e up here, representing the Flying Squadron
of the army, to experiment with a new war aeroplane much more
powerful than anything before devised; also to ascertain whether
there is any truth in the wild claims put forth by the inventor of
the latest explosive, that his discovery must make war so horrible
that nations would be compelled to keep the peace after this. And,
judging from what that one small bomb did here, I fancy he was not
mistaken in his estimate. We could destroy the largest battleship
afloat as easy as to snap our fingers. Of course there are secret
agents of numerous Great Powers constantly floating around in
Washington, trying to learn what Uncle Sam has up his sleeve in the
way of new inventions calculated to destroy the enemy in time of war.
And we have feared all along that one or more of these spies may
have gotten on our track. I'm very much gratified with what you
have told me, for now we know what to expect, and can avoid taking
any unnecessary risk."

"Would these foreign spies dare attempt to ruin your war aeroplane,
or try to blow you all up with some of your own explosive?" asked
Ralph.

"I wouldn't put it past them," replied the other. "They are playing
a desperate game, you understand, and have their orders from the home
Governments to keep us from forging ahead too fast. But I haven't
introduced myself as yet. I am Lieutenant Fosdick, and I have had
some little experience in army aviation."

"I wonder if you can be the same Lieutenant Fosdick I've heard so
much about from our Scout Master, a retired army officer named
Lieutenant Denmead?" Hugh ventured to say eagerly.

"Well, this _is_ a pleasure to be sure!" remarked the other smilingly.
"To be sure I know Denmead. I saw a great deal of him several years
ago. And so he is spending his spare time in teaching the young
idea how to shoot, but with the arms of peace rather than those of
bloody war? He was always crazy over boys, and must be a cracking
good Scout Master, because he knows so much of Western life among
the Indians. He was with Miles in the Sioux War long ago, as you
may know. But what was this you said about one of your mates
inventing something in connection with the management of aeroplanes?
That would seem to be right in my line, and if he has no serious
objections, I'd like to hear about it."

At that, Bud turned fiery red, but with pleasure more than
embarrassment. It was a crowning triumph in his career