# The Terror in the Air explained — Craig Kennedy Stories

> Chapter companion for Craig Kennedy Stories by Arthur B. Reeve.

## What happens

Craig Kennedy and Walter Jameson investigate the mysterious crashes of Norton's aeroplanes at an aviation meet, which have already killed two men. Norton, facing financial ruin and public scorn, is determined to fly himself to prove his gyroscope invention is sound. Kennedy suspects sabotage and devises a test: he has Norton fly without the gyroscope and dynamo while he monitors the airwaves from the grandstand roof with an ondometer. The wireless operator reports being jammed by powerful, unknown interference, and Kennedy's instrument detects the source of the Hertzian waves, pointing toward the field.

## Themes in this chapter

### Science in Crime Detection

Kennedy uses scientific instruments like the ondometer to detect Hertzian waves and investigates the physical wreckage for clues, applying a scientific approach to solve the mystery.

### Modernity and Progress

The chapter highlights the cutting-edge technology of aeroplanes, gyroscopes, and wireless telegraphy, and the competitive race for prizes and patents that drives innovation.

### Fear and Paranoia

The unexplained crashes and deaths create an atmosphere of fear and suspicion, with Jameson distrusting Jaurette and the press calling Norton a 'cold, heartless, scientific crank.'

## Character check-ins

### Craig Kennedy

Investigates the aeroplane crashes, devises a test to fly without the gyroscope, and uses an ondometer to detect the source of wireless interference.

### Walter Jameson

Narrates the investigation, accompanies Kennedy to the aviation field, and observes the events.

### Mr. Norton

The inventor of the gyroscope-equipped aeroplane, determined to prove his invention despite the deaths of his pilots and his financial stake in the Brooks Prize.

### Roy Sinclair

One of Norton's aviators, who works diligently on repairing the aeroplane.

### Jaurette

A French mechanic working for Norton, who appears sullen and is viewed with suspicion by Jameson.

## Key lines

> I’d drop the whole thing if I didn’t know I was right. Two men dead—think of it. Why, even the newspapers are beginning to call me a cold, heartless, scientific crank, to keep on.

Norton expresses his determination to continue despite the deaths and public criticism, driven by his belief in his invention.

_Highlights Norton's motivation and the pressure he faces._

> “There it is again,” muttered the operator angrily. “What’s the matter?” asked Kennedy. “Amateurs interfering with you?” The man nodded a reply, shaking his head with the telephone-like receiver, viciously.

The wireless operator complains about persistent interference that is preventing him from communicating with the aeroplanes.

_Introduces the key clue of wireless jamming as a potential cause of the accidents._

> “Detach your gyroscope and dynamo,” it read. “Leave them in the hangar. Fly without them this afternoon, and see what happens. No use to try for the prize today. Kennedy.”

Kennedy sends a message to Norton instructing him to fly without the gyroscope and dynamo as a test.

_Shows Kennedy's experimental approach to isolating the cause of the crashes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/craig_kennedy_stories_se/chapters/the-terror-in-the-air
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/craig_kennedy_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/craig_kennedy_stories_se/chapters