"Thank you, Sir."

"I consider this theft of the Drifter even more important than I at
first thought."

"How is that, Mr. Randolph?"

"I have been thinking that if some competitor was concerned in the
affair, he might steal and utilize many points in our new model
which are not yet protected by patents."

"I feel pretty sure that no business rival had anything to do with
the theft," observed the young aviator confidently.

"Well, you work this affair out in your own way. Remember, as I
told you, expense is no point whatever. When shall we see you
again?"

"To-morrow evening, or the next morning at the latest."

Something in Dave's manner seemed to convince the shrewd manager of
the Interstate Aeroplane Company that their young employee was
started on the right track. He shook hands cordially with Dave
when the latter left the office.

Dave went at once to the railroad depot. He learned that a train
left in two hours.

"That will bring me to Columbus before dark," he reflected. "I