The manager of the Interstate factory and Dave and Hiram followed
the messenger from the plant back to the office.

"The gentleman who wishes to see me," the young aviator explained to
Mr. Randolph, "is the revenue officer I told you about."

"Ah, I think I understand the purpose of his visit, then," said the
manager.

Mr. Price was the same keen-faced, ferret-like person he always
appeared, as Dave introduced him to the manager.

"I have heard of you from our young friend, Dashaway," said Mr.
Randolph.

"Lucky I ran across him," responded the officer, in his usual short,
jerky way. "Lucky to catch you here, too, before you got off,
Dashaway."

"Then you came specially to see me?" asked Dave.

"And your friends," replied Mr. Price with a comprehensive wave of
his hand. "Mutual interests all around, it seems. You see, I met
Mr. King at Columbus after you left," explained the official. "He
told me of your remarkable discoveries, Dashaway. You are keener
than I, young man. I have been chasing all over the district, and
here you get a clew to Ridgely, while I and my men were blundering
around."