"I wonder if Mr. Damon did? I must ask him," went on the young
inventor. "Come, on, Ned, we'll go up to the house. Everything is
all right here, I think. Whew! But that was some excitement. And
I didn't show you my aerial warship after all! Nor have you
settled that recoil problem for me."

"Time enough, I guess," responded Ned. "You sure did have a
lucky escape, Tom."

"That's right. Well, Koku, what is it?" for the giant had
approached, holding out something in his hand.

"Koku found this in red shed," went on the giant, holding out a
round, blackened object. "Maybe him powder; go bang-bang!"

"Oh, you think it's something explosive, eh?" asked Tom, as he
took the object from the giant.

"Koku no think much," was the answer. "Him look funny."

Tom did not speak for a moment. Then he cried:

"Look funny! I should say it did! See here, Ned, if this isn't
suspicious I'll eat my hat!" and Tom beckoned excitedly to his
chum, who had walked on a little in advance.



CHAPTER V
A QUEER STRANGER