The man started so that he nearly dropped the opera glasses, which
he had held focused on the aeroplane. Then he stepped back, and eyed
Tom sharply.

"What do you want?" repeated our hero. "What right have you to be
spying on that airship--on these premises?" The man hesitated a
moment, and then coolly returned the glasses to his pocket. He did
not seem at all put out, after his first start of surprise.

"What are you doing?" Tom again asked. He looked around to see where
Koku, the giant, was, and beheld the big man walking slowly toward
him, for Ned had mentioned what had taken place.

"What right have you to question my actions?" asked the man, and
there was in his tones a certain authority that made Tom wonder.

"Every right," retorted our hero. "That is my airship, at which you
have been spying, and this is where I live."

"Oh, it is; eh?" asked the man calmly. "And that's your airship,
too?"

"I invented it, and built the most of it myself. If you are
interested in such things, and can assure me that you have no spying
methods in view, I can show you--"

"Have you other airships?" interrupted the man quickly.

"Yes, several," answered Tom. "But I can't understand why you should
be spying on me. If you don't care to accept my offer, like a