ks any more than
we have to. Of course, the loss of so many planes in one area is
merely a coincidence. Probably the wrecked planes were stolen as
souvenirs. Such things happen, you know."

"Fiddlesticks!" said Dr. Bird sharply. He raised one long slender hand
with beautifully modeled tapering fingers and threw back his unruly
mop of black hair. His square, almost rugged jaw, protruded and the
glitter in his eyes grew in intensity. "No souvenir hunting vandals
could cart away whole planes without leaving a trace. In that case,
what became of the bodies? No, Inspector, this has gone beyond the
range of coincidence. There is some mystery here and it needs looking
into. Fortunately, my work at the Bureau of Standards is in such shape
that I can safely leave it. I intend to devote my entire time to
clearing this matter up. The ramifications may run deeper than either
you or I suspect. Please have all of your records dealing with plane
disappearances or wrecks in that locality sent to my office at once."

The Post Office inspector stiffened.

"Of course, Dr. Bird," he said formally, "we are very glad to hear any
suggestion that you may care to offer. When it comes, however, to a
matter of surrendering control of a Post Office matter to the
Department of Commerce or to the Treasury Department, I doubt the
propriety. Our records are confidential ones and are not open to
everyone who is curious. I will inform the proper authorities of your
desire to help, but I doubt seriously if they will avail themselves of
your offer."

* * * * *

Dr. Bird's black eyes shot fire. "Idiot!" he said. "If you're a
specimen of the Post Office Department, I'll have the entire case
taken out of your hands. Do you mean to cooperate with me or not?"

"I fail to see what interest the Bureau of Standards can have in the
affair."

"The Bureau isn't mixed up in it; Dr. Bird is. If necessary, I will go
direct to the President. Oh, thunder! What's the use of talking to
you? Who's your chief?"

"Chief Inspector Watkins is in charge of all investigations."

"Carnes, get him on the telephone. Tell him we are taking charge of
the investigation. If he balks, have Bolton go over his head. Then get
the chief of the Air Corps on the wire and arrange for an army plane
to-morrow. There is something more than a mail robbery back of this or
I'm badly fooled."

"Do you suspect--"

"I suspect nothing and no one, Carnes--yet!