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with a similar proposal. He tried to persuade the Wrights to build a machine for him but there was not sufficient time to do it and if we we re to have any business this season it was necessary that something be done quickly. I suggested a partnership agreement. We would build two machines which would be complete in every detail and just alike, I would finance the enterprise and reimburse myself from the net receipts. We were to divide the proceeds so he agreed to the plan. We then left Washington and purchased the necessary silk in New York City and went immediately to Toledo. We varnished and hung up the silk. I then made a drawing of the pattern and laid out the work. I went to Detroit and was successful in making a contract for daily races between the two airships once around the race track. With this agreement in my pocket, I soon had profitable contracts for the rest of the season. If we were careful both of us would make a good income.

When I returned, the sewing of the balloons was well under way. We then constructed the frame, mounted the motors and propellers and in just a month from the time we decided to go into partnership, we were ready to make the first demonstration at Detroit.

                              RACING AIRSHIPS
This was a hectic season but quite successful. Beachey made a good partner. I could depend on whatever he said and we never had a disagreement. Flying two identical ships had possibilities which we were quick to take advantage of. As they both had motors of 5 horse power and exactly alike, it was possible to do some experimenting to develop speed. First, Beachey would be able to make greater speed. The, by slightly increasing the pitch of my propellers, I would beat him. Then by making a change in his propellers he would develop more speed so by building new types of propellers, we gained a speed of slightly more than 25 miles