to the Academy, those in the other airship
being informed, by a signal, that all was now right. When the story of
the queer landing was told, Dick was regarded as a hero by his
companions.

"Just think!" complained Paul, whimsically, "your first trip, and you
have an accident and you don't get so much as a scratch."

"Yes, but I got run over and knocked down by a pig," laughed Dick.
"I'll take the scratches, please. No more pigs!"

"And after that, are you still going to build an airship?" asked Innis.

"I sure am! It's the greatest sensation in the world--aviation! I
wouldn't miss it for a fortune. And I'm going to pull down that twenty
thousand dollar prize; don't forget that, fellows."

"Good luck!" wished Paul.

In the days that followed there were many more airship flights, but no
accidents of moment. Dick went up again several times, and at last was
allowed to run the aeroplane himself, with the captain and lieutenant
to coach him. Then only one officer went along, another cadet being
taken up with Dick.

And finally the day came when Dick was qualified to take the craft up
alone, with two other cadets. He had graduated as a pilot of the air,
and properly proud he was of the honor.

"All you want now is experience," said Captain Grantly, as Dick came
back after a successful flight with Paul and Innis. "And that takes
time."

Dick's two intimate chums also qualified as amateur pilots, and a
number of other cadets were equally successful. The aviation course at
Kentfield was very popular.

Then came the end of the term, and the summer vacation was at hand. The
last drills and guard-mounts were held. The graduation exercises were
finished in a "blaze of glory." The Juniors gave a gay dance, at which
Dick and his chums met the pretty girls whom they had seen at the dock
that day.

"And now for Hamilton Corners!" cried the young millionaire, when the
Academy was formally closed for the term. "I want you fellows to come
out with me, and watch my airship being built."

Mr. Vardon had found he could not build for Dick at Kentfield the craft
he wanted. It would take too long, and there were not the facilities.
So he and his helper went to Hamilton Corners, to do the preliminary
work. Dick and his chums were to follow as soon as school was over.
Larry Dexter went back to New York, but promised to join Dick in time
for the flight for the big government prize.

"Well, Dad, how are you?" cried Di