“A real plane,” was the field manager’s comment when they had completed their inspection. “After a test like the one to-day you can count on it carrying you through anything short of a hurricane.”
“I’m not so sure it wouldn’t do that,” said Tim.
“We’d better fill up the gasoline tank,” he added. “Never can tell when we may get an assignment that will call for another quick getaway.”
They refueled the ship and were rolling it back into the hangar when a car skidded through the gate. The managing editor and Ralph were in the machine and from their haste Tim knew that he would soon be in the clouds again on the trail of another big story.
CHAPTER TWO
The managing editor of the News jumped from the car before Ralph brought it to a stop and ran toward Tim.
“Can you start on another assignment right away?” he asked.
“Whenever you say, Mr. Carson,” replied Tim. “We’ve just made a complete check and the Good News isn’t hurt in the least. She’s refueled and ready to go.”
“Then you’re heading for Cedar river valley,” said the managing editor. “Here’s the situation. The village of Auburn you took food and medical supplies to last spring when the Cedar was on a rampage is in need of help again. The river is causing trouble and the worst ice jam in the history of the country is just above the village. This changeable weather has kept the river thawing and then freezing and thousands of tons of ice are piling up behind the jam. I want you and Ralph to make a trip there this afternoon, survey the situation, get all the pictures you can, and report to me. When we know the size of the jam we can plan to get relief to them.”
“We’ll be on our way in ten minutes,” promised Tim. “The people at Auburn helped me when I was working on the Sky Hawk mystery and I’ll be glad of the chance to do another favor for them.”