Tim was thoughtful. "It's too bad the _News_ is sponsoring the appearance of the High Flyers if their leader is to be arrested on a federal charge," he said. "I'm afraid it's too late to make any changes now," said Mr. Prentiss. "As a matter of fact, it will make a stronger story for, even though you are now aware of McDowell's identity, you will go on and help a federal law enforcement agency to carry out its duty." "You're right on that point," agreed Tim. "I'm sure that the _News_ will do all in its power to help you." "I'm wondering why you looked us up," said Ralph. "You could just as well have waited until Sunday." "True enough," nodded the narcotics agent, "but I know that both you and Murphy, as a result of your efforts toward the apprehension of the Sky Hawk and his gang, were made officers of the state police. I may need a little official help Sunday and I want men I can trust in an emergency." It was a fine compliment to the undaunted courage of the young newspaper men and it pleased them both. Prentiss had made warm friends and allies on whom he could count in any emergency. "McDowell has been smuggling for a long time," went on the federal agent. "We've been after him for two years but he's a shrewd flyer and a shrewder smuggler. It wasn't until I got one of my own men into his outfit that I commenced to get results." "You've actually got one of your agents flying with McDowell?" asked Ralph. "He's rated the next best flyer in the outfit, Tommy Larkin, by name." "I've heard of him," said Tim, "but I never dreamed he was a federal agent." "Neither does McDowell or I'm very much afraid Tommy would be among the missing." "Meaning what?" asked Ralph. "That it would be comparatively easy for McDowell to arrange a crack-up of Tommy's plane somewhere on a long hop if he ever became suspicious." "That would be unthinkable," said Tim. "Not for McDowell. You might as well realize right now that he is ready to go to any length to save himself from arrest. According to information from Larkin, McDowell will receive a new shipment of drugs just before they take off from Charleston on their flight here. McDowell is to keep it in his ship until they reach Nemaha, their next stop after they finish their exhibition in Atkinson. That means McDowell will have the stuff on his ship for at least 24 hours. He flies a four passenger cabin plane most of the time but for one of the stunts he goes aloft in a fast two-seater. That's when I'll have a chance to seize the dope in his cabin ship and take him when he lands." "Sounds fine if nothing slips," nodded Tim. "There'll be no slips this time," promised the federal agent. They discussed plans for the apprehension of McDowell at length and before he left the office, Prentiss promised to see the managing editor the next day.