Flying the Coast Skyways; Or, Jack Ralston's Swift Patrol

ipher

best pal made this abrupt announcement; but then

past fifty miles on, our string up to date had about run through. I reck

glimpse a big-looks like our

r Transport, for passengers and mail; and Southern Air Fast Express-covering the route between

n pat, Big Boss," Perk went on to comm

me thing at least twice before the present occasion-Perk could be so forgetful, he remembered-"we'll make straight for the

to meet up with some

as I know at present; so it might be we can hang around Atlanta a day or more. But both of us will have to play our parts, and fend off any too inquisitive newspaper men. I've learned that the Atlanta

while several could now be seen cruising at sublime heights, either being put through their paces by pilots, or what was more likely carrying excursionists in the

r to make it appear that Perk was the real article when it came to being the head pilot of the mu

who gave all the recognized signs of being a hustling, live-wire newspaper man, always on the scent for some unusual happening such as could be turned into a thrilling story,-such

ad of blank paper all ready in the other. "If you would kindly give me a few facts connected with your identity, where you jumped off,

ently taken upon themselves, and merely stating they were from Texas, bound to Atlanta on private business connected with aviation circles.

o make an interesting account; so that was that, and he was at liberty to turn to the one in authority wi

elers really had in view-he was quite willing that such a sneaky investigator examine the ship from one end to the other, and welcome-the

e, bustling Atlanta, and presently brought up at the no

ey had with them. He registered without ostentation; and no sooner had the clerk taken a look at

ling a pack of envelopes swiftly, he handed Jack a register

r pocket; then a minute later they both foll

comrade, as he remarked in a low tone, with a nervous look all around, as though half expec

hey're keepin' on the move, an' we're a step closer to aour f

u'll know everything. Now settle down in that chair, and give me ten minutes of ti

ther as a terrier might hover over a hole in the kitchen wall, f

t at reading the secret cipher code adopted by the Government, in the

can't be too careful, since walls sometimes have ears especially in this day of the hidden dictograph. To begin with," he went on to add, "we seem to h

as enormous a

it the target in the bull's eye." "Ever since we carried on so well daown in Floridy along

ntry through a powerful syndicate that's said to be backed by some heavy unknown parties with unlimited capital at their control. Ours is going to be the task of finding out who they are; and likewise throwing a

ke. "I jest kinder allers did yearn to tackle things sech as had a tough reputation behind 'em. Course

The Chief candidly tells me they have been laying all sorts of clever traps for many moons, only

on this traffic she's bein' kerried on, to slip by the fas

rhauled, and seized, though as a rule the crew always managed to slip away, jumping overboard close in among the reeds, and disappearin

ey 'gainst thirty cents they got a li

; and now we know why they called on us to get in the game-we seem to have made a big hit with the Chi

' we've kerried aout? But what's the idee o' aour headin' f

posted by the Government agent in Charleston. Besides, we've got to handle another kind of ship,-in

n' to do with them crocodile type o' boats, an' never 'spected to; so this same is a bi

e handling of that type of boat. Besides, we're under orders not to hurry things along at all-to t

this layout all by aour

mmanders will recognize the signal we give, and place their craft at our disposal as long as we wish; so you see we're to really be in command of a squadron

contained, with the intention of posting Perk regarding th

ock-like regularity, and the custom service is being made a laughing stock among those in the secret. No wonder the Chief is feeling hot under the collar; for I reckon there never as yet has been a time like the present, w

in mostly, partner-d

some country in the Balkans, Turkey being suspected. Then there are diamonds, and other precious stones that carry a heavy duty; laces; expensive Havana cigars from Cuban factories

customs service, so's to trick the boats into startin' aout on false leads, that leaves the landin' places unguarded-mebbe, naow, ole scout,

eet him again play the deaf and dumb