le ago, and took the letter myself. Else you might never have
gotten it, so jealous are those two," and Mrs. Baggert laughed.

"Guess it isn't of much importance," Tom said, as he tore open the
envelope. "It's from the Universal Flying Machine Company, of New York,
and I imagine they're trying to get me to reconsider my refusal to link
up with them."

"Yes," he went on, as he read the missive, "that's it. They've raised
the amount to thirty thousand a year now, Dad, and they say they feel
sure I shall regret it if I do not accept.

"This is a bit queer, though," went on the young inventor. "This
letter was written three days ago, but it reached Shopton only to-day.
And it says that unless they hear from me at once they will have to
take steps that will cause me great inconvenience. They have nerve, at
any rate, and impudence, too! I won't even bother to answer. But I
wonder what they mean, and why this letter was delayed?"

"The mails are all late on account of the transportation congestion
caused by moving troops to the camps," said Mr. Damon. "Some of my
letters are delayed a week. But, as you say, Tom, these fellows are
very impudent to threaten that way."

"It's all bluff," declared Tom. "I'm not worrying. And now, Dad, since
I've almost reached the top of the hill with my Air Scout, I may be
able to help you on that new electric motor you're puzzling over."

"I wish you would, Tom. I am trying to invent a new system of
interchangeable brush contacts, but so far I've been unable to make
them work. However, there is no great hurry about that. If you are
going to offer your silent machine to the government finish that first.
We need all the aircraft we can get. The battles on the other side seem
to be all in favor of the Germans, so far."

"We haven't got into our stride yet," declared Mr. Damon. "Once Uncle
Sam gets the boys over there in force, there'll be a different story to
tell. I only wish--"

At that moment the telephone set up an insistent ringing, breaking in
on Mr. Damon's remarks.

"I'll answer," said Tom, as Mrs. Baggert moved toward the instrument,
which was an extension from the main one.

"Hello!" called the young inventor into the transmitter, and as he
received an answer a look of pleasure came over his face.

"Yes, Mary, this is Tom," he said. He remained silent a moment, while
it was evident he was listening to the voice at the other end of the
wire. Then he suddenly exclaimed:

"