"Why so?"

"Because from the trail they left we could trace where they ran the
machine outside. They gauged its ground run just right. They must
have put on the muffler, for the watchman heard no sounds. Then
they flew away."

"Do you suspect anybody?" questioned Dave.

"No."

"Could it have been a business rival?"

"Scarcely. We have some hard competitors, but we have canvassed the
situation and do not believe they could afford to mix up in a
deliberate steal."

"It is strange," commented Dave, in a musing tone.

"Our belief is that the Drifter was selected as the nearest and
highest type of aircraft in existence. The people who stole it did
so with some definite purpose in view."

"What could that purpose be?" asked Dave.

"We cannot as yet decide. One thing is certain--they will not
venture to use it at any of the aero meets."

"Then they must design to take it to a distance."