"Appleton, Victor - Tom Swift Sr 020 - Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders" - читать интересную книгу автора (Appleton Victor)

this matter. I want you to aid me in organizing an expedition to go to
Honduras after the idol of gold. Will you?''

``I'll help you, of course,'' said Tom. ``You may use any of my
inventions you choose -- my airships, my motor boats and submarines, even
my giant cannon if you think you can take it with you. And as for the money
part, Ned will arrange that for you. But as for going with you myself, it
is out of the question. I can't. No Honduras for me!''

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Chapter 4

CHAPTER IV
FENIMORE BEECHER

HAD Tom Swift's giant cannon been discharged somewhere in the vicinity
of his home it could have caused but little more astonishment to Mr. Damon
and Professor Bumper than did the simple announcement of the young
inventor. The professor seemed to shrink back in his chair, collapsing like
an automobile tire when the air is let out. As for Mr. Damon he jumped up
and cried:

``Bless my -- -- !''

But that is as far as he got -- at least just then. He did not seem to
know what to bless, but he looked as though he would have liked to include
most of the universe.

``Surely you don't mean it, Tom Swift,'' gasped Professor Bumper at
length. ``Won't you come with us?''

``No,'' said Tom, slowly. ``Really I can't go. I'm working on an
invention of a new aeroplane

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stabilizer, and if I go now it will be just at a time when I am within
striking distance of success. And the stabilizer is very much needed.''

``If it's a question of making a profit on it, Tom,'' began Mr. Damon,
``I can let you have some money until -- -- ''

``Oh, no! It isn't the money!'' cried Tom. ``Don't think that for a
moment. You see the European war has called for the use of a large number
of aeroplanes, and as the pilots of them frequently have to fight, and so
can not give their whole attention to the machines, some form of automatic
stabilizer is needed to prevent them turning turtle, or going off at a