So they let the matter drop for the time being. But Dick's
abstraction grew deeper. He wrote a number of letters, and sent
some telegrams, and his friends began to wonder if matters at Dick's
home were not altogether right.

But the secret, if such it could be called, was solved by the
unexpected arrival of Mr. Hamilton at Kentfield. He appeared on
the campus after drill one day, and Dick greeted his parent
enthusiastically.

"So you got here, after all, Dad?" he cried, as he shook hands, Paul
and Innis also coming over to meet the millionaire.

"Well, I felt I just had to come, Dick, after all you wrote and
telegraphed me," replied Mr. Hamilton. "I thought we could do
better by having a talk than by correspondence. But, I tell you,
frankly, I don't approve of what you are going to do."

Dick's chums looked curiously at him.

"I may as well confess," laughed the young millionaire, "I'm
thinking of buying an airship, fellows."

"Whew!" whistled Paul.

"That's going some, as the boys say," commented Innis. "Tell us
all about it."

"I will," said Dick, frankly. "It's been on my mind the last few