Therefore we have
decided that, taking turns, those cadets in this course will make
a flight, beginning with today. You will go up, one in each
aeroplane, with the two army officers, who will look after and
instruct you.
"I will now call for volunteers to make the first flight. Don't
all speak at once," added the colonel, with a grim smile.
There was a moment of breathless pause, and then, from where he sat,
Dick arose. With a salute he said:
"I'll volunteer, sir."
"Good!" came in whispered comment that the colonel did not try to
check.
"And I'll also volunteer!" spoke Innis, quickly.
"So will I!" added Paul, and then several more announced their
intention.
That afternoon came around very quickly, it seemed. Out on the
starting ground were the two big machines, being looked over by the
army men. The cadets were drawn up in files.
"All ready, sir," announced Captain Grantly to Major Rockford. "The
first cadet will take his place."
"Dick Hamilton!" called the commandant, and our hero stepped forward
for his first airship flight.
CHAPTER VII
A QUEER LANDING
"Now don't get nervous," said Captain Grantly to Dick, with a grim
smile, as the young millionaire took his seat in the place provided
for the third occupant of the biplane.
"Well, I'll try my best," answered Dick, smiling ruefully. "Am I
to do anything?"
"Not a thing," Captain Grantly assured him. "Just sit still; that's
all."
Dick rather wished he could have gone in the other machine, for he
had no liking for the surly lieutenant with the captain.
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