"I'll do just that," said Dave to himself in a satisfied way. Then, his hand resting on the card in his pocket, he added: "What luck!" CHAPTER XIII HIRAM DOBBS AND THE BIPLANE Dave walked straight along the fence. By the shortest route possible he reached the gateway entrance to the factory yard. The tramp had put nimbly in the opposite direction. He was headed for the nearest business street, where he could spend some of the money that he had earned so easily. The young aviator was very much excited. He had made certain discoveries that had amazed him. He could not help but mentally rejoice over the strange fortune that had come from his stray meeting with the tramp. "It's a clew--a sure clew," said Dave to himself. "Now to move just right in this affair and make no mistake." The youth crossed the grounds of the plant and again entered the office building. He did not wait to announce himself, but, as he reached the door of the manager's room and found it closed, he tapped briskly. "Come in," spoke Mr. Randolph. "Hello, you, Dashaway?" "Yes, Sir," bowed Dave, removing his cap. "You are back soon." "Sooner than I planned," replied Dave, "But I--" "You've thought the affair over, I hope?" "Something more than that, Sir," responded Dave. "I have come to tell you that I think I can be of some service to you about that stolen aero-hydroplane." "Good for you!" "I've thought out a plan, Sir," went on Dave. "I feel certain that the people who raided the aerodrome and made off with the Drifter are bound for a distant and unsettled section." "But why? What benefit can they hope to secure way off from civilization?" "That we have to guess at and work out," replied Dave. "I will say, Mr. Randolph, that I think I have a faint clew to the disappearance of the airship." "You don't say so!" "I shall know more inside of twenty-four hours. In fact, Mr. Randolph, I feel pretty certain that I can soon submit a plan that will satisfy you that I know what I am about." "We already think that of you, Dashaway." "And that I can bring results." "Capital! I knew we were not mistaken in you. Now, see here, I see you have something working in your mind. I don't want to even hamper you by asking what it is." "I would like to go back to Columbus on the first train, Mr. Randolph." "Very well." "I want to look up some affairs there, consult with Mr. King, and come back here the next day." "And then?" "I shall perhaps want to use the very best aircraft you have in your factory." "To hunt for the Drifter?" "Yes, Sir." "Dashaway, the whole plant and everything in it is at your service." "Thank you, Sir." "I consider this theft of the Drifter even more important than I at first thought." "How is that, Mr. Randolph?" "I have been thinking that if some competitor was concerned in the affair, he might steal and utilize many points in our new model which are not yet protected by patents."