“That is, I was robbed.”
“By whom?”
“A boy in a lodging house where I stayed night before last.”
“But you know the thief?”
“Only by description,” replied Dave.
“Why didn’t you inform the police?”
Dave paled slightly, and then flushed up. The airman was eyeing him keenly. The old inventor looked suspicious, too.
“Mr. King,” at length spoke Dave, “I am a runaway from home.”
“Hum!” commented Mr. Dixon dryly.
“I had to run away from home,” continued Dave desperately. “It’s a long story. There’s a heap to tell, but I’m afraid it wouldn’t interest you, sir. When I found myself robbed, I thought the best thing to do was to come and tell you all I could. I’m awfully sorry I was so careless.”