“Over there—I thought I saw a figure sneaking along under the trees—that man—perhaps—”
“That's Eradicate, our colored helper,” replied Tom, with a laugh. “I posted him there to see that no strangers came into the orchard. Everything all right, Rad?” he asked, raising his voice.
“Yais, sah, Massa Tom. Nobody been around yeah this night.”
“That's good. You can go to bed now,” and Eradicate, yawning loudly, went to his shack. A little later Tom sought his own room, Mr. Jenks having hurried off to town, where he was boarding.
The next few days saw Tom busily engaged on the airship, making some changes and a few repairs that were needed. His father, Eradicate and Mr. Jackson helped him. As for Mr. Parker, the scientist, he went about the place, being much interested in the various machines which Tom or Mr. Swift had patented.
At other times the scientist would stroll about the extensive grounds, making what he said were “observations.” One afternoon Tom saw him, apparently much excited, kneeling down back of a shed, with his ear to the ground.
“What is the matter?” asked the lad, thinking perhaps Mr. Parker might be ill.
“Have you ever had any earthquakes here, Tom Swift?” asked the scientist, quietly.
“Earthquakes? No. We had enough of them on the island.”
“And you are going to have one here, in about two minutes!” cried Mr. Parker. “I predict that this place will be shaken by a tremendous shock very soon. We had all better get away from the vicinity of buildings.”