On his way to find Tom's father Ned passed the big
building in front of which Eradicate and Koku were on guard.
They nodded to Ned, who passed them, wondering much as to
what it was Tom was so secretive about.

"It's the first time I remember when he worked on an
invention without telling me something about it," mused Ned.
"Well, I suppose it will all come out in good time. Anything
new, Rad?"

"No, Massa Ned, nuffin much. I'm detectin' around heah;
keepin' Dutchmen spies away!"

"And Koku is helping you, I suppose?"

"Whut, him? Dat big, good-fo'-nuffin white trash? No,
sah! I's detectin' by mahse'f, dat's whut I is!" and
Eradicate strutted proudly up and down on his allotted part
of the beat, being careful not to approach the building too
closely, for that was Koku's ground.

Ned smiled, and passed on. He found Mr. Swift, secured his
subscription to more bonds, and was about to leave when he
heard a call down the road and saw Tom coming in his small
racing car, which had been taken to the depot by one of the
workmen.

"Hello, old man!" cried Ned affectionately, as his chum
alighted with a jump. "Where have you been?"