had made a study of air currents, and the management
of biplanes and monoplanes, and were equal to Mr. Vardon in this
respect. And so the cadets looked on and listened, watching the army
aviators test their machines, run them over the starting ground, and
finally, by a tilting of the rudders, send the machines up like big
birds.

"Young gentlemen," announced Colonel Masterly after chapel exercises
one morning, "I have an important announcement to make. You have been
studying aviation for some time now, and it is necessary, if you keep
on with it, to have practical work. Therefore we have decided that,
taking turns, those cadets in this course will make a flight, beginning
with today. You will go up, one in each aeroplane, with the two army
officers, who will look after and instruct you.

"I will now call for volunteers to make the first flight. Don't all
speak at once," added the colonel, with a grim smile.

There was a moment of breathless pause, and then, from where he sat,
Dick arose. With a salute he said:

"I'll volunteer, sir."

"Good!" came in whispered comment that the colonel did not try to check.

"And I'll also volunteer!" spoke Innis, quickly.

"So will I!" added Paul, and then several more announced their
intention.

That afternoon came around very quickly, it seemed. Out on the
starting ground were the two big machines, being looked over by the
army men. The cadets were drawn up in files.

"All ready, sir," announced Captain Grantly to Major Rockford. "The
first cadet will take his place."

"Dick Hamilton!" called the commandant, and our hero stepped forward
for his first airship flight.

CHAPTER VII

A QUEER LANDING

"Now don't get nervous," said Captain Grantly to Dick, with a grim
smile, as the young millionaire took his seat in the place provided for
the third occupant of the biplane.

"Well, I'll try my best," answered Dick, smiling ruefully. "Am I to do
anything?"

"Not a thing," Captain Grantly assured him. "Just sit still; that's
all."

Dick rather wished he could have gone in the other machine, for he had
no liking for the surly lieutenant with the captain. But Dick had been
assigned to this craft, and military rules prevailed at Kentfield. You
did as you were told without question.

Dick took his place, and watched with interest the operations of
Captain Grantly and his lieutenant. Whatever one thought of the
latter, personally, it must be admitted that h