"Young gentlemen," announced Colonel Masterly after chapel exercises one morning, "I have an important announcement to make. You have been studying aviation for some time now, and it is necessary, if you keep on with it, to have practical work. 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.