“This magazine says Goodlow & Company, at Ayre, Ohio, have expanded into the largest dirigible works in the world; and owing to the necessity of having expert pilots and mechanics, they are about to open a school for novices. It is a four-year course, in four departments. First year, ground work; second year, construction and development; third year, balloon fabrics and gases; and fourth year, intensive piloting.
“Some rich guy has already posted a big prize to be competed for by the students, for the best invention that will add to the safety of dirigible navigation. And there is a prize in each department given at the close of each year, for the student who has done the best work. They will accept only a limited number of students, and what do you know about this? They pay ’em real money, with bigger salaries, of course, as they go along.”
“Why, they couldn’t afford to do that, could they, David?” inquired his mother.
“Yes, because the students are at first really laborers and then mechanics in a small way—apprentices to the real big fellows until they acquire skill themselves. Mother, if I can make it, it will fix everything. The students have their quarters at the plant; dormitories, I suppose. It is rather like being in the army. Pretty stiff discipline, and all that. There won’t be any expenses to speak of, and I can send home almost every cent they give me.”
“But flying, Davie!” said Mrs. Ellison, her beautiful soft eyes filled with tears. “Flying! I have hoped so that you wouldn’t fly.”
“Mother darling,” said David gently, “I know how you must feel, but this is not war time. It is peace that needs the dirigible. It is the greatest invention; the greatest—Oh, I am crazy about it! Father would tell me to go on, wouldn’t he, mother?”
“Yes, he would indeed,” Mrs. Ellison said proudly, with a tremulous smile.
“When do you have to start, Davie?” asked his younger sister, Patty.
“Patty seems to have decided it,” laughed Mrs. Ellison.
“The examinations for enrollment are only four days from today,” said David ruefully.