound of a loud
speaking 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 to
send such a communication to none other than _Signor_ William Marconi,
asking him for a message to our school. We hope Sabaste may be
successful."
In a few moments the sounds from the transmitter in the broadcasting
room ceased. There came a brief period of expectant silence, some of the
audience staring about uncertainly, others more intelligently looking at
the big horn of the receiver on the platform table. The time lengthened.
It threatened to grow a little tedious. Then as Tony and Gus hastily
appeared in the doorway, the sound of a human voice and good, clear
English words emanated from the horn.
"The yacht _Elettra_, Marconi speaking. My young friend, the son of my
friend Sabaste, now a citizen of America, has asked me to send a word of
greeting to the Marshallton Technical College,--I hope I have the name
correctly. I confess my being called on seems rather unusual, but yet I
am glad to be able to communicate with an American educational
institution, especially one devoted to physical knowledge, mechanics and
electricity.
"It is not unlikely you have among your students some future great
inventors--perhaps some Edison, Bell or Morse--time will only determine
this. America is a nation of inventors--the leaders in this mechanical
age. Study, close application, the not too stringent adherence to
formulae and old methods are bound to win. Inspiration, vision, the
seizing of opportunities to improve, the wish to gain something
desired--these are the keynotes to success in the field of mechanical
endeavor and scientific discovery. In the words of one of the greatest
Americans who had visions and did things: 'It is up to you.' I wish your
school and its students every success."
The voice in the horn ceased to be heard. There was a moment of
breathless silence, as everyone in the audience, with attention riveted
on the radio receiver, listened for other words to follow. Then once
again the Doctor was on his feet.
"We shall later radio our gratitude to Mr. Marconi for this kind and
helpful message which is a fitting climax to our wireless celebration.
We feel that our students have been benefited and inspired and we hope
you have all been entertained. Good night."