"I want you to make a study of electric motive power as applied
to track locomotives, with the idea of utilizing our power plants
and others like them, and even with the possibility in mind of
the continued use of the Jandel locomotives on our more level
stretches of road.

"But I want your investigation to result in the building of
locomotives that will make a speed of two miles a minute, or as
near that as possible, on level rails, and be powerful enough to
snake our heavy freight trains through the hills and over the
steep grades so rapidly that even two engines, a pusher and a
hauler, cannot beat the electric power."

"Some job, that, I'll say," murmured Tom Swift.

"Exactly. Some job. And it is the only thing that will save the
H. & P. A.," said Mr. Bartholomew decidedly. "I put it up to you
Swifts. I have heard of some of your marvelous inventions. Here
is something that is already invented. But it needs development."

"I see," said Mr. Swift, and nodded.

"It interests me," admitted Tom. "As I say, I have given some
thought to the electric locomotive."

"This is the age of speed," said Mr. Bartholomew earnestly.
"Rapidity in handling freight and kindred things will be the
salvation, and the only salvation, of many railroads. Tapping a
rich territory is not enough. The road that can offer the