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

CHAPTER II
PROFESSOR BUMPER ARRIVES

``WHAT'S the matter, Tom? What is it?'' asked Ned Newton, attracted by
the strange manner of his chum at the telephone. ``Has anything happened?''

But the young inventor was too busy listening to the unseen speaker to
answer his chum, even if he heard what Ned remarked, which is doubtful.

``Well, I might as well wait until he is through,'' mused Ned, as he
started to leave the room. Then as Tom motioned to him to remain, he
murmured: ``He may have something to say to me later. But I wonder who is
talking to him.''

There was no way of finding out, however, until Tom had a chance to
talk to Ned, and at present the young scientist was eagerly listening to
what came over the wire. Occasionally Ned could hear him say:

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``You don't tell me! That is surprising! Yes -- yes! Of course if it's
true it means a big thing, I can understand that. What's that? No, I
couldn't make a promise like that. I'm sorry, but -- -- ''

Then the person at the other end of the wire must have plunged into
something very interesting and absorbing, for Tom did not again interrupt
by interjected remarks.

Tom. Swift, as has been said, was an inventor, as was his father. Mr.
Swift was now rather old and feeble, taking only a nominal part in the
activities of the firm made up of himself and his son. But his inventions
were still used, many of them being vital to the business and trade of this
country.

Tom and his father lived in the village of Shopton, New York, and
their factories covered many acres of ground. Those who wish to read of the
earliest activities of Tom in the inventive line are referred to the
initial volume, ``Tom Swift and His Motor Cycle.'' From then on he and his
father had many and exciting adventures. In a motor boat, an airship, and a
submarine respectively the young inventor had gone through many perils. On
some of the trips his chum, Ned Newton, accompanied him, and very often in
the party was a Mr. Wakefield Damon, who

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had a curious habit of ``blessing'' everything that happened to strike his
fancy.