Tim and Ralph felt their pulses quicken as they heard the name of the visitor. The managing editor turned to introduce the second man, who was taller than Searle and younger by several years.
“And I also want you to know,” went on the managing editor, “Captain Ned Raymond of the bureau of investigation of the state police.”
Tim and Ralph acknowledged the introductions and sat down on the bed. They waited for the managing editor to continue.
“These men have called on us for assistance,” explained Carson. “I want them to tell you their troubles and the final decision on what you do will be up to you.”
Colonel Searle moved restlessly.
“I’ve heard a great deal about you boys,” he said “especially in connection with the Sky Hawk. You did great work there but I thought you were older.”
“An older man wouldn’t be as fast, as alert, as Tim and Ralph,” said their managing editor.
“Perhaps you’re right,” agreed Colonel Searle.
“Captain Raymond and I are playing a hunch,” he went on, “and we have both agreed that if this hunch comes true we are going to need your aid. The airplane has placed an entirely new means of escape in the hands of criminals and we must be ready to combat this. With the present economy policy of the state legislature it would be impossible for us to secure funds for the training of our troopers as pilots or for the purchase of an airplane. For that reason we came here today to appeal to your managing editor.”
The head of the state police paused for a moment.