"What kind of a camera are you going to use?" asked Mr. Eckert
eagerly.

"I must decline to answer that," replied Tom, a bit stiffly.

"Oh, that's all right," spoke Mr. Turbot, good naturedly. "Only
'Spotty' was bragging that you were making a new kind of film for
him, and we wondered if it was on the market."

"We are always looking for improvements," added Mr. Eckert.

"This camera isn't on the market," replied Tom, on his guard as
to how he answered.

The two men whispered together for a moment, and then Mr.
Turbot said:

"Well, as I remarked, we're men of business, and there's no use
beating about the bush. We've heard of you, Tom Swift, and we
know you can do things. Usually, in this world, every man has his
price, and we're willing to pay big to get what we want. I don't
know what offer Mr. Period made to you, but I'll say this: We'll
give you double what he offered, for the exclusive rights to your
camera, whenever it's on the market, and we'll pay you a handsome
salary to work for us."

"I'm sorry, but I can't consider the offer," replied Tom
firmly. "I have given my word to Mr. Period. I have a contract
with him, and I cannot break it."