any other concern, and everything will be all right. Sign there,"
he added, pointing to a dotted line, and thrusting a fountain pen
into Tom's hand. The lad read over the agreement, which was fair
enough, and signed it, and Ned affixed his name as a witness.

"Now when can you go?" asked Mr. Period eagerly.

"Not before Spring, I'm afraid," replied Torn. "I have first to
make the camera, and then my airship needs overhauling if I am to
go on such long trips as will be necessary in case I am to get
views of wild beasts in the jungle."

"Well, make it as soon as you can," begged Mr. Period. "I can
have the films early next Fall then, and they will be in season
for the Winter runs at the theatres. Now, I'm the busiest man in
the world, and I believe I have lost five hundred dollars by
coming here to-night. Still, I don't regret it. I'm going back
now, and I'll expect to hear from you when you are ready to
start. There's my address. Good-bye," and thrusting a card into
Tom's hand he hurried out of the room.

"Won't you stop all night?" called Mr. Swift after him.

"Sorry. I'd like to but can't. Got a big contract I must close
in New York to-morrow morning. I've ordered a special train to be
at the Shopton station in half an hour, and I must catch that.
Good night!" and Mr. Period hurried away.

"Say, he's a hustler all right!" exclaimed Ned.