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[[page number]] 7 [[/page number]]

As [[strikethrough]] the [[/strikethrough]] hours ^[[of search]] dragged on, it became evident that the lost ship would not be found. President Neverre, pacing the office at Bandy Field, grew frantic. He dreaded [[strikethrough]] talking [[/strikethrough]] confessing the failure of his organization. Even if Harold Dare, who was [[strikethrough]] known [[/strikethrough]] noted for his magnanimity, should find it in his great heart to forgive, the reputation ^[[of the NAEC]] would be blasted. In the unreasoning public mind, one failure would outweigh hundreds of successful flights. Eagerly as he hoped for news, he dreaded ^[[it]] still more. Probably Harold Dare would not trust his ^[[precious]] films again to the air mail; ^[[For]] what happened ^[[once]] might happen again. Unless the missing [[strikethrough]] flyer [[/strikethrough]] ^[[plane]] were found, the NAEC faced ruin.

With a shudder of apprehension he heard the radio operator's typewriter click out a message. Over the man's shoulder he watched the words form themselves on the paper:

"AT WOLFRIDGE STATIONI STOP NO SIGN OF LOST SHIP
(Sig) [[strikethrough]] MAJOR [[/strikethrough]] MOSER"

"Tell [[strikethrough]] 9 [[/strikethrough]] them to go back," despaired Neverre, as he reached for the telephone. There was no alternative. Harold Dare must be informed.

Thru the long line of stenographers, secretaries, and other ^[[studio]] underlings came the word to Harold Dare that he was wanted at the telephone. The name of Alfred Neverre assured the actor of the urgency of the call. He left the set at once.

Harold Dare's face grew grave as he heard the news