Direct Methods by Thomson Burtis
"Direct Methods" by Thomson Burtis is a thrilling adventure set in the post-World War I era, focusing on the daring exploits of a government agent named Mr. Graves. The story begins with Graves arriving at Langham Field, where he meets General O'Malley to discuss a secret mission. Graves is tasked with capturing Stanislaus Hayden, the mastermind behind a series of massive mail robberies. Hayden is hiding in a remote mountain cabin in West Virginia, surrounded by loyal henchmen. Graves enlists the help of two experienced pilots, Lieutenants Broughton and Hinkley, to execute a bold plan. They are to fly a Martin bomber over Hayden's hideout, simulate a forced landing, and capture Hayden without alerting his criminal network. The pilots are chosen for their flying skills, discretion, and ability to handle themselves in dangerous situations. The mission is fraught with challenges, including the need to land on a steep, narrow clearing on the mountain. Despite the risks, Broughton successfully lands the bomber, and the team is able to infiltrate Hayden's camp under the guise of a forced landing. Graves, Broughton, and Hinkley must navigate the suspicions of Hayden's men, who are wary of the unexpected visitors. As tensions rise, Graves devises a plan to capture Hayden by surprise. The team manages to subdue Hayden and his closest associates, loading him onto the bomber for a daring escape. The pilots skillfully take off from the precarious mountain clearing, evading gunfire from Hayden's men. The return flight is not without peril, as a radiator leak threatens to disable one of the bomber's engines. Hinkley bravely climbs onto the wing mid-flight to temporarily seal the leak, allowing the team to reach a safe landing site. They successfully deliver Hayden to the authorities, ensuring the dismantling of his criminal organization. The story concludes with Graves and the pilots receiving commendations for their bravery and ingenuity, though their identities and the details of the mission remain classified to protect ongoing investigations. "Direct Methods" is a testament to the courage and resourcefulness of those who operate in the shadows to uphold justice.
By Thomson Burtis · First published 1976 · Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Action · 6 chapters · 18,746 words
First lines
A De Haviland airplane was spiraling down over the level expanse of Langham Field. As the slim young pilot in the front seat slowly throttled the big Liberty motor which had carried the ship from Washington, the passenger peered down interestedly. Twenty-two massive twin-motored bombers were lined up on the Eastern edge of the field, nose to nose in two lines. They looked like waiting monsters, slothful but terrible in their suggestion of power. The sinking sun sent shafts of light flashing from the metal, and as the dropping De Haviland gave the two flyers constantly changing angles of vision it seemed as though the ships were alive, so blinding was the play of light from glistening turn-buckles and the glass covers of the instruments on each motor.
What this Textopian page supports
Direct Methods is listed on Textopian as a novella by Thomson Burtis, dated 1976 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Thomson Burtis
- Date: 1976 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Action, Crime Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 18,746 words
- Structure: 6 chapters, 416 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Direct Methods by Thomson Burtis
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Thriller — The plot is driven by high-stakes tension and suspense conveyed with straightforward, unembellished prose.
- Mystery — The narrative incorporates enigmatic elements and investigative undertones that challenge the reader to unravel hidden motives.
- Action — The direct writing style propels dynamic, fast-paced sequences and confrontations integral to the storyline.
- Crime Fiction — The book weaves in elements of criminal activity and moral ambiguity that add layers to its conflict.
Tags
numerical methods · linear algebra · direct solution · matrix operations · Gaussian elimination · LU decomposition · computational mathematics · engineering computations · system solving · algorithm design · applied mathematics · simulation techniques