make the camera, and take a lot of films, showing strange and
wonderful scenes, I'll put at the end of each film, next to my
picture, your name, and a statement showing that you took the
originals. How's that? Talk about being advertised! Why you can't
beat it! Millions of people will read your name at the picture
shows every night."

"I am not looking for advertisements," said Tom, with a laugh.

"Well, then, think of the benefit you will be to science," went
on Mr. Period quickly. "Think of the few people who have seen
wild animals as they are, of those who have ever seen an earth-
quake, or a volcano in action. You can go to Japan, and get
pictures of earthquakes. They have them on tap there. And as for
volcanoes, why the Andes mountains are full of 'em. Think of how
many people will be thankful to you for showing them these
wonderful scenes."

"And think of what might happen if I should take a tumble into
a crack in the earth, or down a hot volcano, or fall into a
jungle when there was a fight on among the elephants," suggested
Tom. "My airship might take a notion to go down when I was doing
the photographing," he added.

"No. Nothing like that will happen to Tom Swift," was the
confident answer of the picture man. "I've read of your doings.
You don't have accidents that you can't get the better of. But
come, I know you're thinking of it, and I'm sure you'll go. Let
me make you out this check, sign a contract which I have all
ready, and then get to work on the camera."