Far into the night they worked in the laboratory, Giddings explaining the use of his radio detector and Tim working with it to be sure that he could handle it to the best advantage.
When the flying reporter left Giddings’ apartment he was burdened with the radio detector, which, although placed in a compact cabinet, was heavy.
“I’m going to report this outfit over in the Jersey woods,” said Giddings, “and it won’t take Uncle Sam long to put a damper on their activities. There will be no objection to their manufacture of their plane for commercial use but to make them especially for aerial bandits is a proposition that Uncle Sam won’t stand for.”
“I’m glad you’ll take care of that,” said Tim. “They really have a wonderful plane and it’s a shame that a crooked outfit has gotten hold of it. Undoubtedly money which the Sky Hawk obtained when he was at the peak of his career is behind them.”
“Which will be just one more reason why Uncle Sam will be glad to shut them up,” said Giddings. “By tomorrow afternoon the woods will be full of federal men for a surprise raid. Be sure and let me know how you come out and send the radio detector back as soon as you’re through.”
“I’ll do that,” promised Tim, “and thanks so much for all you’ve done for me.”
When the flying reporter reached his hotel, he found a telegram.
“We’ve been trying to find you since late afternoon,” said the clerk who handed him the message. “It was marked important.”
Tim tore open the yellow envelope and read the brief message. His senses reeled as the import of the telegram flashed through his mind.
Ralph had been kidnapped!