Grit was in his place, and the
cross-country fliers in theirs. Good-byes were said, and Mr.
Hamilton waved the Stars and Stripes as the cabin door was closed.
"All ready?" asked Dick, who was the captain of the aircraft.
"All ready," answered Lieutenant McBride.
"All ready," agreed Mr. Vardon.
"Then here we go!" cried Dick, as he pulled the lever. The airship
was on her way to the starting point.
CHAPTER XVIII
UNCLE EZRA FLIES
"Well, Mr. Larabee, we are almost ready for a flight."
"Humph! It's about time. I've sunk almost enough money in that
shebang to dig a gold mine, and I haven't got any out yet--not a
cent, and I'm losing interest all the while."
"Well, but think of the twenty thousand dollars!"
"Yes, I s'pose I've got to. That's the only consolation I have
left."
The above conversation took place one afternoon between Ezra Larabee
and Lieutenant Larson. The airship with the mercury stabilizers was
nearly completed. But a few touches remained to be put on her, to
make her, according to Larson, ready for the flight across the
continent.
"I presume you will go with me when me make the first ascent; will
you not?" the lieutenant inquired.
"Who, me? No, I don't reckon I'll go up first," said Uncle Ezra
slowly. "I'll wait until I see if you don't break your neck. If
you don't I'll take a chance."
"That's consoling," was the answer, with a grim laugh. "But I am
not afraid. I know the craft will fly.
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