“All right,” assented Tom, “I’d like to do that.”
The professional operator followed his young guests down the ladder, locking the trap door padlock and tendering the key to Tom.
“You’re in charge now,” he said in a pleasant way.
Tom’s finger tips tingled with pleasure at the possession of the key, and Ben’s eyes brightened with glowing anticipations.
The boys waited outside on a bench on the porch of Mr. Edson’s boarding house when they reached that place. He went up to his room and soon returned with an oblong box.
“You’ll find the stuff in there I told you about,” he explained.
“Many thanks,” said Tom.
“I’m in that, too!” echoed Ben. “I only hope we can really rig up a plant at my house like you talk about,” he added eagerly.
“That will be easy,” advised Mr. Edson. “And now good-by, my young friends, and good luck.”
Mr. Edson shook hands in a friendly way with Tom and Ben. The boys started down the village street in the direction of the Barnes home.