"It is a grand sport," answered the head of the college. "Before long I expect to see aeroplanes in constant use."
"Wouldn't you like to go up with us some day, Doctor?" questioned Tom, slyly.
"Well—er—perhaps, Thomas. But not just yet. I wish—er—to see them more in general use first." And then the doctor bowed the students out.
The boys lost no time in preparing for the trip to Plankville. After a somewhat hasty lunch they put on their flying suits and then went down to where the Dartaway was housed, in one of the buildings attached to the gymnasium.
"Looks to be all right," remarked Dick, after an inspection of the flying machine, and while Sam and Tom were filling the gasoline tank and the oil distributor.
The engine was tried out for a minute, and found to be in perfect order. As usual, as soon as the explosions of the motor were heard, a crowd commenced to gather, to see the start of the flight.
"Wish you luck!" cried Stanley.
"Say, look out that you don't forget how to stop and sail to the North Pole!" sang out Spud Jackson.
"As if that could really occur!" murmured William Philander Tubbs, with a lofty look of, disdain.
"Sure it could happen," returned Spud, good-naturedly. "Why, I heard of an airman who went up once and forgot how to turn his machine down, and he went around and around in a circle for sixteen hours. And then he dropped ker-plunk right on top of a baker's wagon and smashed twenty-six pies—all because his gasoline gave out."