for the prize. For Larry Dexter made a good press
agent, and had written many a story of Dick's plans.

"Now they're coming on," cried Dick, as he saw one of the lower
machines dart ahead of the other. "He's trying to get me to sprint, I
guess."

"Why don't you try it now?" suggested Mr. Vardon. "We'll soon be at
the limits of the aviation field, and I doubt if these machines will be
allowed to go beyond it. So, if you want to beat them in a race now is
your time to speed up."

"Here she goes!" cried Dick, as he opened wider the gasolene throttle.

In an instant the big craft shot ahead, fairly roaring through the air.
The closed cabin, however, kept the pressure of wind from the
occupants, or they might not have been able to stand it, for the gage
outside registered a resistance of many pounds to the square inch.

It was an odd race. There were no cheering spectators to urge on the
contestants by shouts and cheers, though doubtless those who were
witnessing the evolutions of the aircraft, before Dick's advent on the
scene, were using their voices to good advantage. But the birdmen were
too high up to hear them.

Nor could the excited calls, if there were any such, from the two
rivals of our hero be heard. There were two men in each of the
competing biplanes, and they were doing their best to win.

It must have been an inspiring sight from below, for Dick's craft was
so large that it showed up well, and the white canvas planes of the
others, as well as those of the Abaris, stood out in bold contrast to
the blue of the sky.

"We're doing ninety an hour!" called Dick, after a glance at the speed
gage, while his companions were looking down at the craft below.

"Pretty nearly the limit," remarked Mr. Vardon. "If you can reach a
hundred, Dick, do it. I don't believe those fellows can come near
that."

"They're falling behind now," observed Paul. "Go to it, Dick, old man!"

The young millionaire pulled open the gasolene throttle to the full
limit and set the sparker to contact at the best advantage. The result
was at once apparent. The aircraft shot ahead in a wonderful fashion.
The others evidently put on full speed, for they, also, made a little
spurt.

Then it was "all over but the shouting," as Larry said. Dick's machine
swept on and soon distanced the others.

"I've got to get back a story of this!" cried Larry. "It will be good
reading for those who buy the Leader."

"But how are you going