won't leave for a week. I can't get ready in
much less time than that."

"Bless my socks! I know that," ejaculated Mr.
Damon. "But if I get my things packed I can
go to a hotel to stay while my wife is away. She
might take a notion to come home unexpectedly,
and, though she is a dear, good soul, she doesn't
altogether approve of my going off on these wild
trips with you, Tom Swift. But if I get all
packed, and clear out, she can't find me and she
can't hold me back. She is visiting her mother
now. I can send her a wire from Kurzon after
I get there."

"I don't believe the telegraph there is work-
ing," laughed Professor Bumper. "But suit
yourself. I must go back to New York to arrange
for the goods we'll have to take with us.
In a week, Tom, we'll start."

"You must stay to dinner," Tom said. "You
can't get a train now anyhow, and father wants
to meet you again. He's pretty well, considering
his age. And he's much better I verily
believe since I said I'd turn over to him the task
of finishing the stabilizer. He likes to work."

"We'll stay and take the night train back,"
agreed Mr. Damon. "It will be like old times,