“I refer to the man who brought the machine to town,” said Gilmore, coolly. “I asked about Louis Havens, the millionaire aviator.”
The deputy swung his fists wildly in the air and his face became, if possible, redder than before.
“You can’t fool me with any stories about millionaire aviators!” he shouted. “The ruffian who assaulted me and brought a stolen aeroplane to town is in jail, where he ought to be.”
“Did Havens assault you?” asked the ranger.
“He caused it to be done,” was the hot answer. “I saw him wink at the man, and then the man struck me on the nose.”
“And you’ve got a peach of a nose at that!” laughed Carl.
The deputy grabbed at the boy, but Gilmore stood in the way.
“If I had a nose like that,” yelled Ben, “I’d go off and sit in the dark and let it rest.”
“Do you know these fresh boys, Mr. Gilmore?” asked the deputy.
“They came from New York with Louis Havens,” was the reply.