“Yes. We will keep on and make Tarryford. If we get no information there, I guess we will have to give up the hunt.”
It was shortly after noon when they passed an old farmhouse. As they whizzed by, Hiram remarked some sheds in ruins, and smoking yet as if recently consumed by fire. He called the attention of his comrade to the fact. They sped on. Less than half a mile accomplished, they saw ahead a steep, high hill. By the side of the road, seated on a level rock, was a man holding a rifle between his knees.
Something about the grim, watchful manner of the farmer attracted the curious attention of both of the boys. Dave brought the machine to a halt at the side of the road.
“Say, my man,” he called out, pleasantly, “have you seen or heard of an airship anywhere around here this morning?”
It was quite startling the way the farmer came to his feet. His eyes flashed and he handled his weapon in a menacing way.
“Have I?” he cried, fiercely. “I reckon so, and I’m ready to riddle the troublesome old contraption the minute she shows herself again!”
CHAPTER VII
FOUND
“We’re going to find out something sure,” declared Hiram. “Say, Dave, that man knows something about our machine.”
The young airman leaped from the auto and approached the farmer. The latter stood viewing the newcomers in a surly, suspicious way.