"Flying the Coast Skyways; Or, Jack Ralston's Swift Patrol" by Ambrose Newcomb is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the protagonists, Jack Ralston and his companion Wally “Perk” Corkendell, as they undertake a mission for the Secret Service, flying across the American coast to thwart a smuggling operation backed by powerful criminals. The narrative is infused with elements of aviation and camaraderie, making it an enticing read for fans of action and adventure. At the start of the novel, the two sky detectives are aboard their plane, discussing their journey and making light of their mixed backgrounds through witty banter. As they approach Birmingham and prepare to land in Atlanta, their camaraderie shines through their playful exchanges while detailing their mission to investigate a major smuggling ring. The opening scenes set the tone for their thrilling adventure, filled with humor and energy, while also establishing the stakes of their assignment as they aim to uncover a well-coordinated scheme that threatens national security. (This is an automatically generated summary.)