The tank was powerfully armored and would be armed. There
were a number of machine guns to be installed, quick-firers
of various types, and in addition the tank could carry a
number of riflemen.
It was upon the crushing power of the tank, though, that
most reliance was placed. Thus it could lead the way for an
infantry advance through the enemy's lines, making nothing
of barbed wire that would take an artillery fire of several
days to cut to pieces.
"And now, Ned," said Tom, about a week after the night
test of the tank, "I'm going to try what she'll do in
bridging a gap."
"Have you got her in shape again?"
"Yes, everything is all right. I've taken out the weak
part in the steering gear that nearly caused us to run you
down, and we're safe in that respect now. And I've got the
grippers made. It only remains to see whether they're strong
enough to bear the weight of my little baby," and Tom
affectionately patted the steel sides of Tank A.
While his men were getting the machine ready for a test
out on the road, and for a journey across a small stream not
far away, Tom told his chum about conceiving the idea for
the tank and carrying it out secretly with the aid of his
father and certain workmen.
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