"So am I, but we've got to tighten up some of those guy wires. They
are loose and need attention. They might order a flight any time,"
his fellow lieutenant said.

"Well, you can stay and tighten 'em if you like. I'm not," was the
growling retort. "I'm sick of this business anyhow! Let some of
the kids do the work."

"They don't know how," was the good-natured answer of Lieutenant
McBride.

"There is a professional aviator here now," said Dick, as he
recalled Mr. Vardon. "We might get him to help you."

"I don't care," said Lieutenant Larson, as he began hauling down
the suspended balloon. "I only know I'm sick of so much work. I
think I'll go back into the artillery."

Dick and his chums naturally did not care much for the surly
soldier, but they liked Lieutenant McBride at once. He smilingly
told them what to do, and the boys helped to push the machines to
a shed that had been set aside for them. The wireless apparatus
was taken apart and stored away, the gas being let out of the
balloon.

The work was almost finished, when Larry Dexter, with Mr. Vardon
and the latter's helper, Jack, came across to the sheds. They had
come to see the army airships.

By this time Lieutenant Larson had finished what he considered was