Author
Leland Jamieson
1904-1941
Leland Jamieson (1904-1941) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Leland Jamieson
Altitude
"Altitude by Leland Jamieson" is an aviation adventure short story written in the early 20th century. The story centers on a free-balloon expert’s bid for an altitude record, highlighting the dangers of high-altitude flight, the necessity of precise equipment, and the thin line between mastery and catastrophe. Captain Conway prepares the giant hydrogen balloon Marie IV for a record-breaking ascent, aided by his sober, loyal crewman Kisner and the talkative, unreliable Welkfurn. A critical delay keeps a de-oiled, cold-proof clock from reaching the field in time, and Conway launches with a standard clock that soon freezes. As he climbs into the stratosphere, oxygen dwindles, paralysis creeps over his body, and the stopped clock robs him of his timing. At the peak, near death, he manages to trigger the rip-cord, causing a disastrous deflation; the balloon fails to parachute properly and plummets. Regaining just enough awareness near the ground, he bails out under his own parachute and survives. Rescued by Kisner and a chastened Welkfurn, he later reflects on the razor’s edge of his success—both the new record and his life saved by a last-moment escape.
Storm
"Storm by Leland Jamieson" is an aviation adventure short story written in the late 1920s. Set in Texas, it follows a desperate race against nature after a tornado obliterates a small hill town, focusing on the perilous logistics of emergency aid. The likely topic is the courage and ingenuity of ordinary people and pilots under extreme pressure, as a risky flight is attempted to bring medical help to the devastated community. A tornado levels Rock Springs, leaving chaos, injuries, and darkness. Mary Collins, the town’s telephone operator, struggles through the storm and lightning to reach a distant ranch and raise the alarm. In San Antonio, Doctor Wilson enlists Air Patrol pilot Nick Wentworth to fly him in an aging Vought with a leaking radiator. Their night flight forces an emergency landing; they improvise a water-feed from the wing tank and build a dirt ramp to claw into the air, damaging the landing gear. Battling headwinds and dwindling water, they reach the hills near Rock Springs, dead-stick into a tiny roadside field, and crash—but survive. Driven into town with Mary, they find relief that Wilson’s mother is safe, and the tale closes by honoring Mary’s grit while noting how close the daring air rescue came to failing.
Flood waters
"Flood Waters" by Leland S. Jamieson is a thrilling adventure story written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the dire consequences of a catastrophic flood affecting the Mississippi River area, highlighting the struggles of individuals caught in the devastation and the heroic efforts of a pilot working to save those affected. The story follows Nick Wentworth, the chief pilot of the U.S. Air Patrol, who is assigned to deliver urgent food and medical supplies to flood victims. When a train accident complicates his mission, he faces challenging conditions while attempting to rescue injured crew members and a distraught daughter. Battling inclement weather and the limitations of his aircraft, Nick demonstrates extraordinary bravery and resourcefulness. The tale progresses with gripping suspense as he navigates the airborne obstacles toward delivering the injured to safety, ultimately bringing forth themes of courage, sacrifice, and humanity amidst disaster.