"I am expressing the opinion of the head men in the company here,
who knew your good record. You are young, ambitious, a capable
airman, and above all you are loyal to the interest of your
employers."

"I should hope it," exclaimed Dave, roused up to genuine emotion.
"Just think--you picked me out, a mere boy, and trusted me. And see
what you helped me do, already!"

"Exactly," interrupted Mr. Randolph quickly. "That is just the
point--you've outdone some of the veterans in the service and jumped
to a high place in a bound. That's why we trust you."

"I don't know about what you propose, though," said Dave, sobering
down.

"Yes, it's a pretty hard task to set. We're all at sea."

"So am I," admitted Dave.

"Put those keen wits of yours at work, Dashaway," urged the manager
encouragingly. "I know after thinking this affair over you'll be
ready to suggest something."

"Well, all airmen should know of the theft of the Drifter, and be on
the lookout."

"We notified every association and meet in the country after we
found that the newspapers had got onto the theft. That advertises
it widely. The persons, however, who stole the Drifter knew that