It's 1926 and excitement is in the air in the remote camp town of Scenic, Washington. An air show starring Ross Elliston, a dashing flying ace, is coming to town. Billy, Finn and Dannie can't wait to meet the Great War hero--who happens to be Finn's uncle. The children's enthusiasm is dampened only by the foolish antics of Phillip Mackey, the spoiled railroad owner's son who is visiting from Chicago with his father. But when Billy overhears a surly looking man threatening Uncle Ross, he can't help but wonder: Is that the notorious smuggler whose picture he saw in the "Wenatchee Daily World? And why is the man angry with Uncle Ross? Soon Billy and his friends find themselves caught up in a mystery--and Finn's uncle seems to be right in the middle of it. Then Philip pulls one final stunt, bringing him and the three young investigators face to face with danger