At noon today a small fast biplane appeared over Akron and
proceeded to throw the populace into a panic by performing a
series of zooms and dives and perilous nose spins low over the
business section of town. Onlookers said that the plane narrowly
missed hitting the tops of the buildings and that it several
times almost dove into the crowds in the streets.
Hospital authorities complained to city officials that the plane
roared low over the hospital, frightening many of their patients
and endangering the lives of others. Other complaints have
rolled in from all over the city.
City officials told reporters that the name of the pilot is
known. He was a former resident of Akron and was a student at
Akron University. At present he is on duty with the Army
Aviation Service. Officials said they had reported the
outrageous act to the military authorities at the pilot's home
station.
"I wonder who that damned fool could have been," I said as I handed the
clipping back to my friends. I grinned.
I was staying with my uncle. I didn't have much appetite for dinner that
night. I didn't sleep very well.
"What is the matter, Jim?" my uncle asked me at breakfast the next
morning. "Why don't you eat more?"
"I don't feel very well," I said.
I got back to Selfridge that afternoon. Nobody there had heard of my
escapade.