"You see," remarked the showman, returning in a few minutes and handing the signed contract to Dave, "I favored your machines from the start. It must be a good machine, to make ninety miles on a night like last night. Now then, young gentlemen, I've ordered an early breakfast, and I want you to join me at the meal." There was no gainsaying the hearty, imperious old fellow. The boys felt first class as they finished a repast that sent them on their way complacent and delighted. "The company will acknowledge the contract, Colonel Lyon," said Dave, as they left the porch, "and attend to other details." "I don't suppose, Dashaway," answered the showman, "that you're open for such a week stunt as exhibiting at some of my county fairs?" "I am under contract with the Interstate people," replied Dave. "If I get out of a job, Colonel Lyon, I shall be glad to have you consider me." "I fancy I will," declared the showman with enthusiasm. "I'll make you a liberal offer, too. You've saved the carting away of all that stuff the burglar gathered. It make it up to you some way." Dave waved the contract in reply. "I couldn't have a better feather in my cap than this," he cried gaily. "Many, many, thanks, Colonel Lyon." "And you'll find the Interstate biplane just the best in the world," added Hiram. "We've kept that chauffeur waiting a long time," observed Dave, as they came out upon the boulevard. "Oh, he's used to that," suggested Hiram. "I'll give him something extra for his patience," said Dave. "Yes, the Interstate people can well afford it," commented Hiram. "Think of it: a ten thousand dollar order! Hurrah!" CHAPTER VI ABOARD THE HYDROPLANE "Dashaway, you're a wonder." "Thank you, sir." "And I'm proud of you," added Mr. Robert King, the winner of the monoplane endurance prize, and the man who had practically adopted Dave into the aviation field. "I've got something to say as to the matter of pride," spoke up old Grimshaw. "A lad who can make the run Dashaway did with the Baby Racer, is a boy to holler about." "If there's anything to be proud about," added Dave, "it's the right good friends I've made." "My friends, too," put in the impetuous Hiram. "I'm getting along famously. Why, I only tipped out of the dummy airship once yesterday." All hands were in fine high spirits. It was several days after the wild night race Dave and Hiram had made to Kewaukee. Now the entire party were on their way to the borders of the lake, where the new hydroplane made by the Interstate Aviation Company was ready for a trial trip. Grimshaw knew little of hydroplanes, and the Interstate people had sent an expert demonstrator to the spot to teach their young exhibitor the ropes. Dave had been constantly under this man's tuition.