Ned is Worried


Tom Swift did not answer for several seconds. He stood
holding the paper Ned had given him, the sun slanting on the
picture of the big British tank. But the young inventor did
not appear to see it. Instead, his eyes were as though
contemplating something afar off.

"Well, this gets me!" cried Ned, his voice showing
impatience. "Here I go and get a picture of the latest
machine the British armies are smashing up the Boches with,
and bring it to you fresh from the mail--I even quit my
Liberty Bond business to do it, and I know some dandy
prospects, too--and here you look at it like a--like a
fish!" burst out Ned.

"Say, old man, I guess that's right!" admitted Tom. "I
wasn't thinking about it, to tell you the truth."

"Why not?" Ned demanded. "Isn't it great, Tom? Did you
ever see anything like it?"

"Yes."

"You did?" Cried Ned, in surprise. "Where? Say, Tom Swift,
are you keeping something from me?"

"I mean no, Ned. I never have seen a British tank."