Page:Jack Heaton, Wireless Operator (Collins, 1919).djvu/36

 sion, propagation and reception of electromagnetic waves,” I enthused, pulling off some of that heavy, theoretical stuff of Bob’s.

“That is all very well,” he came back, “and I’m glad you can talk so understandingly, at least to your father, but those big words are not getting you anywhere in algebra and that’s the point at issue.”

Then suddenly veering the ‘subject he asked, “How far can you send a message with that coil apparatus there?”

“A couple of miles in daylight if the atmosphere is right and about twice that far at night if there is not too much interference. You see—”

“How much would an apparatus cost that had power enough to send say twenty miles?” he broke in.

“About fifty dollars, I guess,” I made reply.

“Then let’s strike a bargain. It’s two months till school is out and if you will bend your efforts and pass everything—everything, mind you—I’ll see to it that you have a sending outfit that’s worth something.”

“Dad, you’re all right,” I ejaculated, shaking his hand warmly.