But a moment later, just as Tom’s nerves and muscles were getting tense in anticipation of a struggle, a cheery whistle broke out in the darkness, mingling with the now louder sounds of the footsteps, and Tom, with a cry of relief, called:
“That you, Ned?”
“Sure, old scout!” was the reply. “Oh, there you are!” went on Ned Newton, as he caught sight of Tom at the same moment the young inventor glimpsed his friend and financial manager.
“You’re a bit late,” went on Ned. “I waited for you, and when you didn’t show up I thought I might as well walk in toward town and maybe I’d meet you.”
“Yes, I couldn’t get just what I wanted until I had tried two or three places,” Tom answered. “And then I met a man——”
Ned broke into a laugh.
“What’s the idea?” Tom wanted to know.
“Tell that to Mary!” advised his chum. “She may believe that and then you can tell her another.”
“Whew!” shrilly whistled Tom. “I forgot all about Mary. I promised to call on her to-night.”
“Sure you did,” laughed Ned. “And I’ve got a date with Helen. You said we’d go over together and——”