The four young men took turns in
working the various controls, so as to become familiar with them,
and Dick paid particular attention to Larry Dexter, who needed some
coaching.
"I'll get a good story out of this for my paper," said the young
reporter, who was always on the lookout for "copy."
"Well, we've proved that she will fly, and take care of us even when
an accident happens," remarked Dick, when the craft had been put
back in the barn. "Now we'll groom her a bit, put on the finishing
touches, and we'll be ready to try for that prize. The time is
getting short now."
"I hope you win it," said Mr. Vardon. "I shall feel responsible,
in a way, if you don't."
"Nothing of the sort!" cried Dick. "Whatever happens, I've got a
fine airship, and we'll have a good time, even if we don't get the
twenty thousand dollars."
The next week was a busy one, for there were several little matters
about the airship that needed attention. But gradually it was made
as nearly perfect as possible.
Then, one morning, Mr. Hamilton, who had some business to transact
with Uncle Ezra, said to Dick:
"Could you take a run over there and leave him these securities?
He asked me to get them for him out of the safe deposit box. I
don't know what he wants of them, but they are his, and I have no
time to take them to him myself. You can go in your airship, if
you like, and give him a surprise."
"No, I think I'll go in the auto. Mr. Vardon is making a change in
the motor, and it isn't in shape to run today.
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