it designed
to carry but three passengers.

"We're going to make the trip in about forty-eight hours, so we won't
need much space," said Uncle Ezra. "We can eat a snack as we go along.
And we can sleep in our seats. I've got to cut down the expense
somehow. It's costing me a terrible pile of money!"

Uncle Ezra's airship worked fairly well in the preliminary trials, and
though it did not develop much speed, Dick thought perhaps the crafty
lieutenant was holding back on this so as to deceive his competitors.

"But, barring accidents, we ought to win," said the young millionaire
to his chums. "And accidents no one can count against."

Everything was in readiness. The Abaris had been given her last trial
flight. All the supplies and stores were aboard. Jack Butt had taken
his departure, for he was not to make the trip. His place would be
taken by the army lieutenant. A special kennel had been constructed
for Grit, who seemed to take kindly to the big airship.

"Well, the officer will be here in the morning," announced Dick, one
evening, on receipt of a telegram from Washington. "Then we'll make
the start."

And, what was the surprise of the young millionaire and his chums, to
be greeted, early the next day, by Lieutenant McBride, the officer who
had, with Captain Wakefield, assisted in giving instructions at
Kentfield.

"I am surely glad to see you!" cried Dick, as he shook hands with him.
"There's nobody I'd like better to come along!"

"And there's nobody I'd like better to go with," said the officer, with
a laugh. "I was only assigned to you at the last minute. First I was
booked to go with a man named Larabee."

"He's my uncle. I'm glad you didn't!" chuckled Dick. Then he told
about Larson and Lieutenant McBride, himself, was glad also.

In order to be of better service in case of an emergency, Lieutenant
McBride asked that he be taken on a little preliminary flight before
the official start was made, so that he might get an idea of the
working of the machinery.

This was done, and he announced himself as perfectly satisfied with
everything.

"You have a fine craft!" he told Dick. "The best I have ever seen, and
I've ridden in a number. You ought to take the prize."

"Thanks!" laughed the young millionaire.

"Of course I'm not saying that officially," warned the officer, with a
smile. "I'll have to check you up as though we didn't know one other.
And I warn you that you've got to make