Grantly to
Colonel Masterly, "and they have informed me that we are to remain here
until further notice, instructing your cadets in the use of the
aircraft."

"And we are very glad to have you here," replied the commandant of
Kentfield. "If you will come with me I will assign you to quarters."

"We had better put away our biplanes, and haul down our wireless
outfit," suggested Captain Grantly.

"Allow me to assign some of the cadets to help you," suggested the
colonel, and this offer being accepted, Dick, to his delight, was one
of those detailed, as were Innis and Paul.

Giving his instructions to the two lieutenants, Captain Grantly, with
the junior captain, accompanied Colonel Masterly to the main buildings
of the Academy.

"Well, let's dig in, and get through with this job," suggested
Lieutenant Larson, in surly tones to his companion. "Then I'm going to
ask for leave and go to town. I'm tired."

"So am I, but we've got to tighten up some of those guy wires. They
are loose and need attention. They might order a flight any time," his
fellow lieutenant said.

"Well, you can stay and tighten 'em if you like. I'm not," was the
growling retort. "I'm sick of this business anyhow! Let some of the
kids do the work."

"They don't know how," was the good-natured answer of Lieutenant
McBride.

"There is a professional aviator here now," said Dick, as he recalled
Mr. Vardon. "We might get him to help you."

"I don't care," said Lieutenant Larson, as he began hauling down the
suspended balloon. "I only know I'm sick of so much work. I think
I'll go back into the artillery."

Dick and his chums naturally did not care much for the surly soldier,
but they liked Lieutenant McBride at once. He smilingly told them what
to do, and the boys helped to push the machines to a shed that had been
set aside for them. The wireless apparatus was taken apart and stored
away, the gas being let out of the balloon.

The work was almost finished, when Larry Dexter, with Mr. Vardon and
the latter's helper, Jack, came across to the sheds. They had come to
see the army airships.

By this time Lieutenant Larson had finished what he considered was his
share of the work, and was on his way to get a brief leave of absence
from his captain. At the entrance to the shed he came face to face
with Mr. Vardon and Jack.

"Oh, so you're the professional aviator they spoke of," said Larson,
with a sneer in his tone.

"Yes, I'm