He's very punctual. Did you see anything of
my giant Koku as you came in?"

"Yes, he and Eradicate were having an
argument about who should move a heavy casting
from one of the shops. Rad wanted to do it
all alone, but Koku said he was like a baby now."

"Poor Rad is getting old," said Tom with a
sigh. "But he has been very faithful. He and
Koku never seem to get along well together."

Koku was an immense man, a veritable giant,
one of two whom Tom had brought back with
him after an exciting trip to a strange land. The
giant's strength was very useful to the young
inventor.

"Now Tom, about this business of leasing to
the English Government the right to manufac-
ture that new explosive of yours," began Ned,
plunging into the business at hand. "I think
if you stick out a little you can get a better
royalty price."

"But I don't want to gouge 'em, Ned. I'm
satisfied with a fair profit. The trouble with
you is you think too much of money. Now----"

At that moment a voice was heard in the hall