Whatever he heard seemed to strike him with astonishment at first and then with a malicious glee.
"So," he muttered, "that's your scheme, is it? Well, I guess we'll be able to head that off. That aeroplane of yours won't go in that race if I can help it, and even if it did I know enough now to head you off from getting the big prize. That young Harding ought to pay me well for this."
So saying, Jukes Dade shuffled off toward Fanning's hangar, still chortling evilly to himself.
Jimsy returned to the shed without any good news. In fact, the doleful expression on his usually merry face would have told them that long before he opened his mouth. In the midst of the general gloom a merry face was suddenly obtruded through the swinging doors.
"Hullo! hullo! young folks, what's the trouble? You look as if you were going to attend a funeral."
They looked up to see the figure of Hal Homer, clad in white flannels, and with a checked cap on his curly head, standing in the doorway.
"Can I come in?" he asked, and without waiting for an answer in he came.
"Oh, Mr. Homer," cried Jess, fairly pouncing on him, "we're so glad you've come; we are in a dreadful fix."
"A dreadful fix? Why, my dear young lady, I read in the local paper that I bought on my way from the depot that Roy's machine, judging from the trials, was going to have things all her own way."
"So much so," struck in Jimsy, "that it looks as if some of Roy's enemies have spirited him away."
The aviation instructor looked at Jimsy in a puzzled way, rather as if he thought the youth might be having some fun with him.
"No, no, this is serious. I mean it," spoke Jimsy quickly. "Roy has gone!"
"Yes. He vanished last night. But sit down and we'll tell you all about it. Maybe you can help us out."
Absolutely "flabbergasted," to use his own expression, the good-looking young flying man sank down on an upturned case, while Jimsy went on to relate all that had occurred, with Peggy every now and then striking in with additions and corrections.
Another ear also took in the conversation--that of Jukes Dade--who had seen the arrival of the well-dressed young aviator, and had instantly slipped back to his eavesdropping post to learn what the newcomer's business might be.