ride, "and I am glad to learn no
one else was in the plot."

"And his own foolish actions were the cause of this wreck," went on
Lieutenant Wilson. "He said he was sure of winning after he had left
you behind, and he wanted to try some experiments in quick turns. He
made one too quick, and broke off one of the planes."

"Well, we must consider what is to be done," said Mr. Vardon. "We must
get you all to a hospital and a doctor, at once."

"Don't mind about me," replied Lieutenant Wilson, gamely. "If you can
send me help, do so, but don't delay here. Go on and win the race.
You have the best chance, I believe."

"We don't go on until we see you cared for," spoke Dick. "We would
take you all with us, only it might endanger you."

"Well, I wish you'd take me!" exclaimed Uncle Ezra, limping about. "I
want to get back home. Nephew Richard, I'm sorry I tried to beat you
in this race."

"That's all right, Uncle Ezra," answered the young millionaire. "You
had as good a right to try for the prize as I did."

"But I want to say I didn't have no hand in trying to butt into you,"
went on Mr. Larabee. "It was all that--that unfortunate man's idea,"
he added more softly, as he gazed at Larson who was still unconscious.
"Dick, will you forgive me, and shake hands?"

"Surely, Uncle Ezra," and as their hands met, Grit, who had been eyeing
Mr. Larabee narrowly, uttered a joyful bark, and actually wagged his
tail at Uncle Ezra.

"Grit, you shake hands, too," ordered Dick, and though Uncle Ezra was a
little diffident at first, he grasped the extended paw of the bulldog.
They were friends for the first time.

"We could take Uncle Ezra in the airship," said Paul, after a pause,
"and if we could only send out a call for help for Lieutenant Wilson
and Larson, they would be looked after."

"There's an army post not far from here," spoke Wilson. "If you could
make a trip there--"

"We'd have to land again, to summon aid, and this is the last stop we
are allowed in the race," said Mr. Vardon. "I don't see how--"

"Your wireless!" interrupted Lieutenant McBride. "We can send out a
call to the army post by that--if they have a wireless station."

"They have," answered Lieutenant Wilson, as his fellow officer looked
at him. "If you will summon aid from there, we will be well taken care
of."

"Good!" cried Dick. "That problem is solved."

The wireless apparatus was brought out, the small balloon inflated, and
it car