"What sort of appearing chap was he?" inquired Jimmie, advancing.
Quickly the man began a description which the boys at once recognized as belonging to but one person of their acquaintance.
"The Rat!" gasped Jimmie in bewilderment. "Why, my dream book said he was on his way to Berlin an hour ago!" the lad insisted vigorously. "Now you tell me he's been up here claiming we sent him!"
"Maybe you didn't look closely enough in your dream book, Jimmie," consoled Jack. "You evidently failed to examine the first chapter of 'Beating it for Berlin' to learn whether he was to make any stops enroute!"
"But we didn't send anybody!" insisted Jimmie, addressing the policeman with a positive manner. "We have no servants!"
"Pardon, but he had with him an order from you stating that he was to be permitted to visit your machine and return with certain papers," insisted the guard. "My companion further down the street has it now."
"Call him over here," requested Ned. "I want to see that!"
While waiting for the approach of the other guard, Francois engaged in conversation with the one before the lads. Turning to Ned the boy explained that he was informed The Rat, in company with another man, had visited the aeroplant with the alleged order. Thinking it genuine, the guards permitted him to seek the article wanted.
Not being inclined to trespass, the guards had not accompanied the searcher, but had waited at a respectful distance until the man and his companion were ready to leave. They had believed that they were doing only what the boys wished in the matter, hoping to be of assistance.
"Here is the permit, gentlemen," offered the second guard.