"Addison Berg!" exclaimed the aged inventor as he saw the
man's face more plainly. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you," replied the man. "May I have a talk
with you privately?"

"I--I suppose so," assented Mr. Swift nervously. "Come
into the house."

Mr. Berg left Tom's side and advanced to where Mr. Swift
was standing. Together the two emerged from the now fast
darkening shop and went toward the house.

"Who is he?" asked Mr. Sharp of the young inventor in a
whisper.

"I don't know," replied the lad; "but, whoever he is, dad
seems afraid of him. I'm going to keep my eyes open."




Chapter Three

Mr. Berg is Astonished


Following his father and the stranger whom the aged
inventor had addressed as Mr. Berg, Tom and Mr. Sharp