“Why, yes, Blandin,” admitted Tim. “You’re more or less of a lone wolf and a stranger at this field.”
“Right,” smiled Blandin and in spite of himself, Tim couldn’t help liking the other for the moment. “I’m entering a plane in the tour and since you fellows were going, thought you’d better know my flyer.” Blandin called to a slightly built man who had been working over the motor of a nearby biplane.
“I want you to know Daredevil Dugan,” said Blandin when the other flyer joined them. Ralph and Tim acknowledged the introduction but Tim felt an instant wave of dislike for Dugan. The air circus flyer who was going on the tour was short of stature, with a peaked face and eyes that shifted constantly. There was no question about Dugan’s ability as a flyer for he had a reputation as a daredevil, but there might easily be some question about his ethics.
“I’d like to make the trip,” said Blandin, “but I have to ride herd on the bunch of flying lunatics I’ve got over at my own field. Let them alone and they might decide to make a raid on the treasury.”
“I’m not so sure they wouldn’t get away with it,” added Tim. He was surprised at the effect his words had for Blandin’s face clouded with a sudden fury that shook his entire body.
“What do you know about my outfit?” he said hoarsely.
“Nothing,” admitted Tim. “But I’d like to know a whole lot more.”
With that he turned and walked over to the Good News.
“Why did you stir Blandin up like that?” asked Ralph.
“I honestly don’t know,” replied Tim. “Maybe it hasn’t got me anywhere and maybe it has.” He glanced toward the plane Blandin was entering in the air tour and saw the head of the flying circus talking with Dugan. “One thing, though,” he added, “I’m going to keep my eyes on Dugan.”