Danny Dunn and the Anti-Gravity Paint Read Online Free Page A

seems clear to me that, among other things, we may have the solution to the problem of space flight.”
    Danny’s eyes widened. “S-space flight!” he shouted.
    The Professor raised his hand. “I said may ,” he cautioned. “I have no idea yet whether it will be practical. We don’t know how long the effect lasts. That shoe may come tumbling down on our heads by tomorrow morning. We’ll leave it on the ceiling, for the time being, for observation. I have no notion of what the force of the liquid is, or whether it must be continuously charged with electricity, or—or about anything,” he finished rather helplessly. He threw out his arms. “All I know is that it appears to cut off the power of gravity.”
    Mr. Willoughby drew a long breath. “Space flight,” he repeated. “By George, it’s—it’s big . Too big to swallow all at once. One thing I do know, though: I’ll have to notify Washington.”
    He glanced at his watch. “Too late now. I’m afraid there’ll be no one in the office. First thing tomorrow morning, then. Meanwhile, there’s one thing I must stress.”
    He looked round at them, his eyes sober behind the gold-rimmed spectacles. “I must ask you all—especially you, young man”—nodding at Danny—“to be very circumspect about this—this effect.”
    â€œI promise,” Danny said promptly. “What does ‘circumspect’ mean? To look it over carefully?”
    â€œThat’s ‘inspect’ ” said the Professor. “No, Mr. Willoughby means we mustn’t say anything to anyone about it. It will have to remain a secret for the time being. You mustn’t breathe a word of it, not even to your best friend—what’s his name?—that boy who always looks so sad.”
    â€œJoe Pearson. Not even to Joe?”
    â€œNo. Will you promise? On your honor as a—as a scientist, Dan?”
    Danny nodded solemnly.
    â€œWell, then, that’s settled,” said Willoughby. “I’ll put through a long-distance call tomorrow. We will have to get a research grant.” He took off his glasses and wiped them carefully. “If there is a possibility of space flight, we’ll need money for the construction of a ship. A ship to the stars!” He looked up at the shoe on the ceiling. “Great heavens,” he said. “The excitement has worn me out. I feel quite exhausted.”
    â€œWell, no wonder,” said Mrs. Dunn in a practical tone. “It’s long past dinner time. I think we’d all be the better for a mouthful of food.”
    â€œWell spoken,” said the Professor. “Do I remember something about pineapple upside-down cake? Dr. Grimes, Mr. Willoughby, after you gentlemen.” He motioned to the dining room.
    Dr. Grimes snorted. “Do you propose to begin experiments on this—this so-called antigravity effect, tonight?”
    â€œTomorrow morning will be time enough,” said the Professor.
    â€œThen I must ask you to put me up,” Dr. Grimes said bluntly. “I have no intention of leaving you to rig up any tricks behind my back.”
    The Professor frowned. Then he controlled his annoyance and said quietly, “Dr. Grimes, you have spent so much time in rocket research that I can understand your feelings about this new material. You are welcome to stay here as long as you like and to work with me on all experiments. It will be valuable, no doubt, for me to have someone to check all my work. Does that satisfy you?”
    Dr. Grimes could never apologize. But he grunted, “Thank you. Most generous.” Which was as close as he could come to admitting he might have acted rudely.
    It was nearly eleven o’clock when Danny at last went up to bed. Downstairs he could hear the three men still talking and arguing loudly. They were planning a series of experiments for the morning. He