Dave was greatly startled. Into his mind flashed the truth. Filled with malice and revenge because he had lost a probably rich reward for putting through his infamous plottings, Vernon had essayed a final attack upon the young aviator.
“He tried to destroy the Ariel,” said Dave, “but he seems hurt. Phone for an ambulance, Hiram.”
Vernon was, indeed, hurt. Both of his arms were broken at the wrists. He would never drive an airship again.
Good came of Dave’s care for him, miscreant as he was. The old accomplices of Vernon abandoned him in his wretched plight, but Dave saw that he was given the best of care at a hospital.
Vernon broke down under this kind treatment. He not only confessed his share in the plots of the Syndicate, but betrayed the secrets of old Martin Dawson.
Not much of the Beresford fortune was wrested from that schemer, but at least Bruce Beresford had the satisfaction of so working out affairs that Dawson could no longer interfere with him or his little sister, Lois.
“You are a credit to your friends,” proclaimed Mr. Brackett, as he handed Dave Dashaway the ten thousand dollar check that represented the first grand prize of the International meet.
“And what lots of them he’s got!” cried Hiram Dobbs.
“I hope I’m somewhere on the list,” modestly intimated Bruce Beresford.
“Be sure of that,” was the hearty reply. “So much so, that, when we start in for new triumphs, next season, I hope to enroll you as one of the crew of the Ariel,” said Dave.