As he spoke the showman turned on a perfect blaze of electric light.
Dave and Hiram took off their helmets, and made themselves look as
little like stormy night aviators as was possible under the
circumstances.

It was nearly ten minutes before their host reappeared. He was
fully dressed now, and presented the appearance of a keen, active
business man.

"Think there's any use trying to catch that burglar?" was his first
question.

"I don't think so at all," replied Dave.

"All right, then. Carry that truck into the library," the showman
ordered his two men, who had gathered it up in a rug taken from the
vestibule. "You'll take turns guarding the house, nights after
this. Now then, young men, who are you?"

The showman put the question as he plumped down in an armchair
besides his two guests.

"We're airship boys," explained Hiram hastily, but proudly.

"Oh!" commented Colonel Lyon slowly, looking the pair over from head
to foot.

"That is, Dave is an airman," corrected Hiram. "He's Dave
Dashaway."