ing of an aviation course here,
and it may be you would like to assist me in it. I want the cadets to
learn something about the fundamentals of heavier-than-air machines.
Will you accept a position as instructor?"

"I will, gladly," said Mr. Vardon. "I might as well admit that I have
no further funds to pursue my experiments, though I am satisfied that I
am on the right track. But my machine is wrecked."

"Perhaps it can be raised," said the colonel, cheerfully. "We will
talk about that later. And we may find a way to have you conduct your
experiments here."

"I can not thank you enough, sir," returned the aviator. "And I am
also deeply indebted to my cousin's chum--Dick Hamilton. But for him,
and the other cadets in the boat, we might all have been drowned."

"I'm glad we were on hand," said Dick, with a smile.

CHAPTER III

DICK'S RESOLVE

"What do you know about that?"

"A regular course in aviation!"

"And birdmen from the United States Army to came here and show us how
to do stunts!"

"Well, you fellows can go in for it if you like, but automobiling is
dangerous enough sport for me."

"Ah, what's the matter with you? Flying is pretty nearly as safe now
as walking! Not half as many birdmen have been killed as there have
railroad travelers."

"No, because there are more railroad travelers to be killed. No cloud
flights for mine!"

A group of cadets, Dick, Innis and Paul among them, were discussing the
latest news at Kentfield.

It was the day following the accident to the biplane. After a brief
consultation with Mr. Vardon, and a calling together of his faculty
members, Colonel Masterly had made formal announcement that a course in
aviation would be open at Kentfield for those who cared to take it.

"I think it will be great!" cried Dick.

"Are you going in for it?" asked Paul.

"I sure am--if dad will let me."

"Oh, I guess he will all right," spoke Innis, "He lets you do almost
anything you want to--in reason. But I know a certain person who WILL
object."

"Who?" asked Dick, fondling his dog.

"Your Uncle Ezra!"

"I guess that's so!" laughed Dick. "He'll say it's expensive, and all
that sort of thing, and that I'll be sure to break my neck, or at least
fracture an arm. But we saw one accident that came out pretty well. I
think I'll take a chance."

"So will I!" cried Paul.

"I guess you can count me in," agreed Innis, slowly.

"How about it, Larry?" asked Dick, a