“They look like those made by airplane landing wheels,” suggested Ralph, “but a plane couldn’t land or take off in this short a space.”
Tim studied the marks carefully and then proceeded toward the Good News without making any further comment on his discovery.
The flying reporters swung their plane around and Ralph unblocked the wheels while Tim warmed up the motor. Then they sped away toward Atkinson, leaving the charred and blackened remains of the timber behind them.
When they landed at their home field, the managing editor was waiting for them.
“What’s this about an attempt at a million dollar robbery?” he demanded.
Tim and Ralph looked at each other blankly. They had not dreamed that the news might have preceded them for they thought the railroad people and the state police were trying to keep it under cover.
“How did you find out about it?” asked Ralph.
“A little birdie flew in and whispered in my ear,” grinned the managing editor.
“The rumor is correct,” admitted Tim. “Some gang set a patch of timber on fire last night in an attempt to stop the mail and get away with that shipment of money to the west coast. The only thing that averted the holdup was the quick action of the engineer in deciding to run through the fire and his speed in reversing his train and backing up a mile to make a run for it.”
“It must have been a thrill riding in the cab when you shot through the flame and smoke,” said Carson.