“No!” protested his father. “I put it low. I think they’ll run over sixty thousand dollars. Why, that mill machinery idea of yours——”
“Hark!” exclaimed Tom softly, holding up a hand to caution silence.
“What is it?” asked his father.
“I heard some sort of a noise outside on the porch.”
Tom arose to go toward one of the windows, the shades of which were drawn down. But before he reached the casement Eradicate came hurrying into the room, very much excited.
“What’s the matter, Rad?” asked Tom quickly.
“Somebody on de piazzy listenin’ at de window!” exclaimed the colored man. “I jest been to see dat de henhouse was locked up, an’ I done seen somebody on piazzy! I runs up, but he runs away an’ I didn’t cotch him! But dey was somebody listenin’!”
CHAPTER IX
MARY’S MESSAGE
Once again Tom Swift had occasion to act quickly, as he had when he discovered Barsky in his private office. Without waiting to question Eradicate, the young inventor made a dash for the door. A moment later he was outside, looking for a sign or trace of the mysterious intruder.
But the night was dark, there was no moon; and Tom, coming from a lighted room, was at a greater disadvantage than otherwise would have been the case. It was not until several seconds had passed that the young man could make out objects in the gloom, and none of these objects was the unknown person he sought.