第29章

"This is a bit queer, though," went on the young inventor."This letter was written three days ago, but it reached Shopton only to-day.And it says that unless they hear from me at once they will have to take steps that will cause me great inconvenience.They have nerve, at any rate, and impudence, too! I won't even bother to answer.But I wonder what they mean, and why this letter was delayed?""The mails are all late on account of the transportation congestion caused by moving troops to the camps," said Mr.Damon."Some of my letters are delayed a week.But, as you say, Tom, these fellows are very impudent to threaten that way.""It's all bluff," declared Tom."I'm not worrying.And now, Dad, since I've almost reached the top of the hill with my Air Scout, I may be able to help you on that new electric motor you're puzzling over.""I wish you would, Tom.I am trying to invent a new system of interchangeable brush contacts, but so far I've been unable to make them work.However, there is no great hurry about that.If you are going to offer your silent machine to the government finish that first.We need all the aircraft we can get.The battles on the other side seem to be all in favor of the Germans, so far.""We haven't got into our stride yet," declared Mr.Damon."OnceUncle Sam gets the boys over there in force, there'll be a different story to tell.I only wish--"At that moment the telephone set up an insistent ringing, breaking in on Mr.Damon's remarks.

"I'll answer," said Tom, as Mrs.Baggert moved toward the instrument, which was an extension from the main one.

"Hello!" called the young inventor into the transmitter, and as he received an answer a look of pleasure came over his face.

"Yes, Mary, this is Tom," he said.He remained silent a moment, while it was evident he was listening to the voice at the other end of the wire.Then he suddenly exclaimed:

"What's that? Tell him to come home? Why, he isn't here.I just came in and--what--wait a minute!"With a rather strange look on his face Tom covered the mouth- piece of the instrument with his hand, and, turning to his father, asked:

"Is Mr.Nestor here?"

"No," replied Mr.Swift slowly, "He was here, though.He came a little while after you and Mr.Damon started off in the Air Scout.But he didn't stay.Said he wanted to see you about something and would call again.""Oh," remarked the young man."I didn't know he had been there.""I meant to tell you," said Mrs.Baggert; "but getting the lunch made me forget it, I guess."Tom uncovered the transmitter of the telephone again, and spoke to Mary Nestor.

"Hello," he said."I was wrong, Mary.Your father was here, but he left when he found I wasn't at home.How long ago? Wait a minute and I'll inquire.

"How long ago did Mr.Nestor leave?" asked the young inventor of the housekeeper."Nearly an hour," he said into the instrument, after he had received the answer.Then, after listening a moment, he added: "Yes, I guess he'll be home soon now.Probably stopped down town to see some of his friends.Yes, Mr.Damon and I tried out the Air Scout.Yes, she worked pretty well, for a starter, but there is something yet to be done.Oh, yes, now I'll have time to come over to see you, and take you for a ride too.

We won't have to talk through a speaking tube, either.Tell your father I am sorry I was out when he called.I'll come to see him to-morrow, if he wants me to.Yes--yes.I guess so!" and Tom laughed, it being evident that his remarks at the end of the conversation had to do with personal matters.

"A telegram has come for Mr.Nestor and they were anxious that he should get it," Tom explained to his little audience as he hung up the receiver and put aside the telephone."I wonder what he wanted to see me about?""He didn't say," replied Mrs.Baggert.

Mr.Damon, Tom, and his father remained in conversation a little while longer, and the eccentric man was thinking that it was about time for him to return home, when the telephone rang again.

"Hello," answered Tom, as he was nearest the instrument."Oh, yes, Mary, this is he.What's that? Your father hasn't reached home yet? And your mother is worried? Oh tell her there is no cause for alarm.As I said, he probably stopped on his way to see some friends."Tom listened for perhaps half a minute to a talk that was inaudible to the others in the room, and they noticed a grave look come over his face.Then he said:

"I'll be right over, Mary.Yes, I'll come at once.And tell your mother not to worry.I'm sure nothing could have happened.I'll be with you in a jiffy!"As Tom Swift hung up the receiver he said:

"Mr.Nestor hasn't reached home yet, and as he promised to return at once in case he didn't find me, his wife is much worried.I'll go over and see what I can do.""I'll come along!" volunteered Mr.Damon."It isn't late yet.""Yes, do come," urged Tom."But I suppose when we get there we'll find our friend has arrived safely.We'll go over in the electric runabout."