A man flashing a dark lantern and armed with a heavy cane came upon them around the corner of the buildings. The boys paused. The man, evidently the watchman of the place, challenged them, moving his lantern from face to face. "Who are you?" he demanded sternly. "Aviators," replied Dave. "What's that?" "We just arrived in an airship." "No nonsense. How did you get in here?" "Mister," spoke out Hiram, "we just landed in the biplane, the Baby Racer. If you don't believe me, come to the shavings pile yonder and we'll show you the machine, and thank you for having it there, for if you hadn't I guess we'd have needed an ambulance." The watchman looked incredulous. He followed Dave and Hiram, however, as they led the way back to the heap of shavings. One wing of the biplane stuck up in the air and he made it out. "This is queer," he observed. "You say it's an airship?" "Yes, sir," nodded Hiram. "We had to make a hurried night journey from Columbus," explained Dave. "There were no trains, and we came with the biplane." "Well, well, well," commented the watchman. He had heard of Columbus and the aero meet there, and began to understand matters. "You see," spoke Hiram, "we can't land everywhere, or we'd have to settle some damage suits." "I will be glad to pay you for letting us leave the machine here till after daylight, and watch it to see no harm comes to it," proposed Dave. "Why, we'll do that," assented the watchman. "You look like two decent young fellows, and I'm sure the company won't object to letting your airship stay up there for a few hours." "We will be back to see about it in a few hours," promised Dave. The watchman led the boys to the big gate of' the factory yard and let them out. The rain had ceased and the wind was not blowing so hard as before. "What now, Dave?" inquired Hiram, as they found themselves in the deserted street. "The Northern Hotel." "Oh, going to try and fix things before daylight?" "We can't afford to lose a minute," declared Dave. "There's a policeman. I want to ask him a question." They hurried to a corner where a policeman had halted under the street lamp. Dave inquired the location of the Northern Hotel. Then the boys proceeded again on their way, and reached the place in about half an hour. The night clerk and others were on duty. Dave approached the desk and addressed the clerk. "Is a Mr. Timmins stopping here?" he asked. "Why, no," replied the clerk, looking Dave and Hiram over curiously, their somewhat queer garb attracting his attention. "Do you know him, may I inquire?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Timmins has been here several times. We are holding some mail for him, and expected him several days ago." "Do you know the company he represents?" "Airships, isn't it?" propounded the clerk. "That's right. The Interstate Aeroplane Company." "Yes, I remember now," added the clerk. "I am also connected with that company," explained Dave.