CHAPTER VII
A PROBLEM IN SOUND


Tom Swift looked up with a distinct appearance of being annoyed
that was unusual with him, for he was, nearly always,
good-natured. But the frown that had replaced the pleasant look
on his face while he was talking to Mr. Damon about the projected
new air scout was at once wiped away as he looked at the card
Jackson held out to him.

"Bring him in right away!" he ordered. "He needn't have stood
on that ceremony."

"Well, he said it was a business call," returned the
mechanician with a cheerful grin, and he said he wanted it done
according to form. So he gave me his card to bring you."

"Who is it?" asked Mr. Damon, with the privilege of an old
friend.

"It's Ned Newton," Tom answered; "though why he's putting on
all this formality I can't fathom."

Jackson went back to the main gate and told the man on guard
there to admit Ned, who had so formally sent in his card.