Mr. Swift was sure he could
carry the invention to a successful conclusion.
Ned was engaged in putting the financial
affairs of the Swift Company in shape, so they
would practically run themselves during his ab-
sence. Then, too, there was the packing of their
baggage which must be seen to.
Of course, the main details of the trip were
left to Professor Bumper, who knew just what
to do. He had told Tom and Ned that all they
and Mr. Damon would have to do would be to
meet him at the pier in New York, where they
would find all arrangements made.
One day, near the end of the week (the beginning
of the next being set for the start) Eradicate
came shuffling into the room where Tom was
sorting out the possessions he desired to take
with him, Ned assisting him in the task.
"Well, Rad, what is it?" asked Tom, with
businesslike energy.
"I done heah, Massa Tom, dat yo' all's gwine
off on a long trip once mo'. Am dat so?"
"Yes, that's so, Rad."
"Well, den, I'se come to ast yo' whut I'd bettah
take wif me. Shall I took warm clothes or cool
clothes?"
"Well, if you were going, Rad," answered Tom
with a smile, "you'd need cool clothes, for we're
going to a sort of jungle-land. But I'm sorry to
say you're not going this trip."
"I---- I ain't gwine? Does yo' mean dat yo'
all ain't gwine to take me, Massa Tom?"
"That's it, Rad. It isn't any trip for you."
"In certain not!" broke in the voice of Koku,
the giant, who entered with a big trunk Tom had
sent him for.
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