"That dash of yours after that Lyon order when you outwitted the Star people was simply brilliant. It showed your loyalty to us. The newspapers have given your hydroplane work so far the biggest kind of a send off." Dave was silent. He looked modest and embarrassed at all this praise. He could not, however, feel otherwise than pleased at all these eulogies bestowed upon him. "The Drifter has got to be found," resumed the manager. "It is our first perfected model, and we can hardly build its counterpart in time for full seasonal exhibitions. We think you are the man to find it, Dashaway." "Oh, Mr. Randolph," said Dave with a slight start. "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 would come about. Rest assured of on point, therefore--they won't stay within range of possible identification any longer than they can help." "That's so," acknowledged Dave musingly. "The company wishes you to take charge of a search for the Drifter," went on Mr. Randolph. "Any machine we own, half a dozen of them if you like, are at your disposal. You may proceed regardless of the expense. If Mr. King could be induced to assist--" "I think he is under contract clear up to the end of the season," explained Dave. "Sorry for that, but he is such a good friend to you and to us, and I fancy he would gladly cooperate with advice and direction." "Yes, indeed," assented Dave. "We owe you a good deal more than your contract income already, Dashaway," said the manager. "I don't think there's an aviator living ever had a finer settlement than you will have if you succeed in running down the Drifter." "I'll try," said Dave. "That's capital." "Give me a few hours to think it over," suggested Dave.