“I hardly expected that your firm was involved in any way,” explained Tim, “but with your knowledge of the companies capable of doing such a job I thought you might be able to give me some valuable leaders.”
“I can’t off hand,” replied the designer, “but if you’ll come back this afternoon I’ll make some inquiries in the meantime and may have information that will help you.”
Tim thanked the aviation expert and passed the remaining hours of the morning walking through the streets of busy, restless New York.
At two o’clock he returned to Herman Bauer’s office. The designer greeted Tim cordially and turned to introduce a younger man who was in his office.
“I want you to know Mac Giddings,” he told Tim. “Mac is one of my assistants and has managed to uncover some information that should help you.”
Tim and the assistant designer shook hands cordially. They were of the same type, tall and slender, with a seriousness of purpose that brought an immediate and warm friendship.
“I’ve heard rumors for some time that a little company back in the Jersey mountains was up to some kind of a trick that wasn’t altogether above board,” said Giddings. “One of our draughtsmen was fired by them but before he left he saw enough of the plans to see what they had in mind. If you say the word, we’ll hop in my car and drive out. We can make it before sundown.”
Tim agreed to the assistant designer’s suggestion and they were soon threading their way through the heavy mid-afternoon traffic. Once out of the heart of the city they struck a thoroughfare and sped across the Jersey flats.
The flying reporter told his new friend of their experiences with Shanghai Sam and Pierre Petard and gave him an outline of his own conclusions.
“Seems to me you’ve found the solution,” said Giddings as he swung his machine off the main highway. “And I wouldn’t be surprised if we verify it within the next two or three hours.”