an answer. You've got to go, Tom Swift, do you hear that? You've
go to go?"

Mr. Period was apparently very much excited. He strode over to
Tom and smote his hands together to emphasize what he said. Then
he shook his finger at Tom, to impress the importance of the
matter on our hero.

"You've just got to go!" he cried. "You're the only one who can
help me, Tom. Do go! I'll pay you well, and--oh, well, I know you
don't need the money, exactly, but--say, you've got to go!"

In his earnestness Mr. Period laid his hand on Tom's arm. The
next instant something happened.

With a few big strides Koku was beside the picture man. With
great quickness he grasped Mr. Period by the coat collar, lifted
him off his feet with one hand, and walked over to a window with
him, easily lifting him above the floor.

With one fling the giant tossed the short, stout gentleman out
into a snow bank, while Tom looked on, too surprised to do
anything, even if he had had the chance.

"There. You touch Tom Swift again, and I sit on you and keep
you under snow!" cried the giant, while Mr. Period kicked and
squirmed about in the drift, as Tom made a leap forward to help
him out.