"Well, I hadn't thought about it, but I believe I should like to have an airship," the young millionaire went on. "Down, Grit, down!" he commanded, as a beautiful bulldog came racing from the stables to fawn upon his master. I used the word "beautiful" with certain restrictions, for Grit was about the homeliest bulldog in existence. But his very hideousness made him "beautiful" to a lover of dogs. He jumped about in delight at seeing Dick again, for he had been shut up, so he would not insist on going out in the motor-boat. Quarters were provided for Larry Dexter, who sent off a brief account of the accident to the airship, and Mr. Vardon was looked after by Innis. Butt, of course, remained in the hospital. Dr. Morrison was right when he said that Colonel Masterly would be interested in meeting the luckless aviator. Innis took his cousin to the head of the school, and Mr. Vardon told of his invention, briefly, and also of the mishap to his biplane. "Perhaps this is providential," said the colonel musingly. "For some time I have been considering the starting of an aviation course here, and it may be you would like to assist me in it. I want the cadets to learn something about the fundamentals of heavier-than-air machines. Will you accept a position as instructor?" "I will, gladly," said Mr. Vardon. "I might as well admit that I have no further funds to pursue my experiments, though I am satisfied that I am on the right track. But my machine is wrecked." "Perhaps it can be raised," said the colonel, cheerfully. "We will talk about that later. And we may find a way to have you conduct your experiments here." "I can not thank you enough, sir," returned the aviator. "And I am also deeply indebted to my cousin's chum--Dick Hamilton. But for him, and the other cadets in the boat, we might all have been drowned." "I'm glad we were on hand," said Dick, with a smile. CHAPTER III DICK'S RESOLVE "What do you know about that?" "A regular course in aviation!" "And birdmen from the United States Army to came here and show us how to do stunts!" "Well, you fellows can go in for it if you like, but automobiling is dangerous enough sport for me." "Ah, what's the matter with you? Flying is pretty nearly as safe now as walking! Not half as many birdmen have been killed as there have railroad travelers." "No, because there are more railroad travelers to be killed. No cloud flights for mine!" A group of cadets, Dick, Innis and Paul among them, were discussing the latest news at Kentfield. It was the day following the accident to the biplane. After a brief consultation with Mr. Vardon, and a calling together of his faculty members, Colonel Masterly had made formal announcement that a course in aviation would be open at Kentfield for those who cared to take it. "I think it will be great!" cried Dick. "Are you going in for it?" asked Paul. "I sure am--if dad will let me."