knew the gentleman's eyes twinkled, "I could have no idea that
you were over here at Mary's, Tom."

"Of course not," rejoined the young inventor calmly. "Seeing
that I only come to see her just as often as I get a chance."

"Bless my memory tablets! is that the fact?" chuckled Mr.
Damon. "Anyway, I wanted to see you so particularly that I drove
over in my car tonight--"

"Wait a minute," said Tom, hastily. "Is this important?"

"I think so, Tom."

"Let me get something else off of my mind first, then, Mr.
Damon," Tom Swift said quickly. "Drive around by Ned's house,
will you, please? Ned Newton's. After I speak a minute with him I
will be at your service.

"Surely, Tom; surely," agreed the gentleman.

The automobile had been running slowly. Mr. Damon knew the
streets of Shopton very well, and he headed around the next
corner. As the car turned, a figure bounded out of the shadow
near the house line. Two long strides, and the man was on the
running board of the car upon the side where Tom Swift sat. Again
an ugly club was raised above the young fellow's head.

"You're the smart guy!" croaked the coarse voice Tom had heard
before. "Think you can bamboozle me, do you? Up with 'em!"