Danny Dunn and the Anti-Gravity Paint Read Online Free PDF

Grimes said, “that you will allow me to play along with you.”
    â€œOn the fiddle? I’m afraid there isn’t room,” said Professor Bullfinch. “Only one at a time—”
    â€œNo, no. I didn’t mean that.” Dr. Grimes reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and brought out a small leather case. “I play the piccolo for relaxation, as it happens.”
    â€œSplendid!” cried the Professor.
    He went to a closet and brought out his bull fiddle. He tuned it and played a few notes. Meantime Dr. Grimes had fitted together his piccolo, and now he blew a few runs on it. They looked very odd together: Dr. Grimes, tall and portly and red-faced, with the tiny piccolo at his lips, and Professor Bullfinch, round and fat, straining up to reach the neck of the bull fiddle, which was much taller than he was.
    Then they began to play. They started with a lively dance, the piccolo squealing shrilly, the bull fiddle zoom-zooming darkly. The combination reminded Danny of a small and active kitten racing round a big Saint Bernard.
    When they had finished, they mopped their foreheads and began a slower piece. Then they played a quick melody. Louder and faster they played, tapping their feet and nodding their heads. Suddenly they were interrupted by a loud crash.
    â€œWhat was that?” asked the Professor.
    Mrs. Dunn, who had been listening with a smile from the doorway, hastened into the room.
    â€œYour lovely glass vase!” she clucked sympathetically. “How on earth did it happen? It was standing on the edge of the sideboard.”
    She began to collect the pieces of broken glass.
    â€œI wonder,” said the Professor, “if possibly a high note from the piccolo broke the glass.”
    â€œHow could it do that?” Danny asked.
    â€œWell, the vibration of a high note can cause glass to vibrate in sympathy.”
    â€œNonsense!” Dr. Grimes began to bristle.
    â€œIt is much more likely that the vibrations from a low note on the bull fiddle caused the sideboard to vibrate, and shook the vase off.”
    â€œMy dear Grimes,” said the Professor, “it’s a matter of pitch. And a shrill note can shatter glass.”
    Dr. Grimes glared. “Are you suggesting that my piccolo is shrill?”
    â€œIt is certainly not low-toned,” said the Professor mildly. “But the bull fiddle—”
    â€œThe bull fiddle is only fit for accompaniment,” said Dr. Grimes. “The pitch is so low—”
    â€œYes, but the pitch of the piccolo is so high—” the Professor interrupted.
    Luckily, at that instant the doorbell rang. The two scientists stopped their quarrel, while Mrs. Dunn went to the door. They heard Mr. Willoughby’s voice greeting her, and next moment he came into the room.
    â€œGood afternoon!” he cried, beaming at them. “A happy little concert party, eh? I am delighted to see that you two gentlemen have become so friendly. No more arguments, eh? Good, good!”
    Dr. Grimes began to put his piccolo away. “Well, what’s the news, Willoughby?” he said.
    â€œI won’t keep you in suspense. The news is good. Washington has decided to give priority to experiments with the—er—the anti-gravity fluid. And if—mind you, I say if —it appears that we have something suitable for space travel, then funds will be provided for the construction of a spaceship.”
    â€œExcellent!” Professor Bullfinch looked very pleased.
    â€œI am to be in charge of the project,” Mr. Willoughby continued. “That is, I will have to make regular reports on progress. Dr. Grimes, we shall retain you as advisor. And now, Professor Bullfinch, the rest is up to you.”
    And solemnly, although his blue eyes were sparkling behind his glasses, he held out his hand.
    Professor Bullfinch shook it. “This time,” he remarked, “I hope we can finish our handshake without