"Hardly. When I heard the drone of the amphibian down the river I figured something was up for I knew you fellows must be on your way back. I borrowed this relic from the storekeeper at Auburn and got into the air as soon as I could." "You were just in time," said Tim. "The amphibian was down on the surface of the river and all set to taxi along and give us a nice, cheerful little party." "What I want to know now," put in Ralph, "is about the story." Tim glanced toward Ford. He felt it was up to the other to say the first word on that subject. "I think we'd better go uptown and talk with your managing editor," said Ford. "He'll have to decide just what is to be printed now. Is that agreeable to everyone?" There were no objections and they left the Jupiter for a ground crew to roll into the hangar. Signalling a taxi, they were soon speeding into the heart of the city. It was ten-thirty. The first mail edition would be on the press then. Another hour and the deadline for the noon mail, which also had a big street sale. They'd have to work fast if they got the story of Grenville Ford's plans for the treasure hunt into the noon edition. It would depend on how long they talked with the managing editor. Tim had the facts on his finger tips. Once at a typewriter he knew he could spin the story in rapid-fire order. George Carson was in the editorial office when they entered. "Did you get the story?" he asked Tim anxiously. "I've got the man," replied Tim, introducing Ford. "It's going to be up to you on how much of a story develops out of our trip to Cedar valley." "Come into my office. We'll discuss it at once." In the managing editor's office Ford sat down in a chair across the desk from Carson. Tim and Ralph, more restless and anxious to get at the actual writing of the story, stood up. "I'll be brief," said Ford. "In the first place, let me say that you have two unusually resourceful reporters in Murphy and Graves." "There's none better," admitted Carson, smiling. "I'm going on a hunt for the treasure in the old tramp steamer, Southern Queen," went on Ford. "The vessel disappeared eleven years ago in the Caribbean with an unknown amount of gold in its hold. I actually don't know how much but it is sufficient to make an expensive expedition in search of the treasure very much worthwhile and I'm leaving New York as soon as possible. I want Tim Murphy to go with me. In return, I'll give you exclusive rights to the stories of the treasure hunt. What do you think about it?" "Just this," snapped Carson. "Tim has a leave of absence, starting right now, with full pay to be with you as long as necessary. I want the first exclusive story on your adventures in the Cedar river valley."