purely as an aeroplane, the ship was
again sent forward. By means of the planes and rudders a perfect
landing was made in the meadow, a short distance from where the start
had been made. The crowd cheered the plucky youth and Mr. Sharp.

"Now I'm ready to go on a long trip any time you are, Tom," said the
aeronaut that night.

"We'll fit up the car and get ready," agreed the 'youth. "How about
you, dad?"

"Me? Oh, well--er--that is, you see; well, I'll think about it," and
Mr. Swift went to his own room, carrying with him a package of papers,
containing intricate calculations.

Tom shook his head, but said nothing. He could not understand his
father's conduct.

Work was started the next day on fitting up the car, or cabin, of the
airship, so that several persons could live, eat and sleep in it for
two weeks, if necessary. The third day after this task had been
commenced the mail brought an unusual communication to Tom and Mr.
Sharp. It was from an aero club of Blakeville, a city distant about a
hundred miles, and stated that a competition for aeroplanes and
dirigible balloons was to be held in the course of two weeks. The
affair was designed to further interest in the sport, and also to
demonstrate what progress had been made in the art of conquering the
air. Prizes were to be given, and the inventors of the Red Cloud, the
achievements of which the committee of arrangements had heard, were
invited to compete.

"Shall we go in for it, Tom?" asked the balloonist.

"I'm willing if you are."

"Then let's do it. We'll see how our craft shows up alongside of
others. I know something of this club. It is all right, but the
carnival is likely to be a small one. Once I gave a balloon exhibition
for them. The managers are all right. Well, we'll have a try at it.
Won't do us any harm to win a prize. Then for a long trip!"

As it was not necessary to have the car, or cabin, completely fitted up
in order to compete for the prize, work in that direction was suspended
for the time being, and more attention was paid to the engine, the
planes and rudders. Some changes were made and, a week later the Red
Cloud departed for Blakeville. As the rules of the contest required
three passengers, Ned Newton was taken along, Mr. Swift having arranged
with the bank president so that the lad could have a few days off.

The Red Cloud arrived at the carnival grounds in the evening, having
been delayed on the trip by a broken cog wheel, wh