fifteen passenger locomotives and four switchers of that new
type.

"The Jandel patent that my road uses is, in some degree, the
equal of those Baldwin-Westinghouse locomotives. At least, our
machines equal the C., M. & St. P. on our level road. They can
reach a mile-a-minute gait. But when it comes to speed and pull
on steep grades--Ah! that is where they fail."

"You will have to get power in the hills for your stations,"
suggested Tom, thoughtfully.

"I know that. I know where the power is coming from. I gathered
those waterfalls in years ago. Lewis and his crowd can't shut me
off from them. But I have got to have a speedier and more
powerful type of electric locomotive than has ever yet been built
to protect the Hendrickton & Pas Alos Railroad from any rivalry.

"I am looking to you Swifts to give me that. I am risking this
twenty-five thousand dollars upon your succeeding. And I am
offering you the hundred thousand dollars bonus for the right to
purchase the first successful locomotives that can be built
covered by your patents. Is it plain?"

"It is eminently satisfactory," said Mr. Swift, quietly.

"I will do my very best," agreed Tom, warmly. "There isn't a
thing the matter with the agreement," declared Ned Newton, with
confidence. "Gentlemen, sign on the dotted line."