Tom was silent a moment. Then he said:

"Well, I admit that there is something attractive about it. I
hoped I was going to stay home. for a long time. But--"

"Then you'll go!" cried Mr. Period eagerly. "Here's the money,"
and he quickly filled out a check for Tom's first expenses,
holding the slip of paper toward the young inventor.

"Wait a minute! Hold on!" cried Tom. "Not so fast if you
please. I haven't yet made up my mind."

"But you will; won't you?" asked Mr. Period.

"Well, I'll make up my mind, one way or the other," replied the
young man. "I won't say I'll go, but--"

"I'll tell you what I'll do!" interrupted Mr. Period. "I'm a
busy man, and every second is worth money to me. But I'll wait
for you to make up your mind. I'll give you until to-morrow
night. How's that? Fair, isn't it?"

"Yes--I think so. I am afraid--"

"I'm not!" broke in the picture man. "I know you'll decide to
go. Think of the fun and excitement you'll have. Now I've taken
up a lot of your time, and I'm going to leave you alone. I'll be
back tomorrow evening for my answer. But I know you're going to
get those moving pictures for me. Is that giant of yours