hold back Tom's machine. Where's a razor? I'm going to shave at once. My
wife won't mind when I tell her what it's for. Lend me a razor, please,
Tom."

"Oh, there's plenty of time," explained the lad, with a laugh. "The race
doesn't take place for over two months. But when it does, I think you
would be better off without a beard."

"I know it," said Mr. Damon simply. "I'll shave before we enter the
contest, Tom. But now tell me all about it."

Tom did so, relating the story of the theft of the plans. Mr. Damon was
for having Andy arrested at once, but Mr. Swift and his son pointed out
that they had no evidence against him.

"All we can do," said the young inventor, "is to keep watch on him, and
see if he is building another aeroplane. He has all the facilities, and
he may attempt to get ahead of me. If he enters a sky craft at the meet
I'll be pretty sure that he has made it from my stolen plans."

"Bless my wing tips!" cried Mr. Damon. "But can't we do anything to stop
him?"

"I'm afraid not," answered Tom; and then he showed Mr. Damon his
re-drawn plans, and told in detail of how he intended to construct the
new aeroplane.

The eccentric man remained as the guest of the Swift family that night,
departing for his home the next day, and promising to be on hand as soon
as Tom was ready to test his new craft, which would he in about a month.