t been located.

[Illustration: The Police Chief Called Tom]

Later Ned went to the hospital where he found Mr. Damon much improved
and able to sit up in a wheel chair. After a visit with him he attended
to some business at the bank. On returning to the Swift plant, he found
Tom busy with his green disk, which once more was clamped to the little
telescope.

"Mr. Damon is a lot better," Ned reported, watching his friend's work
curiously. "When I left him he was blessing his hat and coat, so I
suppose he's eager to get out of the hospital."

[Illustration: Mr. Damon Was Much Improved]

"That's great," said Tom. "I knew he was getting along all right. I was
too busy to go with you so I called Doctor Chilton. He told me that the
X-ray showed no broken bones, but our friend must remain under
observation for a few days more."

"You've changed the wiring on the disk, haven't you?" asked Ned, who
knew a little about electricity.

[Illustration: "I Want to Try Alternating Current."]

"I want to try alternating current instead of direct and see if doing so
won't improve it. Dad suggested that. What is it, Koku?"

"Boy bringum letter for Master. Say must put name on book." The man held
out an envelope and pad.

"It's a radiogram. Sign for me, Ned, will you?"

Tom ripped open the envelope and glanced over the message.

"Bad news?" asked his chum, seeing a changed expression on the
inventor's face.

[Illustration: Tom Ripped Open the Envelope]

"I should say so. Here, read it yourself. We might just as well forget
the whole telescope idea, that's how bad it is!"

Ned took the sheet, which Tom had crumpled, spread it out on the desk,
and read as follows:

"Regret inform you was compelled to jettison your cargo last night in
bad storm to save ship. Approximate location four miles due east Port
Baracoa, Cuba. Salvage boat take position at apex isosceles triangle
27.6 degrees with lighthouse and summit hill a mile to the south."

"(Signed) A. Mawson,
Captain S.S. Perry."

[Illustration: "Was Compelled to Jettison Your Cargo."]

"Say, Tom, that IS tough, having your meteorite thrown overboard!"
exclaimed Ned, rereading the message. "All your work wasted and your
marvelous invention junked--"

"Not yet!" broke in the young scientist grimly as he grabbed the
telephone from his desk. "Hello, operator, get me long distance,
please."

[Illustration: Tom Grabbed the Telephone]

"What are you goin