run down this Gregg and locate Mr. Dale."

"And I must join you-I see that it is my duty," declared Dave.

"Not at all," responded the aviator definitely. "I have mapped out
the best plan of procedure, and I believe I can run down this
business alone in a very short time."

Dave was really anxious concerning Mr. Dale. He truly believed it
his first duty towards the old friend of his father to do all he
could to assist him. For all that, Dave was relieved to know that
he could go on without interruption in service of his employers.

"Yes," proceeded the aviator, "I feel that I have an interest in
finding Mr. Dale. In the first place, he is your friend. Next, I
feel responsible for letting that young scamp, Gregg, go free. At a
selfish motive, I believe that if I succeed in rescuing the old man
he will gladly finance my giant airship scheme."

"He surely will, Mr. King," said Dave confidently. "I believe he
would help you, anyway. I do hope he can be found."

"I shall not rest until he is," declared the aviator. "Now,
Dashaway, I don't want you to take this affair on your mind. If I
fail in what I have planned, I will certainly call you into the
case. I fancy, from what Hiram here has told me, that you have some
important business of your own on hand."

"Yes, that is quite true," replied Dave seriously.