Page:Hugh Pendexter--Tiberius Smith.djvu/335

 have your mechanics put them together. That's the scenario.'

"Some said he was crazy, but I believed he would win out if they let him alone, and the captain asked if he intended to palm off the mowers as machine-guns. "‘If they can't recognize a mowing-machine the chances are they are not conversant with Maxims,' growled Tib. 'No, I'll play 'em as mowing-machines and take a medal at that. I believe they'll be big medicine to the untutored.'

"Of course the captain pooh-poohed the scheme. He said the niggers would kill the lass before the paraphernalia could be thrown together.

"‘And while you are doing zero and can think of nothing to do, they may kill her,' cried Tib. 'And her blood be upon your head. Mine is the only plan that has been advanced, and it is practical. It's unusual, but you can't impress these folks with shot-guns. It's got to be something unhackneyed in the way of scenic effect. If I had an airship I'd use that. But I haven't. I'm not trying to boom these mowers by advertising 'em. But by using 'em we can stagger the banditti. We can start in three hours if you'll only give the word. I shall want a full chorus to tag along with the batteries. You lose nothing, unless it is I and some of my friends and the machines. So, unwind the red tape and start things.'