Dick, becoming interested in the queer little man.

Then Herr Doodlebrod proceeded to explain. He said he had heard of
Dick's wealth, and, needing money to make some improvements in his
ship, he had taken it apart, shipped it to Hamilton Corners, and
followed the machine. The airship was now at the freight station, he
added, and he was about to put it together and give a demonstration.

"What for?" asked Dick.

"To show you how he vorks. Den you vill believe. You vill invest some
money in it, I shall make der improvements, get a better motor, und ve
win der government prize of ten thousand dollars."

"Government prize?" repeated Dick.

The German explained at greater length. The United States Government, in
common with other nations, recognizing the future in flying machines for
war purposes, had established a sort of competitive test, with a
substantial prize for the machine which successfully fulfilled the
conditions. The chief ones were that the apparatus must move through the
air at a certain distance above the ground, must carry two passengers,
must be under perfect control, and must stay up a certain length of
time. The German said his machine answered nearly all these
requirements, but that he needed some new materials in it, and, more
than anything else, a new motor. He had used up all his savings and had
tried in vain to get someone to help him. So, hearing of Dick, he had
decided to appeal to the millionaire's son.

"It iss not so much dot I need," he went on. "If I had five hundred
dollars it would be enough. My dear young frient, I appeal to you. I do
not ask you for dot moneys. I say just invest it in my machine und ve
vill be successful und get der ten thousand dollars. You shall haf five
thousand. Iss not dot a good investment?"

A sudden idea came to Dick. An investment, promising quick returns was
just what he needed. He had tried in vain to find one, and the time was
daily growing shorter. Here might be the very chance he desired. But
there was one important thing. He must be sure that the airship would
fly. If it did not the prize would not be won and he would be out five
hundred dollars. Herr Doodlebrod saw the doubt pictured on Dick's face.

"I do not ask you to take my word," he said, gravely. "I only ask for a
chance to show you. See, I vill bring my machine here. I vill put him
togeder und I vill fly in him. Der trouble iss dot I cannot go far
enough or stay up long enough vid der motor