"It doesn't make a bit of difference," declared Mr. Vardon. "It is going to be an open competition. And, let me tell you, amateurs have done as much, if not more, than the professionals, to advance and improve aviation. Why, as a matter of fact, we're all amateurs. We are learning something new every day. The art, or business, of flying is too new to have in it anything but amateurs. Don't let that stop you, Dick." "Well, I'll think about it," said the young millionaire. Dick obtained some detailed information, and entry blanks for the government prize contest, and a little later announced to his chums: "Well, fellows, in view of what Mr. Vardon said about amateurs, maybe I will have a try for that prize. It will give us an object, instead of merely flying aimlessly about. And if I should win, wouldn't I have the laugh on dad! Yes, I'll make a try for it!" he added. "And we'll help you!" cried Paul. "And I'll make a good story of it," promised Larry Dexter. "I guess we'd better get the airship first," suggested Innis, dryly. "Oh, I'll look after that," promised his aviator cousin. The days that followed were busy ones at Kentfield Academy. A course of instruction was arranged concerning the making and flying of airships. In the former Mr. Vardon was the chief lecturer, as he had had more practical experience in building the aircraft than had either of the army captains. But the army men had made a study of air currents, and the management of biplanes and monoplanes, and were equal to Mr. Vardon in this respect. And so the cadets looked on and listened, watching the army aviators test their machines, run them over the starting ground, and finally, by a tilting of the rudders, send the machines up like big birds. "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."