The call was from the headquarters of the state police. It was Collins, the fingerprint expert, speaking.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The connection was poor and Tim was forced to call the operator and ask for a better wire. Finally they were able to hear Collins distinctly.
“I’ve checked up on the fingerprints,” said the expert, “and they tally with those of Shanghai Sam and Pierre Petard, two members of the old Sky Hawk gang!”
Tim’s hand trembled as he heard the words. Shanghai Sam and Pierre Petard were considered the two most dangerous members of the gang next to the Sky Hawk himself. The Hawk was gone but Sam and Pierre were carrying on for him.
Collins talked steadily for several minutes.
“Remember how you chased the Sky Hawk when he had the death ray?” he asked.
Tim replied in the affirmative.
“From all the dope I can get,” said Collins, “Sam and Pierre were with the Hawk that night, one of them in the plane itself and the other waiting to help with the getaway on the ground. Of course they’ll have no scruples if you cross their path. In fact, they would probably go out of their way to meet you. Pleasant prospect, isn’t it?”
“Not so pleasant,” replied Tim, “for those chaps will stop at nothing.”