As for the money I had from
you, I deposit it to your credit, Professor Beecher
having made me an allowance for steering rival
parties on the wrong trail. So I lose nothing,
and I save my honor.
"I write this note as I am leaving in the night
with the Indians. I put some harmless sedative
in your tea that you might sleep soundly, and not
awaken until we were well on our way. Do not
try to follow us, as the river will carry us swiftly
away. And, let me add, there is no personal
animosity on the part of Professor Beecher
against you. I should have done to any rival
expedition the same as I have done with you.
JACINTO."
For a moment there was silence, and then Tom
Swift burst out with:
"Well, of all the mean, contemptible tricks
of a human skunk this is the limit!"
"Bless my hairbrush, but he is a scoundrel!"
ejaculated Mr. Damon, with great warmth.
"I'd like to start after him the biggest alligator
in the river," was Ned's comment.
Professor Bumper said nothing for several
seconds. There was a strange look on his face,
and then he laughed shortly, as though the humor
of the situation appealed to him.
"Professor Beecher has more gumption than I gave
him credit for," he said. "It was a clever trick!"
"Trick!" cried Tom.
"Yes. I can't exactly agree that it was the
right thing to do, but he, or some friend acting
for him, seems to have taken precautions that
we are not to suffer or lose money.
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