“What sort of a paper is it?” asked the inventor. “We have paid our entrance fee, if that’s what you want.”
“This has nothing to do with an entrance fee. This is an injunction, issued by a court of Indiana, and is a document which prevents you, or any of these boys, from removing from the State, using, keeping possession of, or in any way having anything to do with certain property, to wit: one airship or dirigible balloon or aeroplane, known as the Comet. Is this it?”
“This is it,” said Mr. Glassford slowly, “but I don’t understand what you mean.”
“I mean that there’s an injunction out against you or these boys using that airship, and I’m a deputy sheriff sent to take possession of it.”
“An injunction!” cried Jerry. “Who took it out?”
“Giles Hoswell.”
“Giles Hoswell!” exclaimed Mr. Glassford. “Why, I know him!”
“Yes. He charges that this ship is built after plans designed by him, which you stole,” went on the deputy sheriff. “He has asked the courts to protect him, and they will. You can’t use this airship.”
“But he has no right to get out an injunction,” protested Mr. Glassford. “Those plans were mine. Hoswell only worked for me, and I discharged him because I found he was dishonest. He has not the slightest claim on this airship.”
“That’s a matter for the courts to settle,” declared the deputy. “All I know is that I was told to serve this injunction on you, and I’ve done it. Then I take possession here, and you can’t touch that airship without getting in contempt of court, which I wouldn’t advise you to do. You must not touch this airship. I’m in possession, and you must leave this tent!”