Ben passed on. He knew the sullen, quarrelsome nature of Dave Shallock quite well. The latter was a bully. Once he had gone too far with his domineering tactics with Ben, and a necessary and unavoidable mixup had resulted, which had taught Dave to keep his place.
“I suppose he feels bad over his father losing his job,” reflected Ben sympathizingly. “I know I should, if our positions were changed.”
Presently our hero turned quickly at the sound of footsteps behind him. It was to come face to face with the subject of his thoughts. Dave Shallock’s eyes had a wicked glare. His hands were clenched, and Ben prepared for an onslaught, but he asked quietly:
“Want to see me, Dave?”
“Yes, I do,” retorted Dave, in a husky, rage-filled voice. “I said a minute ago I didn’t speak to you. Well, I’m speaking to you now, you hear me! and I’ve got something to say you won’t soon forget.”
“What is it about?” inquired Ben.
“It’s about your mean, miserable trick in getting my father discharged from the Saxton Automobile Works!” shouted Dave Shallock wrathfully.
CHAPTER VI
THE AIRSHIP IDEA
Ben backed to the fence. He was not a bit afraid of Dave Shallock, but he was fully aware of his tricky nature. He got into a position where he could be sure that Dave’s ally, the fellow he had noticed on the fence, did not get a chance to attack him unawares, side or rear.