The spanners would be pulled out from their sockets on the
side of the tank by means of steel cables, which were
operated from within. They would be run out across the gap
and fastened in place. The tank was designed to travel along
them to the other side of the gap, and, once there, to pick
tip the girders, slip them back into place on the sides, and
the engine of war would travel on.
"You are mightily excited, Tom.
"I admit it, Ned. You see, I have not tried the grippers
out except on a small model. They worked there, but whether
they will work in practice remains to be seen. Of course, at
this stage, I'm willing to stake my all on the results, but
there is always a half-question until the final try-out
under practical conditions."
"Well, we'll soon see," said one of the workmen. "Are you
ready, Mr. Swift?"
"All ready," answered Tom.
Tank A, as she was officially known, had come to a stop,
as has been said, on the very edge of Tinkle Creek. The
banks were fairly solid here, and descended precipitously to
the water ten feet below.
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