The Abaris responded instantly, and began a
spiral climb, which is usually the method employed by birdmen. They
also generally descend in spirals, especially when volplaning.

Up and up went the big aircraft. There was a section of the cabin
floor made of thick transparent celluloid, and through this a view
could be had of the earth below.

"We're leaving your place behind, Dick," said Paul, as he noted the
decreasing size of the home of the young millionaire.

"Well, we'll come back to it--I hope," Dick answered. "Don't you
fellows want to try your hand at steering?"

"Wait until you've been at it a while, and see how it goes," suggested
Innis. "We don't want to wreck the outfit."

But the Abaris seemed a stanch craft indeed, especially for an airship.

"Say, this is a heap-sight better than sitting strapped in a small
seat, with the wind cutting in your face!" exclaimed Larry, as he moved
about the enclosed cabin.

"It sure is mighty comfortable--the last word in aeroplaning, just as
Dick's touring car was in autoing," declared Paul, who had taken a seat
at a side window and was looking out at some low-lying clouds.

"All we want now is a meal, and we'll be all to the merry!" Dick
exclaimed.

"A meal!" cried Larry. "Are you going to serve meals aboard here?"

"Yes, and cook 'em, too," answered the young millionaire. "Paul, show
Larry where the galley is," for the reporter had not called at Hamilton
Corners in some time, and on the last occasion the airship had been far
from complete.

"Say, this is great!" Larry cried, as he saw the electrical appliances
for cooking. "This is the limit! I'm glad I came along."

"We won't stop to cook now," said Mr. Vardon. "I want to see the
various controls tested, to know if we have to make any changes. Now
we'll try a few evolutions."

In order that all aboard might become familiar with the workings of the
machinery, it was decided that there should be turn and turn about in
the matter of steering and operating the craft. Reaching a height of
three thousand feet, as Dick ascertained by the barograph, the young
millionaire straightened his craft out on a level keel, and kept her
there, sending her ahead, and in curves, at an increasing speed.

"There you go now, Paul," he called. "Suppose you take her for a
while."

"Well, if you want an accident, just let me monkey with some of the
works," laughed the jolly cadet. "I can do it to the queen's taste."