seen to
leave the earth gradually, as the pilot changed the conditions in
respect to planes and rudder.

"Oh! see how she rises, for all the world like a graceful bird!"
exclaimed Ralph. "I've never been so close to an aeroplane before,
and I tell you, Hugh, I can mighty easily see how it makes a fellow
wild to embark in the business."

"Well, there will be some years pass before anyone of us reaches an
age to decide what our future may be," Hugh replied; "and before that
time comes, even Bud, crazy as he seems now to belong to the Flying
Squadron, may change his mind a lot of times. But one thing I do
know, and that is, I'm glad we struck up an acquaintance with the
Lieutenant; and ditto, that I'm going to have a spin with him in
the air."

They watched the monoplane mount fairly high and make several large
curves. Apparently the pilot did not think it best to try any
difficult business while he had a novice along with him, because
there was no telling how Bud might act. After being up some twenty
minutes, the monoplane was once more directed toward the field.

"Oh! see what he is doing now!" exclaimed Ralph, clutching the sleeve
of his companion's coat in his excitement. "He's headed the nose of
the air craft downward, and seems to be just whooping it up for solid
ground! I hope nothing has happened, or that they'll strike hard, for
poor Bud will be smashed, that's what!"

Hugh laughed, for he was much better informed on all aviation topics
than the other scout.

"Oh! that's what they call volplaning," he hastened to say, while he
watched the coming of the air craft with eagerness. "The motor is shut
off, and deflecting the rudder to a certain angle, a glide is made
toward the earth. When they get to a certain distance, you'll see a
sudden change take place. There, what did I tell you, Ralph?"

The monoplane had abruptly ceased to shoot toward the earth as though
falling. It made a sudden turn and proceeded almost on the level;
after which the pilot brought it so softly to the ground that Bud
could barely feel it strike, such an expert was the lieutenant in
manipulating the various levers.

Bud was almost speechless with delight. His eyes fairly danced as he
drew a long breath and shook the hand of the army officer.

"Ralph, you come next," said the lieutenant; and somehow Hugh got the
idea into his head that he had been reserved for the last because
the officer wished to take him for a longer s