"Well, they've got to know somebody, haven't they?" "That's so, but I don't like the fellow you rescued." "Why not, Hiram?" "Did you notice the way he hesitated when we asked him where he had come from?" "Yes." "And about that launch? He didn't seem to care what had become of it." "Maybe it didn't belong to him." "Well, anyway, hadn't he ought to have some concern about other folks' property?" Dave did not reply. He had his own ideas and opinion of the rescued man. He was due for a public exhibition of the Reliance the next day, and dismissed the incident from his mind as he got back to the Baby Racer hangar. Mr. King was to make a non-stop race also, and there was plenty of detail to attend to at the Aegis headquarters as well. That was a busy, exciting day, the one following. The Aegis and her competitors got started by ten o'clock. There was a varied programme from eleven to one. At three o'clock Dave made his run with the hydroplane. Two other machines engaged in the contest, but not only were they of inferior make, but their operators were clumsy and not up to standard. Dave won considerable praise. The Reliance made a beautiful run, and he felicitated himself that he had got onto the knack of running it right. "I don't believe much in hydroplanes," old Grimshaw observed to him as he accompanied Dave back to the aero grounds, "but I believe in you, and I will say you made a clever showing." "Wait till the Interstate folks send on their latest improved aero-hydroplane, Mr. Grimshaw," said Dave. "You'll see some fine work then." "There's your friend, young Dobbs," remarked Grimshaw. Dave saw Hiram on a run, headed towards them. He came up breathless. "Some one at the hangar to see you, Dave," he reported. "Who is it, Hiram?" "He says he's a United States revenue officer." "Hello!" spoke Grimshaw, "I hope your hydroplane hasn't got you into any trouble running up against the government." "Oh, I think not," replied Dave with a smile. "It's a long story and a big story, Dave," replied Hiram. "You know the man you rescued he lake yesterday?" "Yes, Hiram." "Well, it turns out that he is a notorious smuggler and the government is looking for him." CHAPTER VIII A PUZZLING DISAPPEARANCE Dave hurried his steps. Old Grimshaw turned off at the Aegis headquarters. Hiram led his companion by a short cut to the Baby Racer hangar. On a campstool inside the tent where the boys slept, Dave found a keen-eyed, hatchet-faced man. He sat stiff as a poker, and seemed to pierce Dave through and through with his glance as he looked him over critically. "Dashaway, yes?" he interrogated, and as Dave bowed assent he added: "Thought I'd wait and see you, although our young friend here has been pretty dear." "About what?" asked Dave. "Ridgely." "Who is he?"