“Yes,” nodded Mr. Hardy.
“I should know him again. I am going to make it my business to find that man.”
“What good will that do, Ben?” asked his father.
“I am satisfied that he could tell a whole lot about Shallock. Maybe about that stolen contract, too.”
The visit of the conscienceless manufacturer had put rather a dismal end to a pleasant afternoon for father and son. Mr. Hardy took it quietly as was his wont, but his wife was much agitated when the circumstances were related to her.
“What are you going to do?” she inquired.
“Well, first of all, I am going to help Ben complete his airship—a good airship,” declared Mr. Hardy emphatically. “The next thing I am going to do is to place this patent litigation in the hands of a capable lawyer. I might later go into building air machines as a regular business for myself. It will take time to find out if that is best. In the meanwhile I shall apply for a position with the Diebold Company up at Martinsville!”
“Why, they wanted you last year, didn’t they, father?” asked Ben.
“Yes, and I feel sure they will want me now.”
“But that is so far from home,” suggested Mrs. Hardy anxiously.