"Well, what's up now?" asked Mr. Damon of
Ned, as the young inventor departed. "What
set him off that way?"

"The mention of Beecher's name, evidently.
Though I never heard him mention such a person
before."

"Nor did I ever hear Professor Beecher speak
of Tom," said the bald-headed scientist. "Well,
we'll just have to wait until----"

At that moment Tom came back into the room.

"Gentlemen," he said, "I have reconsidered my
refusal to go to the Copan valley after the idol
of gold. I'm going with you!"

"Good!" cried Professor Bumper.

"Fine!" ejaculated Mr. Damon. "Bless my time-table!
I thought you'd come around, Tom Swift."

"But what about your stabilizer?" asked Ned.

"I was just talking to my father about it,'
the young inventor replied. "He will be able
to put the finishing touches on it. So I'll leave
it with him. As soon as I can get ready I'll go,