"Offer him three times what Period did," said Mr. Eckert, in a
hoarse whisper that Tom heard.

"It would be useless!" exclaimed our hero. "I wouldn't go back
on my word for a hundred times the price I am to get. I am not in
this business so much for the money, as I am for the pleasure of
it."

The men were silent a moment. There were ugly looks on their
faces. They looked sharply at Tom and Ned. Then Mr. Eckert said:

"You'll regret this, Tom Swift. We are the biggest firm of
moving picture promoters in the world. We always get what we
want."

"You won't get my camera," replied Tom calmly.

"I don't know about that!" exclaimed Mr. Turbot, as he made a
hasty stride toward Tom, who stood in front of the door leading
to the shop--the shop where his camera, almost ready for use, was
on a bench. "I guess if we--"

"Koku!" suddenly called Tom.

The giant stepped into the front office. He had been standing
near the door, inside the main shop. Mr. Turbot who had stretched
forth his hand, as though to seize Tom, and his companion, who
had advanced toward Ned, fairly jumped back in fright at the
sight of the big man.