Part 7 (1/2)

[Illustration: A Business Card]

Tolass works, to whom he related the occurrence The executive was shocked and very indignant at the thought of there being a crihly

”I hope you don't think I had anything to do with this, Mr Swift!” the man exclaimed

[Illustration: The Executive Was Shocked]

”Not in the least, sir But if you turn up any clues, I hope you'll let me know”

”I most assuredly will You may count on my help”

An early hour next day found To south over the sandy coast of New Jersey Every inch of the ”Winged Arrow” had been thoroughly inspected, but no other signs of da business er sat a bit uneasily in his seat as he peered out anxiously at the broad wings

[Illustration: Tom and Ned Flew South]

”Afraid they'll drop off, old rinned Tom ”Don't worry We X-rayed 'em and no struts have been filed nor any ti at the weather,” grunted Ned indignantly He was secretly relieved, for he had been pondering how easily a charge of dynamite could have been secreted aboard shi+p ”How soon do you think we'll reach Delaware Bay?”

[Illustration: Ned Was Uneasy]

”Within the next twentyat the instrument board ”Mr Britten is to meet us at a dock near Lewes”

Less than half an hour later the pontoons of the ”Winged Arroere plowing through the waters of Delaware Bay toward a near-by pier A wharf attendant caught the line Ned threw him and the shi+p was moored securely to a stout post

As To old man hailed them in a voice that seemed well able to travel from quarterdeck to fo'c'sle even in the teeth of a hurricane

[Illustration: The Plane Plowed Through the Waters]

”Ahoy there!” he bellowed, though scarcely twenty feet away ”Are you young Swift and coht you are Captain Britten, I take it?”

Vastly flattered by the title, the red-faced old seaman warood father tells in' done an' I'm the man as'll do it proper!”

[Illustration: Captain Britten, the Grizzled Old Man]

”Good for you, Captain!” said Tom ”That's exactly what my father said

And now, have you your equipment handy? If it's not too heavy we can load it aboard the plane right away Oh, and I want to introduce ood friend here, Ned Newton”

[Illustration: ”I Want to Introduce My Friend”]

”Glad to in' outfit, it's aboard shi+p We'll pick up e, the 'Elizabeth B,' but I calls her the 'Betsy B,' at Key West, where I keeps her anchored She's in a manner o' speakin' e, battered old suitcase ”If your flyin' machine is ready, so am I!”