They found Mr. King in the little partitioned off room of the Aegis
hangar which he used as an office. The airman sat before a desk
littered up with a variety of papers. One of these Dave noticed as
he entered, was a detailed drawing of an immense airship.

"Oh, arrived, eh?" spoke the aviator with a pleasant smile, as the
boys came into view. "Glad of it. Get comfortable seats and we'll
have a little chat."

The boys settled themselves in camp chairs, Mr. King closed the door
of the apartment and sat down again. Hiram regarded him eagerly and
expectantly.

"I've got something to tell you, lads," began the airman, after a
brief thoughtful pause. "This is business, and of course you will
be wise enough to treat it confidentially."

"I love to keep secrets," declared the ardent Hiram, and Dave smiled
and nodded assent to the sentiment.

"I have been thinking and planning for a big event for some time,"
continued Mr. King.

"As how, now?" asked Hiram, devoured with suspense.

"Well, in the first place I propose to build a giant airship."

"I know," said Hiram. "A big passenger monoplane."