Dick Hamilton's Airship Part 12

"I'll take the scratches, please. No more pigs!"

"And after that, are you still going to build an airs.h.i.+p?" asked Innis.

"I sure am! It's the greatest sensation in the world--aviation! I wouldn't miss it for a fortune. And I'm going to pull down that twenty thousand dollar prize; don't forget that, fellows."

"Good luck!" wished Paul.

In the days that followed there were many more airs.h.i.+p flights, but no accidents of moment. d.i.c.k went up again several times, and at last was allowed to run the aeroplane himself, with the captain and lieutenant to coach him. Then only one officer went along, another cadet being taken up with d.i.c.k.

And finally the day came when d.i.c.k was qualified to take the craft up alone, with two other cadets. He had graduated as a pilot of the air, and properly proud he was of the honor.

"All you want now is experience," said Captain Grantly, as d.i.c.k came back after a successful flight with Paul and Innis. "And that takes time."

d.i.c.k's two intimate chums also qualified as amateur pilots, and a number of other cadets were equally successful. The aviation course at Kentfield was very popular.

Then came the end of the term, and the summer vacation was at hand. The last drills and guard-mounts were held. The graduation exercises were finished in a "blaze of glory." The Juniors gave a gay dance, at which d.i.c.k and his chums met the pretty girls whom they had seen at the dock that day.

"And now for Hamilton Corners!" cried the young millionaire, when the Academy was formally closed for the term. "I want you fellows to come out with me, and watch my airs.h.i.+p being built."

Mr. Vardon had found he could not build for d.i.c.k at Kentfield the craft he wanted. It would take too long, and there were not the facilities.

So he and his helper went to Hamilton Corners, to do the preliminary work. d.i.c.k and his chums were to follow as soon as school was over.

Larry Dexter went back to New York, but promised to join d.i.c.k in time for the flight for the big government prize.

"Well, Dad, how are you?" cried d.i.c.k, as he greeted his father at the family mansion in Hamilton Corners.

"Fine, my boy! There's no use asking how YOU are, I can see you are fine!"

"Did Vardon and Jack get here? Have they started work?" d.i.c.k wanted to know.

"Yes, I did just as you asked me to in your letter. I let them have the run of the place, and they've been busy ever since they came. I hope you are successful, d.i.c.k, but, I have my doubts."

"I'll show you!" cried the cadet enthusiastically.

CHAPTER IX

UNCLE EZRA'S VISIT

d.i.c.k and his father had much to talk about concerning the airs.h.i.+p. d.i.c.k explained his plans, and described the new stabilizer.

"Well, now that you have explained it to me, I don't see but what it may be possible," said Mr. Hamilton, after carefully considering the matter. "It isn't so much the expense, since you have your own fortune, but, of course, there is the element of danger to be considered."

"Well, there's danger in anything," agreed d.i.c.k. "But I think I have a lucky streak in me,--after the way we came out of that pig-pen accident," and he laughed.

"Yes, you were fortunate," conceded Mr. Hamilton. "But, don't take too many risks, my son. Go in and win, if you can, but don't be rash. I am still from Missouri, and you've got to show me. Now I've got a lot of business to attend to, and so I'll have to leave you to your own devices. You say Paul and Innis are coming on?"

"Yes, they'll be here in a few days and stay until the airs.h.i.+p is completed. Then they'll fly with me."

"Anybody else going?"

"Yes, Larry Dexter--you remember him?"

"Oh, sure! The young reporter."

"And I think I'll take Mr. Vardon along. We may need his help in an emergency."

"A good idea. Well, I wish you luck!"

A large barn on the Hamilton property had been set aside for the use of the aviator and his men, for he had engaged several more besides Jack b.u.t.t to hurry along the work on d.i.c.k's new aircraft. The order had been placed for the motor, and that, it was promised, would be ready in time.

d.i.c.k, having had lunch, went out to see how his airs.h.i.+p was progressing. Grit raced here and there, glad to be back home again, though he would probably miss the many horses and grooms at Kentfield.

For Grit loved to be around the stables, and the hostlers made much of him.

"How are you coming on?" asked the young millionaire, as he surveyed the framework of the big craft that, he hoped, would carry him across the continent and win for him the twenty thousand dollar prize.

"Fine, d.i.c.k!" exclaimed Mr. Vardon. "Everything is working out well.

Come in and look. You can get an idea of the machine now."

d.i.c.k Hamilton's airs.h.i.+p was radically different from any craft previously built, yet fundamentally, it was on the same principle as a biplane. But it was more than three times as large as the average biplane, and was built in two sections.

That is there were four sets of double planes, or eight in all, and between them was an enclosed cabin containing the motor, the various controls, places to sleep and eat, the cabin also forming the storage room for the oil, gasolene and other supplies.

This cabin was not yet built, but, as I have said, it would be "amids.h.i.+p" if one may use that term concerning an airs.h.i.+p. Thus the occupants would be protected from the elements, and could move about in comfort, not being obliged to sit rigidly in a seat for hours at a time.

"She's going to be pretty big," remarked d.i.c.k, as he walked about the skeleton of his new craft.

"She has to be able to carry all you want to take in her," said the aviator. "But she'll be speedy for all of that, for the engine will be very powerful."

"Will she be safe?" asked d.i.c.k.

"As safe as any airs.h.i.+p. I am going to incorporate in her my gyroscope equilibrizer, or stabilizer, as you suggested."

"Oh, yes, I want that!" said d.i.c.k, in a decided tone.

"It is very good of you to allow me to demonstrate my patent on your craft," the inventor said. "It will be a fine thing for me if you win the prize, and it is known that my stabilizer was aboard to aid you,"

he said, with s.h.i.+ning, eager eyes.

"Well, I'm only too glad I can help you in that small way," spoke d.i.c.k.

"I'm sure your patent is a valuable one."

"And I am now positive that it will work properly," went on Mr. Vardon.

"And I'll take precious good care that no sneak, like Larson, gets a chance to tamper with it!" exclaimed Jack b.u.t.t.

"You must not make such positive statements," warned his chief. "It may not have been Larson."

"Well, your machine was tampered with; wasn't it, just before we sank into the river?"