"But, barring accidents, we ought to win," said the young millionaire to his chums. "And accidents no one can count against." Everything was in readiness. The Abaris had been given her last trial flight. All the supplies and stores were aboard. Jack Butt had taken his departure, for he was not to make the trip. His place would be taken by the army lieutenant. A special kennel had been constructed for Grit, who seemed to take kindly to the big airship. "Well, the officer will be here in the morning," announced Dick, one evening, on receipt of a telegram from Washington. "Then we'll make the start." And, what was the surprise of the young millionaire and his chums, to be greeted, early the next day, by Lieutenant McBride, the officer who had, with Captain Wakefield, assisted in giving instructions at Kentfield. "I am surely glad to see you!" cried Dick, as he shook hands with him. "There's nobody I'd like better to come along!" "And there's nobody I'd like better to go with," said the officer, with a laugh. "I was only assigned to you at the last minute. First I was booked to go with a man named Larabee." "He's my uncle. I'm glad you didn't!" chuckled Dick. Then he told about Larson and Lieutenant McBride, himself, was glad also. In order to be of better service in case of an emergency, Lieutenant McBride asked that he be taken on a little preliminary flight before the official start was made, so that he might get an idea of the working of the machinery. This was done, and he announced himself as perfectly satisfied with everything. "You have a fine craft!" he told Dick. "The best I have ever seen, and I've ridden in a number. You ought to take the prize." "Thanks!" laughed the young millionaire. "Of course I'm not saying that officially," warned the officer, with a smile. "I'll have to check you up as though we didn't know one other. And I warn you that you've got to make good!" "I wouldn't try under any other conditions," replied Dick. The last tuning-up of the motor was over. The last of the supplies and stores were put aboard. 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."