special aeroplane to enter in the next meet? You'll have plenty of time,
as it doesn't come off for three months yet. We are only making the
preliminary arrangements. It is now June, and the meet is scheduled for
early in September. Couldn't you build a new and speedy aeroplane in
that time?"

Eagerly Mr. Gunmore waited for the answer. Tom Swift seemed to be
considering it. There was an increased brightness to his eyes, and one
could tell that he was thinking deeply. The secretary sought to clinch
his argument.

"I believe, from what I have heard of your work in the past, that you
could build an aeroplane which would win the ten-thousand-dollar prize,"
he went on. "I would be very glad if you did win it, and, so I think,
would be the gentlemen associated with me in this enterprise. It would
be fine to have a New York State youth win the grand prize. Come, Tom
Swift, build a special craft, and enter the contest!"

As he paused for an answer footsteps were heard coming along the hall,
and a moment later an aged gentleman opened the door of the library.

"Oh! Excuse me, Tom," he said, "I didn't know you had company." And he
was about to withdraw.

"Don't go, father," said Tom. "You will be as much interested in this as
I am. This is Mr. Gunmore, of the Eagle Park Aviation Association. This
is my father, Mr. Gunmore."

"I've heard of you," spoke the secretary as he shook hands with the aged
inventor. "You and your son have made, in aeronautics, a name to be