MR. SWIFT IS ALARMED

"Don't you feel better already, dad?" asked Tom that noon as they
stopped under a leaning, overhanging tree for lunch on the shore
of the lake. "I'll leave it to Ned if you don't look more
contented and less worried."

"I believe he does," agreed the other lad. "Well, I must say I
certainly have enjoyed the outing so far," admitted the inventor
with a smile. "And I haven't been bothering about my gyroscope.
I think I'll take another sandwich, Tom, and a few more olives."

"That's the way to talk!" cried the son. "Your appetite is
improving, too. If Mrs. Baggert could see you she'd say so."

"Oh, yes, Mrs. Baggert. I do hope she and Garret will look after
the house and shops well," said Mr. Swift, and the old, worried
look came like a shadow over his face.

"Now don't be thinking of that, dad," advised Tom, "Of course
everything will be all right. Do you think some of those model
thieves will return and try to get some of your other inventions?"

"I don't know, Tom. Those men were unscrupulous scoundrels, and
you can never tell what they might do to revenge themselves on us
for defeating their plans."

"Well, I guess Garret and Mrs. Baggert will look out for them,"
remarked his son. "Don't worry."