"Here is Dashaway, Mr. Randolph," he said.

A fine looking man writing at a desk wheeled quickly in his chair.
He arose to his feet with a pleasant smile and shook Dave's hand in
a welcoming way.

"I am glad to meet you," he spoke. "You received our telegram?"

"Yes, sir, and came on at once."

"I suppose you know why we sent for you?" questioned the manager.

"Why, no, sir," replied Dave.

"We tried to keep our loss a secret," proceeded the manager, "but
the newspapers got hold of it."

Dave recalled the newspaper heading he had glanced at, "A Burglar In
The Clouds," and wondered if that had anything to do with the case.

"I have not read a newspaper since leaving Columbus last night,"
said Dave.

"Well," explained the manager of the Interstate Company, "our new
model aero-hydroplane his been stolen."