"
And, what was the surprise of the young millionaire and his chums,
to be greeted, early the next day, by Lieutenant McBride, the
officer who had, with Captain Wakefield, assisted in giving
instructions at Kentfield.
"I am surely glad to see you!" cried Dick, as he shook hands with
him. "There's nobody I'd like better to come along!"
"And there's nobody I'd like better to go with," said the officer,
with a laugh. "I was only assigned to you at the last minute.
First I was booked to go with a man named Larabee."
"He's my uncle. I'm glad you didn't!" chuckled Dick. Then he told
about Larson and Lieutenant McBride, himself, was glad also.
In order to be of better service in case of an emergency, Lieutenant
McBride asked that he be taken on a little preliminary flight before
the official start was made, so that he might get an idea of the
working of the machinery.
This was done, and he announced himself as perfectly satisfied with
everything.
"You have a fine craft!" he told Dick. "The best I have ever seen,
and I've ridden in a number. You ought to take the prize."
"Thanks!" laughed the young millionaire.
"Of course I'm not saying that officially," warned the officer, with
a smile. "I'll have to check you up as though we didn't know one
other. And I warn you that you've got to make good!"
"I wouldn't try under any other conditions," replied Dick.
The last tuning-up of the motor was over. The last of the supplies
and stores were put aboard.
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