"I counted on that," resumed the aviator. "At all events, not being able to go or send Dave to Warrenton to meet this Mr. Dale, I wrote to a friend of mine who lives at Warrenton. I told him the whole story, instructing him to inform Mr. Dale, so if this Gregg came around again, he would be ready to treat him as an imposter. My friend wrote me only yesterday that Mr. Dale was off on an automobile trip, and might not be back for a day or two. He said that Mr. Dale was a very lonely old bachelor. He had been delighted to take up Gregg, believing him to be the son of his old balloonist comrade, so you would, be sure to receive a really grand welcome, Dave." "I'm glad of that," said Dave, filled with deep gratitude as he contrasted his present circumstances with his former forlorn condition. "Now then, to business," continued Mr. King briskly. "I don't want to 'work' anybody with my personal schemes, but I see a chance to put my giant airship project on its feet." "Why," cried Dave brightly, "you mean to interest Mr. Dale?" "That's just what I do mean," assented the aviator. Dave rose to his feet, excited and pleased. "Mr. King," he said earnestly, "I not only would do all I could to have Mr. Dale join you, but I feel sure he would be glad to take an interest in your plan." "It's worth trying, anyway," responded the airman. "I'm going to go by rail to Warrenton to-morrow, in the hope of finding Mr. Dale at home. I shall send you to him later." "All this isn't grand, or exciting, or anything of that sort, is it, now!" ejaculated Hiram, as Dave and he returned to the Baby Racer hangar. "I hope Mr. King's plans come out, all right," responded Dave. "I'll do a good deal to repay him for all he has done for me." "And me, too," echoed Hiram. "He's a fine fellow!" Mr. King departed on his journey the next day. Dave was not on the programme, so he practiced some with the hydroplane. Coming home for dinner, he found a letter from the Interstate people. They were cheery and optimistic over the completion of their new model aero-hydroplane. It had been tested and worked splendidly. The company stated that they would ship the machine to the meet at Columbus two days later. Dave told Hiram about the machine, and the hitter was in a fever of expectation over its anticipated arrival. The boys were eating their supper at the King hangar later in the day, when a telegraph messenger appeared. "Message for Mr. Dave Dashaway," he said. "I'm your man," replied Dave. He signed for the message, tore open the envelope, and glanced rapidly over the enclosure. His face clouded as he did so, for the message was from his employers, the Interstate Aero Company, and it read: "Cancel all dates. Come on at once. Trouble." CHAPTER X SOMETHING WRONG "What is it, Dave?" inquired Hiram, tracing a sudden seriousness in the manner of his comrade. Dave did not reply. With a thoughtful air he passed the telegram to Hiram.