Dave reached Bolton on schedule time. An inquiry directed him to the extensive works of the Interstate Aeroplane Company. He found it to be a very large plant. The company, besides manufacturing aircraft, also turned out automobiles. Past the entrance gates of the big establishment, Dave became at once interested in a large building bearing the sign "Aerodrome." He could not resist the impulse to enter it. Then he found himself going from section to section, viewing the splendid assortment of aircraft on exhibition and for sale. To a devotee of aeronautics the display was most fascinating. There were monoplanes, biplanes, and hydroplanes. In one section were samples of the various accessories of the craft. Dave was looking over a splendid passenger monoplane when some one hailed him. "Dashaway--say, we've been expecting you." Dave turned to face the man who had been sent on by the Interstate people to drill him in the use of the hydroplane at Columbus. "Yes," nodded Dave, "I got a hurry call wire, and came on at once." "Seen the manager?" "Not yet. I drifted in here and lost myself among so many beauties. I don't see the new hydro-aeroplane." A quick shade came over the face of Dave's companion. "No," he hesitatingly replied. "Has it been shipped to Columbus yet?" inquired Dave. "Why--that is, I guess I had better let the manager tell you about the machine." Dave noticed a singular constraint in the manner of his companion. "Come along, I'll introduce you," volunteered the latter. Dave accompanied his guide from the aerodrome. They passed several large factory buildings. In their center was a small one story brick structure labeled "Office." Dave had never met the manager of the Interstate Company. He had transacted all his business with the agent of the company and the hydroplane expert. His companion led him past a row of desks occupied by clerks and stenographers and into a neatly furnished office. "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." CHAPTER XI "N. A. L." "Stolen!" exclaimed Dave, in dismay. "It startles you?" spoke the manager of the Interstate Aeroplane concern. "So it did us." "But--"