to frustrate their ends.

But, in his heart, though he said nothing to
Ned about it, Tom was worried. Much as he
disliked to admit it to himself, he feared the visit
of Professor Beecher to Mary Nestor in Fayetteville
had but one meaning.

"I wonder if he's going to propose to her,"
thought Tom. "He has the field all to himself
now, and her father likes him. That's in his favor.
I guess Mr. Nestor has never quite forgiven me
for that mistake about the dynamite box, and
that wasn't my fault. Then, too, the Beecher
and Nestor families have been friends for years.
Yes, he surely has the inside edge on me, and
if he gets her to throw me over---- Well, I
won't give up without a fight!" and Tom mentally
girded himself for a battle of wits.

"He's relying on the prestige he'll get out of
this idol of gold if his party finds it," thought
on the young inventor. "But I'll help find it
first. I'm glad to have a little start of him, anyhow,
even if it isn't more than two days. Though
if our vessel is held back much by storms he may
get on the ground first. However, that can't
be helped. I'll do the best I can."

These thoughts shot through Tom's mind