"There won't be much fooling about it, Hiram. I know the chances
and, I shan't look for any fun. It is a bad night, I know, but the
wind is right, and I can head straight into it in reaching
Kewaukee."

"How far away is Kewaukee, Dave?"

"Ninety-five miles."

Dave, while he talked, had been putting on his regular aviator's
suit. As he finished up with a helmet, he noticed Hiram changing
his coat for a sweater.

"What are you up to, Hiram," he inquired quickly.

"Getting ready, of course."

"Getting ready for what?"

"The trip to Kewaukee."

"Oh, you think you're going?"

"If you are," retorted Hiram, "I know I am. Now, see here, Dave,"
continued Hiram, waving a silencing finger as Dave was about to
speak, "I know I'm not an aviator like you, and never will be. All
the same, I am some good in an airship, if it's only to act as
ballast. The other day when I was up with you in the Racer, you.
said I shifted the elevator just in time to save a smash up. In a
storm like the one to-night, you my need me worse than ever.