ck, as he greeted his father at the
family mansion in Hamilton Corners.

"Fine, my boy! There's no use asking how YOU are, I can see you are
fine!"

"Did Vardon and Jack get here? Have they started work?" Dick wanted to
know.

"Yes, I did just as you asked me to in your letter. I let them have
the run of the place, and they've been busy ever since they came. I
hope you are successful, Dick, but, I have my doubts."

"I'll show you!" cried the cadet enthusiastically.

CHAPTER IX

UNCLE EZRA'S VISIT

Dick and his father had much to talk about concerning the airship. Dick
explained his plans, and described the new stabilizer.

"Well, now that you have explained it to me, I don't see but what it
may be possible," said Mr. Hamilton, after carefully considering the
matter. "It isn't so much the expense, since you have your own
fortune, but, of course, there is the element of danger to be
considered."

"Well, there's danger in anything," agreed Dick. "But I think I have a
lucky streak in me,--after the way we came out of that pig-pen
accident," and he laughed.

"Yes, you were fortunate," conceded Mr. Hamilton. "But, don't take too
many risks, my son. Go in and win, if you can, but don't be rash. I
am still from Missouri, and you've got to show me. Now I've got a lot
of business to attend to, and so I'll have to leave you to your own
devices. You say Paul and Innis are coming on?"

"Yes, they'll be here in a few days and stay until the airship is
completed. Then they'll fly with me."

"Anybody else going?"

"Yes, Larry Dexter--you remember him?"

"Oh, sure! The young reporter."

"And I think I'll take Mr. Vardon along. We may need his help in an
emergency."

"A good idea. Well, I wish you luck!"

A large barn on the Hamilton property had been set aside for the use of
the aviator and his men, for he had engaged several more besides Jack
Butt to hurry along the work on Dick's new aircraft. The order had been
placed for the motor, and that, it was promised, would be ready in time.

Dick, having had lunch, went out to see how his airship was
progressing. Grit raced here and there, glad to be back home again,
though he would probably miss the many horses and grooms at Kentfield.
For Grit loved to be around the stables, and the hostlers made much of
him.

"How are you coming on?" asked the young millionaire, as he surveyed
the framework of the big craft that, he hoped, would carry him acro