"If it is really a dew to him, Mr. Price," submitted the young
aviator. "You know, it is all a theory so far."

"As the facts stand, I have no doubt from your story that Ridgely is
one of the men who ran away with the Drifter," declared the officer.

"Have you fathomed his purpose in taking the air route, Mr. Price?"
asked the factory manager.

"Most certainly."

"I am puzzled to guess what it may be."

"Why, it's plain as the nose on your face," said the officer
bluntly.

"How is that?"

"You know that this man, Ridgely, is a professional smuggler?"

"So Dashaway has told me."

"We drove him from one point on the border. He has selected
another, that's all. He has worn out the old methods of evading the
revenue service, so he is adopting new ones. In fact, I rather
admire his brilliant originality. Why, I can conceive no situation
so ideal as that capture of an airship, and professional operators
in his employ."

"Then--"