"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.

The clerk stared vaguely, as if he did not quite understand the
situation.

"Yes," eagerly broke in the irrepressible Hiram, as if he was
introducing some big magnate, "he's Dave Dashaway, and he's beat the
field with the Interstate Baby Racer."

"Oh, Dashaway, eh?" said the clerk, with a pleasant smile. "I've
heard of you and read about you."

"I am glad of that," responded Dave, "because it may help you
identify me with the Inter-state people. As an employee of theirs
and a friend of Mr. Timmins, I will have to be confidential with
you."

"That's all right--we are used to confidences in this business,"